Add a dash of hip hop, throw in some bhangra, finish it off with some MJ and you've got KollabNY 2009...

Congratulations Cobu!!! Winners of Kollaboration New York 2009

Photo courtesy of Massive Photography

We here at KollabNY headquarters can hardly believe it but after months and months of planning and hoping and stressing and dreaming, Saturday finally came. And beyond the few usual hiccups that are a natural part of live shows, it was such a memorable night in so many ways.

For the most part, prepping for the event was uneventful until just before the doors opened when we had to make the excruciating decision to shut down the Pinkberry machine in order to save the show (basically Skirball only had enough electricity to run the machine or run the show - not both). So apologies for anyone who waited for a while only to find no Pinkberry. But since Pinkberry is awesome, they saved the day by offering to give a free small original with toppings from 6/29-7/5/09 to anyone with a Kollaboration ticket. Yay Pinkberry!

The show was able to go on after all (whew!) and the energy in the crowd was electrifying from the very beginning. PK, the emcee for the show said that it was one of the loudest and most energetic crowds he'd ever experienced - and he's been to a TON of shows! We on the KollabNY team always said that the audience reaction makes up half of a show.

No matter how good the performance is, the energy from the crowd can either make or break the show. And the KollabNY audience REALLY made the show. There were some that said they got "chills" from the supportive and positive energy flowing through the crowd that night.

And despite a few timing snafus in the first half of the show, the talent that took the stage that night was undeniable. Every performance exceeded expectations and even those that had never performed in front of such a large audience before sang/danced/played as if they'd done it all their lives. The connection between the performers and the audience was so strong and it didn't hurt that Skirball has amazing acoustics and there's not one bad seat in the house.

The only regret is that the audience didn't get to peek into the rehearsal room backstage where all the performers gathered to prep for their turn. Entering that room was like entering a scene from Fame or Footloose. People that had just met were singing, dancing, chanting together and the energy fostered between the groups was something to behold and really amazing to watch.

Although each group/performer struck a different chord with those watching, at the end of the night, the 2nd place prize was a tie b/t Project D and Kevin So and the 1st place prize went to the multi-talented Cobu.

The night ended with a live rendition of the Closer remix from the promo video and a surprise Michael Jackson tribute by Vudoo Soul backed by all the performers. It was the best ending to a truly memorable night.

In the next few days, we'll be posting videos/pictures/articles about the evening so that those that couldn't make it can experience the show in parts but until then, we'll leave you with a video of the end of the night to give you a feel of what it was like to be there. Let the countdown begin to the 2010 show...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nUWSa7zM-G8

Introducing Marie Choi, Dylan Schroth & Kevin So

MARIE CHOI

Marie Choi started singing before she learned how to talk. She began performing in the church. In high school she began her vocal training as a classical soprano, eventually entering college as a voice major. She's performed at venues nation wide, as well as international. In the tri-state area, her performance experience includes Carnegie Hall, Korean radio stations, Bowery Poetry Club, The Delancey, NYU, Columbia, Rutgers, Gama & more. She is currently pursuing a career in music, working on her demo & writing original music. Check out more about her and her music on myspace: http://www.myspace.com/muhreee

DYLON SCHROTH A 16 year-old young, Filipino American High School Junior from Jersey City, NJ.Yes, another singer-songwriter/guitarist deal, but maybe something a bit more. In writing and performing music, he remains very open to all genres, as long as he can venture in with his guitar. Since making his first attempts at the music scene at 14, he's come to face many of the disadvantages of starting at a young age; mainly, being treated young. though slowly but surely he's breaking any barriers and obstacles in the way of his dream. At 16, most kids are figuring out what classes to take, what college to attend, what subject to major in, and what career to pursue. But with a confident mindset, and a supportive cast of family and friends, that part is simple to him; do what you love, and follow it with all your heart and mind. The hard part is figuring things out along the way, and quite often he seems to fall in way over his head. Dylan thus far has been a completely self produced artist, from writing lyrics to composing music, and recording band and vocal tracks where you'll find him "singing with himself." He makes the most of what he's given. He lives on love and music. Check it out for yourself!http://www.myspace.com/helloimdylanmusic

KEVIN SO
In over a decade of performing his music around the country, Kevin So has earned the respect of fellow musicians, won over members of press and radio, and has built a loyal fan base across the US. Born and raised in Boston, So channeled his early passion for singing into the start of a career in music with his appearance on the nationally broadcast Fox TV show "Big Break" hosted by Natalie Cole. In 1994, he toured the country in a cover band that would later see some of its musicians moving on to Britney Spears' band. By 1995, he quit the cover band and was a regular on the open-mic folk scene in Cambridge. His strong musicianship caught the attention of a Boston Globe critic who wrote that Kevin was "unusually talented." The release of So's Individual in 1997, was accompanied by a sold-out performance at Club Passim. So moved to Chicago in 1999, booked his own gigs, performing shows in the Midwest and elsewhere. Busking in Austin the following year, Kevin was "discovered" by The Agency Group. Subsequently, he opened for Joe Cocker, Billy Bragg, and Robben Ford. In 2001, So moved back to Boston. Soon thereafter, he released the controversial That Oriental Guy in the midst of a hectic tour schedule. Musically, he was shifting from folk to pop/r&b. The double-disc Leaving The Lights On appeared to an avalanche of praise in 2003. With 2 other full length CDs under his belt (The So Must Go On and A Brighter Day), So continues to tour the country at a vigorous clip. More recently, Kevin was proud recipient of the 2007 NYC Fringe Festival Award (Best Music & Lyrics) for his current work-in-progress "The Great Wall” – a musical production based on his life and times. So's latest release Best Foot Forward is supported by concert dates in 2009. Check out his website at www.kevinso.com!

