Urban Peacock Newsletter - April 25, 2003

Hi, hope this note finds you all in good spirits at the onset of Spring and bathing in the warmth of family, friends and loved ones. It is an honor to have each one of you part of our universal Peacock Community:)

It looks like it will be an overcast and slightly rainy weekend here in northern Califronia. It's raining at the moment, and it's a beautiful sound :) This time, we have a LOT of exciting news to sharefor the month of May. If you can please help spread the word about the World Premiere performance in San Jose and the film screenings inSF, that would be truly wonderful :)) Please feel free to grab those 2 sections and add to your own newsletters as may be appropriate. Also, if you see any press about these events in your area, I'd love it if you could shoot me an email to let me know or even better save a copy for me :) Thank you very much :)

I hope you can stop by to share in some of these special moments celebrating our joint humanity, adventures in creativity, and some pure fun :)

In this Newsletter you'll find:

(1) -- WORLD PREMIERE: May 15, 2003 @ 7:30pm in San Jose.

Urban Peacock Tales: An Evening of Poetry, Art and Universal Journeys through Time

(2) -- ART EXHIBITS:
Asian American Women Artists Exhibit, Native American Exhibit in Los Gatos, Open Studios in SF and more.

(3) -- FILM SCREENINGS:
Kavita's short films "To Serve One's Country" and "Namaste Papaji" screening on May 16th in SF, a LOT of cool films to check out by emerging filmmakers in LA including some fellow south asians. Our picks for films to check out at the SF International Film Festival and some filmmakers we think are pretty cool like Greg Pak, Wes Kim and Mina Shum.

(4) -- 2 CALLS FOR FILM SUBMISSIONS:
(Girls on Film, MadCat Women's International Film Festival), and an audition this weekend for a South Bay Indian theater group.

(5) -- POETRY/READINGS:
Asian American Women Artists present an Evening of Poetry and Prose, Kavita will be reading at this event in SF :) Also William Wong, a lecture and book signing with the author of 'Yellow Journalist'

(6) -- LIVE MUSIC:
Talented friends playing live jazz in Pacifica, POLYPHONIC! A Funky Fresh Smoothie of Breaks, Hip Hop, and Electro-Funk, and ViV live on Monday nights in SF. Ben Cortez, a lead violinist with the San Jose Mission Chamber Orchestra is not to be missed, his performances are truly mesmerizing and exquisite. Ben is part of the jazz trio playing on May 3rd in Pacifica.

(7) -- CLOSING THOUGTS:
Plus ways to contribute to Urban Peacock.

April 25, 2003 Newsletter

(1) ------------------ WORLD PREMIERE -------------------

A few days after my last design project came to a close, I got a call from WORKS Gallery, a cutting edge contemporary art gallery in San Jose, California. They have selected me for their April - May Artist Residency Program :)) I have a 15 foot x 15 foot studio space with gorgeous light pouring from a skylight and high ceilings to call my own till the end of May. I've moved some of my materials that were tucked away in my closet, old brushes and pen nibs, etc... from the days at RISD. I'm still in the midst of conceptual explorations at the moment, but it is looking like it will culminate in a performance art piece. Hope you can come check it out, should be fun :)

Schedule a Studio Tour (now through end of May 2003) :
kavita@urbanpeacock.com

URBAN PEACOCK TALES:
An Evening of Poetry, Art and Universal Journeys through Time

Thursday, May 15, 2003
7:30pm - 9:00pm
FREE

WORKS Gallery, 30 N 3rd Street (at the corner of Santa Clara Street).
Doors open at 7:00pm, performance begins at 7:30pm.

More information: 408.295.8378 or visit Urban Peacock

World Premiere performance exploring the surrealism of cultural identity written and performed by Kavita Bali, the current Artist in Residence at WORKS Gallery in downtown San Jose.

Come and experience an evening of truth that will lift your soul into a state of compassionate thoughtfulness about our power of being and the resilience of the heart.

Ms. Bali's performance aims to "create a quiet space in the midst of a cultural modern reality where a young Indian American woman goes through the motions of a regular day, and is transported to India through her intense desire to connect with her heritage," she said. "The piece is intended to celebrate the power of family bonds, love and a connectedness that surpasses the boundaries of time and geography... It will be through the mechanism of visual storytelling that will open the door to the hearts and souls of the audience, with the desired effect that the universality of love for family shall transcend external and political barriers prevalent in our current world."

