Asian Glow: Unapologetic Diaspora Event Sells Out Pao Arts Center
Boston, MA – 85 people joined Pao Arts Center and Asian Glow Boston last month for a delightful evening of music, magic, comedy, and performance art. Coming on the heels of performing on Boston Public Radio, Asian Glow founder and show curator, Jane Park MC’d the event and set the tone for a lighthearted and celebratory gathering.
Jane Park opening Asian Glow: Unapologetic Diaspora event, Photo Credit: Melanie Fu
The performances started off with comedian Nora Panahi, who performed a number of new stories and songs for the crowd, touching on topics ranging from her Iranian family to her experience as a drag performer.
Nora Panahi performing at Asian Glow: Unapologetic Diaspora, Photo Credit: Melanie Fu
Following Nora was performance artist, Zayde Buti, who invited the audience to join him on a storytelling journey imagining a hot dog traversing through space, asking attendees to call out condiments to add to the story. Intentionally crafted to bridge Nora’s comedic performance and the following magic performance, Zayde’s piece warmed up the crowd for more audience engagement.
Zayde Buti performing at Asian Glow: Unapologetic Diaspora, Photo Credit: Melanie Fu
Afterwards, magician Just Felice (Felice Ling) set up for her magic show and drew in audience members in with her comedic rapport and slights of hand. Felice made crayons disappear, made clay figures appear, and predicted the outcome of an audience-generated drawing. Audience members laughed and gasped throughout the magic show.
Just Felice performing at Asian Glow: Unapologetic Diaspora, Photo Credit: Melanie Fu
Throughout intermission, fellow magician Yathunandh kept the energy level high with close-up magic tricks.
Yathunandh performing at Asian Glow: Unapologetic Diaspora, Photo Credit: Melanie Fu
Following Just Felice’s magical performance and intermission, Jane Park transformed from host to one of three singer-songwriters in a Nashville-style Singers-in-the-Round performance. Sitting in a half circle, the three musicians – Poor Eliza (Jane Park), TIFFY (Tiffany Sammy), and The Michael Character (James Ikeda)--took turns performing acoustic songs with their unique styles and themes, touching on the emotions of loss, anger, frustration, and hope.
The evening’s attendees enjoyed the many performance types curated by Jane Park, as well as the atmosphere of the event:
“I was blown away. I was amazed at the variety of it all and the kind of heartwarming feeling of safe space and appreciation for the arts.”
“I loved it! I loved the variety of performers. I liked that it wasn’t just one type of performance, and I found each performance captivating in different ways.”
“Very talented artists! I had a lot of fun – that was my immediate reaction. I’m smiling under my mask right now.”
Thank you so much to Jane Park of Asian Glow: Boston for curating an amazing line up of performers and to all of the performers for bringing such a diverse array of talent and artistic practices to our audience!
In The News:
Boston Public Radio with Jim Braude and Margery Eagan, April 7
Full Event Details:
Asian Glow: Unapologetic Diaspora | Saturday, April 8 | 6:30 - 9:30 pm