Must catch: HAPA-PALOOZA, a celebration of mixed race, cultural mash-ups, arts and ideas
There’s a new festival in town and it looks to be one of Vancouver’s finest, shining the spotlight on the rich inter-mixing of cultures that defines the city apart. Hapa-Palooza: A Vancouver Celebration of Mixed-Roots Arts and Ideas is a celebration of the city’s myriad hybrid ethnic cultures.
Through film, music, dance and art, the Hapa-Palooza puts the spotlight on mixed-roots identity, especially amongst youth. It’s a highly VO-recommended event: the future is all about hybrid cultures, and Vancouver is a forerunner in this phenomenon. This event will open your eyes to what the city is all about.
“I think it’s a long time coming,” said Jeff Chiba-Stearns, animator and documentary film maker behind Hapa movement-defining movies such as One Big Hapa Family and What Are You Anyways? (both showing tonight at 7 p.m. in the Alice McKay Room) “The mixed race population has doubled in Canada and in the US this past 10 years. Everybody is mixing now, and this festival is just a way to celebrate what’s happening.”
Chiba-Stearns said that the concept of mixed race and mixed culture was coming back into the forefront of peoples’ minds, as evidenced by recent coverage in the New York Times and CNN. However, he makes it clear that the event is not about celebrating an exclusive “Hapa club”.
“I like that it’s not just about one group — it’s not a Japaense festival, it’s not a Greek festival. Everyone can be a part of this,” he said. “It’s inclusive of everybody and of all the arts: poetry, music, dance, visual arts, film. I think there’s no other festival that includes as many genres of art as we do.”
“You’ll see (Jocelyn Petit), and you might wonder what’s an Asian-looking girl playing Celtic violin, but that’s how it is right now. It makes people think, about how we don’t have to worry about breaking people down into groups anymore.”
Jocelyn Petit, a Celtic fiddler who will be performing at Robson Square this Saturday from 2:30pm.
HAPA-PALOOZA EVENTS
Thursday, September 8th, 7:00 – 9:00pm
Location: Alice McKay Room, Vancouver Public Library Central Branch
Tonight is the FREE film event, featuring fantastic movies about mixed race identity.
FILM TRAILERS –
Hafu – Trailer (Japan) – 0:30 minutes – dir: Lara Perez Takagi and Megumi Nishikura. A sneak peek at a film about the experiences of mixed-Japanese living in Japan
One Big Hapa Family – Trailer (Canada) – 2 minutes – dir: Jeff Chiba Stearns. “And you thought your family was mixed up!” A sneak peek at the experiences of mixed-Japanese Canadians and intermarriage in Canada
SHORT FILMS
The Others (Canada) – 9 minutes – dir: Aram Collier
The Others focuses on the actor Lou Diamond Phillips, who says, “Playing so many ethnic characters wasn’t necessarily a prior choice on my part– it’s just this face, I guess.” Of Spanish, Scottish/Irish, Chinese, Filipino, Hawaiian, and Cherokee ancestry Phillips is an icon of difference and otherness because of the numerous ‘ethnic characters’ he’s played in Hollywood movies, especially in the late 1980’s and early 1990’s, including Mexican, Navajo, Inuit, Lakota, Puerto Rican and Arab. The Others features found footage of numerous ‘ethnic characters’ that Phillips has played and places them in dialog with each other, literally, by putting the characters into scenes together employing classic Hollywood editing style and storytelling techniques. Through these conversations comes an investigation of identity, ethnicity and authenticity.
Crayola Monologues (USA) – 2 minutes – dir: Nathan Gibbs
Crayola Monologues uses the crayon as a human metaphor for exploring color and identity in the United States. This animated video features crayons expressing how color hierarchies have shaped their lives. These crayons live in a world much like our own, complete with prejudice, class boundaries, social hierarchies and those who fall between the lines. Crayola Monologues also reveals the politics behind Crayola label changes, and gives a voice to the previously unheard perspective of crayons.