WORKS supports emerging Bay Area artists with the gift of studio space necessary for artistic exploration and the creation of new work. WORKS is a nonprofit, volunteer-run contemporary art and performance space dedicated to providing a venue for artists, ideas and images that expand the scope of cultural and artistic experience.

PRESS INQUIRIES:
If you're interested in doing a story on this performance (First of a Series) or having it performed in your region of the world, please contact me at: kavita@urbanpeacock.com

(2) ------------------ ART EXHIBITIONS -------------------

There are several Art Exhibits in the Bay Area worthy of checking out.
_______________
SUNDAY, April 27 @ 1:00 - 4:00 pm

RESPECTING TRADITION - HONORING CHANGE
Public Reception, Lecture, Book Signing
(featuring Joe Mondragon and Irene Zwierlein (Amah-Mutsun Ohlone
Tribal Leaders)
Exhibit runs till early August.
FREE
History Museum of Los Gatos
Forbes Mill Annex, 75 Church St off Main St., Los Gatos, California
Gallery Information: 408.395.7375

The Museums of Los Gatos presents a wonderful exhibit of Native American artifacts recently "re-discovered" in the Natural History collection. Artifacts on exhibit include: two Sioux Ceremonial Eagle headdresses (c. mid-1800's); leather and porcupine quill vest (c. mid-1800's) along with an array of items from Pomo, Ohlone, Miwuk, Apache, Navaho, Washo and others. Learn about associated traditions with Native American elders and educators now living in our midst. Programs to include: Lectures, drumming, dance and other informative events for children and adults from local Native American Elders and artists. Curated by: Jade Bradbury

_______________
SATURDAY, May 3 @ 5:00 - 7:00 pm

MAKING THEIR MARK: CONCEPTS, VISIONS AND NARRATIVES
Exhibit runs from May 3 - 28
SomArts Bay Gallery, 934 Brannan Street (near 8th), San Francisco, CA 94103
Gallery Information: 415.552.2131
FREE

Presented by the Asian American Women Artists Association (AAWAA) and the Asian Pacific Islander Cultural Center (APICC), curated by Nora Nguyen.This exhibition is an illuminating view of current works by more than 30 artists and writers. Featuring the hybridization Asian American artists are known for, the materials, techniques and imagery hail from all areas of the globe. In a free fusion of Asian, Western, African and other regional precedents, the artists' visions are communicated through such media as sashiko stitchery, oil paints and audio CDs.

More about this Exhibit

_______________
SATURDAY, May 3 - 4 (11:00 am - 6:00 pm)

REIKO MURANAGA SPRING OPEN STUDIOS 2003
Hunters Point Shipyard, San Francisco, CA, Bldg. 101 Studio 1206
Directions & map
Reiko's web gallery
FREE

_______________
FRIDAY, May 9 (7:00 - 9:00 pm)

RELISH (WORKS GALLERY ANNUAL MEMBER SHOW)
WORKS Gallery, 30 N 3rd Street (at the corner of Santa Clara Street).
More information: 408.295.8378
FREE

Kavita will have one of her paintings exhibited. Since I'm the Artist is Residence during this time, if you're interested in seeing/ purchasing any of my latest art, I can provide you with a studio tour. The studio is adjacent to the gallery.

Please email me in advance if you're interested in any art, a studio tour to see what I'm up to, or just want to say hi :)

Schedule a Studio Tour (now through end of May 2003) :
kavita@urbanpeacock.com

Paintings
Ink Drawings
Photography

_______________
WEDNESDAY, May 7 - 11

20TH ANNUAL MEETING FOR THE ASSOCIATION FOR ASIAN AMERICAN STUDIES (AAAS)
Cathedral Hill Hotel, 1101 Van Ness Ave. at Geary Blvd., San Francisco, CA

The Asian American Women Artists Association shall showcase some of their member art during this conference. Kavita's 1993 Photograph 'My Heritage, My Heart, My Soul' will be on display.