Introducing Bollywood Axion & Project D

BOLLYWOOD AXION
Fusing contemporary western influences, classical Indian dance techniques, the contagious energy of Punjabi bhangra, and the passionate spirit of hindi cinema, Bollywood Axion is a pioneer in the indo-western dance world, garnering much television and media attention. Bollywood Axion has given stellar performances at numerous events including the New York Times first screening premiere of Slumdog Millionaire in 2007, CBS Early Show, The Today Show, Tyra Banks Show, Brooklyn Museum of Arts, Queens Museum of Arts, Premio Lo Nuestro a la Musica Latina (Latin Grammy Awards) 2009 and so many high profile events. The Bollywood Axion Dance Company has also appeared in major Hollywood and Bollywood films. Pooja Narang, Founder and Artistic Director of Bollywood Axion, is a globaly renowned Choreographer. Their Bollywood & Bhangra Dance Classes are in high demand and the first dance classes of their kind on the East Coast. More information can be found at http://www.bollywoodaxion.com/.

PROJECT D

Project D is a group of young, talented individuals from New Jersey that come together to form a dance company that simply loves to dance. The “D” in their name stands for their dedication and devotion to the art of dance. Project D is named after a Japanese anime that is inspired by the growing import car culture. The group had their first major performance at the 2004 Annual Semi-Formal at Ramapo College in New Jersey. The group now showcases their immense talent and passion throughout the Tri-State area inspiring young dancers in various communities. Find out more about Project D on their blog: http://pdstyle.wordpress.com/

Introducing Tim Be Told, Jen Kwok and Cobu

TIM BE TOLD
Combining elements of soul, pop, rock, gospel, and blues, Tim Be Told has emerged out of the Charlottesville music scene with their own unique sound. After tracking their debut album "Getting By" in the Summer of 2007 and playing their first show a mere few months later, the band has gone on to perform at various East Coast venues such as the Knitting Factory, Jammin Java, and the Charlottesville Pavilion.

Winners of University of Virgina's 2008 Battle of the Bands, Tim Be Told (Tim Ouyang, Luan Nguyen, Andrew Chae, Jim Barredo, and Parker Stanley) continues to grow a loyal and passionate fanbase both in Virginia and far beyond. They have toured from coast to coast and with each show, the band gains new listeners with their vocal prowess, infectious guitar hooks, captivating melodies, and driving rhythm parts. But most importantly, they hope that their music will cause people to view life through a different lens, one of honesty, hope, redemption, and change.

The band has a highly anticipated new EP entitled "From The Inside," which is scheduled for release in June 2009. Be prepared to listen loudly and feel free to start by cranking up the volume on their myspace page: http://www.myspace.com/timbetold


JEN KWOK
Jen Kwok is a ukulele-slinging (so dope!) writer and performer based in Brooklyn, NY. The California native was a national finalist in 2007's NBC Stand-Up for Diversity, and has quickly established herself as one of the quirkiest young comedians working across genres.

Jen's unexpected mix of music, stand-up and improvisation has earned her a reputation as a multi-talented entertainer, performing at such diverse venues as Gotham Comedy Club, Highline Ballroom and The Bowery Poetry Club. Jen has also been featured on CNN, PBS and in The New York Times for her comedic exploits.

Get to know a little more about Jen on her blog: http://jenkwok.wordpress.com


COBU: Dance Like Drumming, Drum Like Dancing
COBU, based in New York City, was created as a Live Rhythm Performing Arts Group in 2000. Yako Miyamoto, the founder of COBU is a current member of the Off-Broadway hit, STOMP.

COBU combines elements of the Japanese traditional Taiko drumming with rhythmic Tap dancing. COBU's motto is inspired by the combined sounds of New York and traditional Japanese culture. Their signature sound is created organically though acoustic instruments, rather than digital transcription.

This juxtaposition of traditional modernity makes them one of the most unique and original mind-blowing groups of our time. COBU is now in the spotlight of entertainment accepted not only in United States but another countries such as Japan, Europe and all across Asia.

Cobu's peformances have received rave reviews from The New York Times and The Chicago Times, and has touched audiences in Las Vegas, Chicago, Boston, Florida, D.C., and many more. See what they're all about on their website: http://www.cobu.us/

Introducing Alice Hu and Magnetic North & Taiyo Na

ALICE HU
When Garden State comes out with a sequel, you'll be sure to find a song or two by Alice Hu on the soundtrack. Her influences include Regina Spektor, Rachael Yamagata, Radiohead, The Shins, Iron & Wine, The Beatles and Beethoven, just to name a few.