Mixed Mexican (USA) – 5 minutes – dir: Thomas Lopez
This pseudo memoir was inspired by frustration with the Census method of documenting mixed Latinos. The purpose is to show the need for changing the Census and suggests what those changes should be.
I’m in the Mood for Love(Canada) – 7 min. – dir. Jason Karman (Filmmaker in attendance) A singing telegram worker meets his ex boyfriend while having hot pot and learns to embrace his new found bachelorhood through popular song.
Nigel’s Fingerprint (Canada) – 16 min. – writer/producer: Kim Kuhteubl dir: Amy McConnal (Filmmaker in attendance) “What colour am I Daddy?” That’s what 6-year old Nigel Jenkins asks his father after he is called a nigger in the schoolyard. It’s 1974 and Nigel’s mother Mona, is black. His father David, is white. When David finds his son trying to wash away the colour of his skin, he searches for the right way to explain why Nigel’s colour is a gift.
“What Are You Anyways?” (Canada) – 10 min. – dir: Jeff Chiba Stearns (Filmmaker in attendance)
Follow the adventures of the Super Nip as filmmaker Jeff Chiba Stearns explores his cultural backgrounds growing up a mix of Japanese and Caucasian in the small Canadian city of Kelowna, BC. This short classically animated film looks at particular periods in Jeff’s life where he battled with finding an identity being a half minority – from his childhood origins to the epic showdown against the monster truck drivin’ redneck crew. “What Are You Anyways?” is a humorous yet serious story of struggle and love and finding one’s identity through the trials and tribulations of growing up.
FILMMAKERS IN ATTENDANCE: Jeff Chiba Stearns (One Big Hapa Family, What Are You Anyways), Kim Kuhteubl ( Nigel’s Fingerprint), Jason Karman ( I’m in the Mood for Love ), Pia Massie (just beyond Hope)
THE SIR JAMES DOUGLAS MIX-A-LOT CABARET
Friday, September 9th, 7:00 – 10:00pm
Roundhouse Performance Space
A delightful evening of mixed entertainment and celebration!
Chris Murdoch Chris has been studying the performing arts for nearly fifteen years, and has toured across Australia and Canada. Chris’ performance is at times mystifying, powerful and inspiring. He weaves a spell of enchantment with a crystal ball contact juggling act, Polynesian fire dancing, and rhythm instruments from around the world.
bothsidescircus.blogspot.com
Kokoro dance Formed in 1986 by Barbara Bourget and Jay Hirabayashi, Kokoro Dance is a Vancouver-based post-butoh company that fuses the aesthetics of East and West in programs of dance that have earned critical acclaim across Canada and around the world. Kokoro Dance has produced over 1,000 performances and is dedicated to interdisciplinary collaboration and culturally diverse exploration. Taking its name from the Japanese word kokoro - meaning heart, soul and spirit, Kokoro Dance creates deeply evocative and provocative performances. Inspired by the Japanese modern dance form known as butoh, Kokoro Dance fuses the aesthetics of East and West. The company has performed across Canada, in the United States, and in Europe.
kokoro.ca
Zhambai Trio Vancouver’s Zhambai Trio plays traditional and contemporary Zimbabwean music. Trance to the vibes of the ancient mbira (thumb piano) as they are electrified and amplified alongside the Zimbabwean marimbas played by Kurai Mubaiwa and Curtis Andrews. The icing on the groovy cake is the hosho (maracas), played by Navaro Franco.
