boston progress radio

I just read via Hyphen via the SF Gate that the radio show Pacific Time has been canceled. Produced by KQED, this nationally syndicated show was about “stories that are not told regularly in the news media — stories about trans-Pacific connections and about the collisions, blending and change that occur when Asia and America meet.”

The show had been on the air for 7 years. KQED cited financial reasons for canceling ths show, and have stated that it did not have to do with content.

Somehow, I can’t imagine that finances and content are completely divorced in this situation. Or is it just me? Does it matter that some of the stories covered in this show were also covered in mainstream programs? To me, there is value in having one show addressing the breadth of issues that make up stories of Asian America. When they get subsumed into other programs, I think some of the context gets lost. Stories about Asia and Asian America are so hard to come by. Maybe it’s not financially viable, but I still think it’s so important that that information be out there.

Tags: News.

2 comments

November 4, 2007
8:00 pm	to	10:30 pm

We’re having a special open mic for Exit Clov. As you may recall, they were going to come up to Boston a few months ago to do a special show. But alas, due to unforeseen circumstances, they had to cancel. But, they are going to be back on November 4. They will probably be playing at the Cambridge Community for Adult Education or just CCAE for short. Show time and exact address will be announced soon.

Tags: Boston Progress, Concert.

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November 8, 2007
8:00 pm	to	10:30 pm

The Beats, Rhymes, and Rice Tour will be coming through Northeastern University. Sponsored by the Asian Student Union, Korean American Student Association, Vietnamese Student Association and the Asian American Center, the Beats, Rhymes and Rice tour features two well-loved spoken word poets and one dope emcee. You’ve heard about them here before: Bao Phi, Giles Li, and Kiwi (of the Native Guns). Funny how their names are all two syllables and rhyme.

The show will be preceded by a thirty minute open mic. I hear a rumor that our very own Long is going to be hosting. Bring your rotten tomatoes (just kidding). Show starts at 8pm at the Curry Student Center at Northeastern University.

Tags: Concert.

2 comments

Today, I’m going to add a few more artists to our play list. It has been awhile since I did an update. I suppose life in the real world has taken over life in the cyberworld.

The radio station has been up and running for about 6 months now and I’m pleased at what we have achieved so far. I still have bigger dreams for the station. I’d like to see our random and totally eclectic playlist morph into well-contained programs. We’d have a hip hop show. A singer/songwriter folk show. And maybe even a spoken word show. As of now, I do not think we have enough artists to do such a thing. And we don’t have enough resources to obtain software to allow us to use such a format, but I can dream right? What would be very exciting is if we were able to have live DJs take requests and play your favorite music. It might take awhile before we get there, but I’m never going to stop dreaming. We should always try to dream big.

New on BPR this week are Cynthia Lin, Dawen Wang, Koba, and Melissa Li.

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Tags: Commentary, Online Radio.

3 comments

I mean, it’s not really about nothing, but it is. I’ve been a little behind on posting much of anything, here or anywhere else. Mainly, it’s because it’s fall, and things are crazy at work.

Work has just been going and going (and so I only just updated the banner from July). But, I will say, that one of the things that keeps me going is the music I try to bump to while I’m in my office typing away at this form or that report.

Thanks BPR for keeping my days boppy. =P

Tags: Commentary.

1 comment

This month’s feature on the East Meets Words Open Mic series is Kit Yan. I look forward to this event every month because it’s great to have the privilege to listen to what these talented poets have to say. This month’s open mic series featured many familiar faces as well as a new collaborative duo. Vinh the Kid started off the show by paying a tribute to his Asian American mentors in poetry. Theresa followed Vinh by reflecting on her recent journey to Korea. Albert was up next on the mic and he read a story entitled “Lovebomb” that reminded that “love conquers all.” The next performer was Afro-D and I have to say, this guy is one of the more talented poets that I’ve heard. He has been at the Open Mic for two months now and just like last month, he brought the house down with “See the World, Be the Change.” The poem was powerful when he compared the War on Iraq was the only way for some kids to study aboard. Andy was up next with the help of Joey B on the beat box. Sarah followed Andy with two pieces called “Untiled” and “If not A then B.” Febo and Joey B surpised everyone when they announced that they have collaborated into a group called L.I.F.E. and they performed a piece called “Haiku Slaughter.” Victor returned this month along with Dave Kong and once again they killed the freestyle and ended the open mic segment on a high note.

This month feature was Kit Yan, a transgender slam poet that promotes the issues through poetry. In his first piece, he shared his life experiences and the everyday struggle that he faces as a transgendered invididual. Even through it all, he is still proud of who he is. The comedic side of the performance included the comparison of how females eat their food to how they perform in bed. He followed that piece up with a poem called MANGO, explaining his experiences with a prosthetic penis. The segment took a serious turn when he performed a piece about his home island of Hawa’ii and poems about being something that he is not. Kit concluded his performance with Queeroake, a poem about injustices and sexism within the queer community. Kit Yan was a powerful performer and even through the laughter that he has created with his poems, I felt as though there were hidden messages in them. He reminded us all that even though he is transgendered, he is a person that faces many of the same issues, such as racism, that everyone else faces.

Tags: Open Mic, Recaps.

1 comment

Umm…can you say awesome? When my sister and I were this age, we were playing goddamn freeze tag.

Look at how much fun they’re having! Sometimes you just gotta let yourself smile. Happy Friday folks. I’m going on vacation. See you in two weeks.

Tags: Video.

3 comments

October 12, 2007
8:00 pm	to	10:00 pm

Please come out to the October East Meets Words Open Mic sponsored by the Boston Progress Arts Collective on October 12, 2007 at the East Meets West Bookstore at 934 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA. Justine Ok of Xtacy Xport is featuring. Cover charge is $3. Please bring your writing and your poems to share too. This is and always will be an open mic.

Also, stop by and check out the new art by Wen-ti Tsen and Tri Quach that will be up at the East Meets West Bookstore.

Tags: Open Mic.

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