This ivy-leaguer (a soon-to-be senior at Columbia) splits her time between her academic endeavors in biology and sharing her sweet sound with patrons of Pianos, Rehab and Bowery Poetry Club in New York City. An accomplished instrumentalist, mastering both classical piano and violin, Alice became enveloped in the acoustic/electrical persuasion after finding her heart's true calling in college, the guitar.

Look out McDreamy, our magic 8-ball says Alice will be America's most sought neurosurgeon by day and selling out Pianos's Upstairs Lounge by night. Check out her MySpace page at www.myspace.com/meetalice


Magnetic North feat. Taiyo Na
Emcees Derek "Direct" Kan and Theresa "T-" Vu are like a true-life Kollaboration fairytale. They came together in 2003 to write a song for an Asian American rally in Berkeley, CA, and their collaborative piece, "We Will Not Be Moved" gave birth to the Magnetic North we know, love, and throw our hands up with today.

Like peanut butter is to jelly, Direct and T-Vu are an unrivaled hip hop duo who are sure to move your body and inflame your soul with their complementing talents. Direct, the duo's phenomenon behind the instrumentals, drops beats loaded with melody and acoustic stylings and fired by powerful lyrics and versatile flows. T-Vu has been known to intoxicate a crowd with her precise delivery and non-nonsense rhymes. She's a rare wordsmith who continuously raises the caliber of her craft.

Magnetic North has performed on stages all across the U.S., most recently at the Laura Ling and Euna Lee vigil at Washington Square Park as they helped rally support for these journalists' swift return home. At Kollaboration, Magnetic North will be joined by MC/Songwriter Taiyo Na and band members Chuck Kim (bass), Bhurin Sead (ukulele), Nawon Jang (guitar), Stefan Kahandaliyanage (drums), and DJ Boo on the one and twos. See what's turning executive heads at Universal Records for yourself! www.magnetichiphop.com

Taiyo Na
Close your eyes and open your ears to the truly unreal music of Taiyo Na. His words, flows, and rhymes are a rich concoction of soul, poetry, and enlivening passion. Though we can try, Former Queens Poet Laureate Ishle Yi Park could not describe Taiyo and his music any better..."Taiyo's music gets under your skin like a warm heartbeat. Pure as moonlight, gritty as N.Y.C., brave as a young man standing tall in the face of his own shadows.

Paladin, seraph, young sage come-of-age, we welcome your songs into our dangerous, beautiful world." Well said. Take pride, Taiyo is a native New Yorker who has been writing rhymes since age 13. By 18, Taiyo shared the stage with Maya Angelou and Janice Mirikitani. For those of you who may not be familiar with the top dogs of poetry, this is the equivalent to playing basketball one-on-one with Michael Jordan.

His latest CD, Love is Growth, is representative of his journey within NYC's independent music scene and features many collaborative pieces with other local artists. As an educator and youth worker, Taiyo has led workshops and courses in creative writing, performance, history and visual art for youth throughout the city for the last 8 years. Share Taiyo's journey here: http://www.myspace.com/loveisgrowth

Doing it New York style...

There's a song by this guy, you may have heard of him, named Frank Sinatra that says about New York: "If I can make it there, I'll make it anywhere". And it's so true but what they don't sing about is how hard it is to make it here - especially as an artist/performer/entertainer.

New York moves at lightening speed and more than any other city in the world, the noise of this place makes it a hard place for artists, especially Asian American ones, to get heard and be seen.

The mission of Kollaboration New York is to elevate local Asian American artists (whom we truly believe to be the best in the world given the right exposure) and give them, if only for one night, center stage and a chance to shine.

With this event, we pay tribute to those of us whose talent forces them to take the path less traveled by. The really good ones provide the rest of us with inspiration and a break from the every day and at our show, we've got all the best ones.

Starting tomorrow, we'll be introducing you to our performers in the hopes that by the time you come to our show, you'll know and love them all (but have your favorites too)!

In the meantime, we encourage you to check out our promo video again and really listen to the words which is all about the pursuit of dreams in spite of the realities of the day to day as the below excerpt from the song captures:

We, pacing the same old pace
We, move fast but get no place
We, chase ways to make a living that wont make our living
forsake our daydreams



Keep dreaming New York!

Less than 2 Weeks Away!!!

Did you get your tickets yet??

Kollaboration NY - 06.27.09 - NYU Skirball Center
http://www.skirballcenter.nyu.edu/calendar/kollaboration


KNY website: kollaborationnewyork.org
KNY twitter: twitter.com/kollabnyKNY
KNY blog: kollabny.blogspot.com
KNY myspace: myspace.com/nykollaboration
KNY facebook: facebook.com/group.php?gid=47718752658

EMPOWERMENT THROUGH ENTERTAINMENT. new york style.