www.myspace.com/zhambai
First Ladyz Crew First Ladies Crew (FLC) was formed in 2007. There are 13 members with various backgrounds in Visual Arts, Dance, Graphic Design, Graffiti, Singing, and Rapping. Many are multi-talented. These young women come from different parts of BC and come together in order to support one another in a positive fashion instead of competing for shine in a highly competitive industry. By sharing resources, stages, and connections they are all stronger for the bonds created through this crew. FLC represents members such as JB the 1st Lady, Rapsure Risin (Numinous and Apt Exact), Christie Lee, Dani & Lizzy (previously known as Genetics), Inez, Girl23, and many more! Whether it’s one member or 10, their show is always full of energy and talent. With many opportunities ahead of them, this crew will be one to watch out for! www.jbthefirstlady.com
GreenTaRA As a soloist or front woman for her live band, this Vancouver-born Canadian of African-American/Cherokee and Scottish descent delivers sassy, jazz-laced lyrics over funk and reggae riffs as diverse as her heritage. Described as “a soulful vixen who will blow your ears out with her voice” (The Late Greats) and “equal parts Ursula Rucker, N’Dea Davenport and Bahamadia” (NOW Magazine), this award-winning artist serves a delectable menu of the soulful music and spicy lyrics for which she has quickly become known. With an “edgy multicultural perspective” (AnE-Vibe) she brings a refreshing taste of reality to modern soul music. GreenTaRA has performed at the United Nations and NYC’s hottest spots, Fete de la Musique in Berlin, the Western Canadian Music Awards, Canadian Music Week (CMW), Baltimore Music Festival, Frostbite Music Festival and the Vans Warped Tour among many more Canadian and international events. She was named “Best of the Fest” in music at the 2007 Austin Woman’s Film, Music & Literary Festival and listed among the top 12 buzz bands at the 2008 CMW. She has shared the bill with Spearhead’s Michael Franti, K-os, Jully Black, K’naan, Kelis, Bahamadia, Ursula Rucker and Big Sugar among others, and has warmed crowds for acts ranging from the legendary De La Soul to Little Richard.www.myspace.com/greentaramusic
Hapa-Palooza in The Square
The finale of Hapa-Palooza takes place in the heart of downtown. Dance along to live music, be amazed by a magic show, and feed your imagination through a visual arts show. Best part about this weekend is that it’s all free: bring your friends and family!
Saturday, September 10th
Robson Square
FREE EVENT
12:30-7pm
ART EXHIBITION and COMMUNITY FAIR
Installations by mixed artists and booths from community partners and related causes.
12:30 to 2:45pm
YOUTH STAGE
Amazing performances by mixed talent of the future!
2:40 – 3:20pm Roaming Magician! Travis Bernhadt
3:30pm to 7:00pm
GRAND FINALE STAGE
Prepare to be blown away by Vancouver’s incredible mixed talent!
Art Exhibition
Afuwa Granger is a visual artist, youth art facilitator and writer who uses myth and constructions of identity to question just about everything. She was born in South America, and is fascinated by the ways in which constructions of identity are continually questioned by the living body, which simultaneously occupies multiple locations, and represents none. More info about the artist at afuwa.wordpress.com
Youth Cabaret
Margaret Gallagher:In April 2010, Margaret took the reigns as host for CBC Radio One’s Hot Air, BC’s longest running jazz program. Margaret has been a regular part of CBC Radio One’s The Early Edition since 2001, and was the BC host of CBC Radio 2?s Canada Live.
Margaret’s ability to tune into the city and find stories off the beaten track has taken her up mountaintops, down back alleys, and through the heart of the city. Margaret has won several awards including the prestigious National RTNDA (Radio-Television News Directors Association of Canada Awards) Dave Rogers Award for Best Radio Feature for her piece “Fade to Black”, about the closing of the last drive-in in the Lower Mainland.
Prior to joining the CBC, Margaret was active on the arts scene and worked with the Western Front, the Video In and the Independent Film and Video Alliance. Actively involved in community outreach, Margaret has tirelessly donated her time and efforts to many Vancouver events. She has hosted dozens of events for a variety of arts and community groups, including: Asian Heritage Month, The Simon Fraser University Alumni Association, The Vancouver International Jazz Festival and Word on the Street. In her varied career she has experienced many things, including a job dressing up as Barney Rubble and baking over 50,000 pieces of cheesecake (though not at the same time). Margaret’s passions include singing classical Indonesian music and playing ice hockey.
The Whitridge Brothers The Whitridge Brothers, Trevor (15) & Rowan (11), have made themselves a frequent presence with their music in their Commercial Dr. / Britannia neighborhood. Playing as a duo, or in marching bands, they are a part of community events and festivals throughout the year. Trevor’s primary instrument is the trumpet; Rowan’s the Alto saxophone. Their musical interests include traditional and modern jazz, blues, North American roots musics and classical Indian. They both currently study jazz piano with Bob Murphy. Trevor studies trumpet with Brad Turner and Rowan studies saxophone and clarinet with Evan Arntzen.
Jocelyn Pettit Band At the young age of 15, Jocelyn is a fiddle player with outstanding talent! In a short time, she has developed musicianship well beyond her age! First inspired by driving Cape Breton fiddle music, Jocelyn now enjoys creating original compositions, and arrangements of traditional and contemporary Canadian, Scottish, and Irish tunes. A debut CD is being produced, for release in January 2010. With fiddle, stepdance, guitar and song, Jocelyn loves to perform. She leads The Jocelyn Pettit Band, with full accompaniment (family & guitarist friend); and has performed with The Jocelyn Trio, the Vancouver Scottish Fiddles, the North Shore Celtic Ensemble and solo performances. Special events and festivals have taken Jocelyn to perform in communities across Canada, Washington State, and Scotland.
www.jocelynpettit.com
Chibi Taiko The first children’s taiko ensemble in Canada, Chibi Taiko was formed in the fall of 1993 with the goal of passing this unique and dynamic performing art on to the next generation of Asian Canadians. The group’s philosophy emphasizes cooperation, leadership, responsibility and spirituality in addition to the physical and musical discipline needed to build a cohesive and dynamic taiko ensemble.
www.chibitaiko.bc.ca
Travis Bernhadt Vancouver born and raised, magician Travis Bernhardt is known for his one man theatre show, Things That Never Happen (a runner-up for the Pick of the Fringe award at the 2010 Vancouver Fringe Festival), and for his stage work with Vancouver’s premier burlesque troupe, the Screaming Chickens Theatrical Society. He produces the Cabaret of Wonders, a neo-vaudevillian variety show and is one of Canada’s top street magicians.
travisthemagician.blogspot.com/
Finale
Jenna Chow Jenna Chow worked as a DJ at various Vancouver radio stations for seven years, spinning everything from electronica to punk rock. The woman knows her music. These days, however, she’s more inclined to let you know when the Pattullo’s backed up than to take a song request. She’s the traffic reporter for CBC’s Early Edition and On the Coast. In addition, she does “Jenna’s Picks” for Canada Now.
Tetsuro Shigematsu Tetsuro Shigematsu is a Canadian radio broadcaster, comedian and filmmaker. He was the most recent host of CBC Radio One’s former afternoon series The Roundup, where he replaced Bill Richardson in 2004, making him the first visible minority to host a daily network radio program in Canada. The show completed its final episode on November 4, 2005. Prior to working for CBC Radio, he was a writer for the Canadian TV showThis Hour Has 22 Minutes. In 1991, at the age of 19, Shigematsu became the youngest playwright to compete in the history of the Quebec Drama Festival. From 1993 to 1996, Shigematsu wrote and performed his one-man show Rising Son in Montreal, Boston, Los Angeles, and Tokyo. In 1994, Tetsuro studied poetry with Allen Ginsberg. He then spent the following two years in Japan, where he studied Butoh dance with the founding master, Kazu Ohno in Yokohama, Japan.
Tzo’kam Tzo’kam means “chickadee” and “visitors are coming” in the Stl’atl’imx language. Flora Wallace and her family have sung together at family occasions and community events for many years. After elder Flora Wallace participated in the Aboriginal Women’s Voices gathering (1997) at Banff, Alberta, the family decided to expand their efforts to share the culture. It did not take long for Tzo’kam to hit the stage and start recording. The first major concert by Tzo’kam was at the Vancouver Folk Music Festival in the summer of 1997 opening a stage that featured Buffy Saint Marie and Keith Secola. Tzo’kam recorded for the Smithsonian Institution, for Silverwave Records and released three CD’s on their own. Since 1997 Tzo’kam has performed at many festivals and concerts including Folklife in Washington D.C., Full Circle Concert in Calgary, Alberta, Harrison Arts Festival in Harrison Hot Springs, B.C., Harmony Arts Festival in West Vancouver, B.C., and many conferences and gatherings. Tzo’kam, under the direction of Russell Wallace, continues to work within the Aboriginal communities and educational communities to teach, share and maintain a tradition that has been kept alive by dedicated elders.
Larry Grant Larry Grant is a member of the Musqueam Nation and is an adjunct professor in the Faculty of Arts at UBC. Grant, a retired longshoreman, teaches the Musqueam language to help spark a reawakening among young people about their culture. “This is a sophisticated language,” he says, “I want young people to stand up and say ‘I am aboriginal and this is my language’- it’s the product of a highly sophisticated society”. Grant has been impressed that urban aboriginals, even those from other parts of Canada, start to re-identify and re-connect with their culture as they become more confident in their language.
Kathara Founded by Elenita “Boots” Dumlao and under the artistic direction of Filipino-Canadian Babette Santos, Kathara Canada fosters awareness of Philippine indigenous identity through theatre, traditional and contemporary music, dance and martial arts. Their colorful costumes, indigenous sounds with unique instruments and variety of neo-ethnic dance, martial movement, represent how beautifully diverse the pre-colonial Philippine roots really are. Kathara Canada members, although born in the Philippines, Canada or of blended origins, are all very passionate about connecting and exploring their Filipino heritage and sharing their experiences. Members occasionally travel to the Philippines to study with the Masters in dance or Martial arts, musicians, artists, community organizers, and indigenous groups. In the spirit of intercultural exchange, Kathara invites guest artists or collaborates with Vancouver’s World Music Musicians to explore the Philippines and its interwoven ancient history with linkages to India, China, Islam, Malaysia, and Indonesia. Kathara Canada is committed to the preservation of all indigenous cultures and creating peace through art.
melodicenergy.com/kathara
Ndidi Cascade + Deanna Teeple Ndidi Cascade and Deanna are Vancouver based Hip Hop Soul artists. Known for their powerful vocals and lyrics, these talented women intend to empower and inspire using music. Having shared the stage with artists such as Femi Kuti, Collie Buddz, De La Soul and K’Naan and K-os, Ndidi Cascade and Deanna are proud to represent Vancouver on a global stage. These two best friends are also Hip Hop workshop facilitators who enjoy engaging and inspiring individuals to discover and develop hidden talents.
www.myspace.com/ndidicascadedeanna
Kutapira Kutapira is a five-piece band that plays a fusion of Zimbabwean Marimbas with Afro Cuban and West African percussion. Kai Buchan, Jeremy Bryant, Sangito Bigelow, Chris Couto and Theo Vincent are all fluent in both disciplines, rotating through their battery of soprano, tenor and baritone marimbas and trading licks on the drum kit, timbales and hand drums. The marimbas’ funky, wooden resonance isn’t the only buzz Kutapira is generating. The accolades from all corners have been swift in coming and the praise has been fanatical. In the sometimes serious and stodgy world of world music, the quintet has been bringing a welcome injection of exuberance and velocity to festival stages, community events and concert halls in Canada and abroad, lifting people to their feet and rattling the cages of the uninitiated.
www.kutapira.com
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