(3) --------------- FILM SCREENINGS ----------------

There are a lot of cool stories from emerging asian american filmmakers sprouting up everywhere :) Hope you can check some of them out and support your fellow artists :)
_____________________________________________
UNITED STATES OF ASIAN AMERICA 2003 FESTIVAL, SAN FRANCISCO
Presented by the Asian Pacific Islander Cultural Center (APICC).
SomArts Bay Gallery, 934 Brannan Street (near 8th), San Francisco, CA 94103
Screening Information/Reservations: 415.552.2131 or info@apiculturalcenter.org
Tickets: $8
Complete Film Festival Program
(You can also pick up a printed poster program for all the events at
the SomArts Gallery space, they have photos from both my films on it
:))

________________
THUR. & FRI , May 15 & 16 @ 8:00 pm

The showcase Pelikula 'Oriental' features a collection of film shorts by young Asian Americans. Vincent Au, Kavita Bali, Greg Manalo, Brian Seiichi Tsukamoto, and others look at the universal themes of love, loss, and loneliness. Curated by Matthew Abaya.

(8:00 pm. Tickets $8. Reservations recommended - 415.552.2131)

TO SERVE ONE'S COUNTRY
(2002, 3 minutes, color) A semiotic film directed by Kavita Bali. A short but powerful testament of the loss that war creates for all involved, no matter which side one is fighting on.

NAMASTE PAPAJI (Welcome Grandfather) - SF Premiere :)
(1997, 15 minutes, color) Written and directed by Kavita Bali. A lyrical, poetic journey of friendship across generations that teaches a 7-year-old girl about courage and acceptance

_____________________________________________
SAN FRANCISCO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

There are way too many good ones to list here. Here are just a handful of the ones that we thought looked intriguing. Please visit their calendar for complete listings.

WHERE EVER YOU GO - THERE YOU ARE
As assortment of humor filled films from around the world (118
minutes total running time).
Darting around the globe and back again, these films seek to discover the uncharted terrains of travel, the human need to escape or simply staying right where you are.

WE ARE THE MUSIC (66 mins, Cuba)

DURVAL DISCOS (96 mins, Brazil)

NASHVILLE (Robert Altman, 159 mins, USA)

HAPPINESS FOR FREE (85 mins, Italy, France, Switzerland)

_____________________________________________
INDIAN FILM FESTIVAL OF LOS ANGELES
ArcLight Cinemas, located at Sunset & Vine, Hollywood, CA
Tickets: $11 (RESERVED SEATING ONLY),
Festival Program

_______________
FRIDAY, April 25 @ 3:00 pm

BIRJU
A short film directed by Heeraz Marfatia. (2002, 35mm, India & US)

Set in the world of a four-year-old boy in an Indian village, this film explores how a child thinks and what intrigues and distracts him when he is set free from adult supervision.

_______________
SATURDAY, April 26 @ 12:00 noon

AYURVEDA - THE ART OF BEING
A feature documentary film directed by Pan Nalin. (2001, 35mm,
Germany & Switzerland)

A worldview presentation of Ayurveda, the science of life that combines harmonious integration of body, mind, sense and spirit to create the art of being and living. The word 'Ayurveda' stems from the Sanskrit 'ayus' (life and longevity) and 'veda' (knowledge and science). Originating in India, Ayurveda is thought to be between 2500 and 5000 years old. Director Pan Nalin sets out to demonstrate how the Ayurvedic process is performed by its practitioners not only in India, but in countries as far flung as Greece and the United States.

_____________________________________________
LOS ANGELES
_______________
SATURDAY, April 26 @ 7:30 pm
DOG WOMAN & MAGIC MAN
A short film directed by Dominic De Lay
Chapman University, One University Drive, Argyros Forum 208, Los Angeles, CA

Starring Rajeev Chhibber as the lonely wanderer, formerly seen in 'Turbans'. This is a short film about a bitter prostitute who wonders if a lonely wanderer can heal her mute daughter. Also to be screened, "The Soda Jerks" and "The Sisters O'Malley" followed by a Q&A with cast and crew.

_____________________________________________
VC FILMFEST 2003 - LOS ANGELES
Directors Guild of America, Los Angeles, CA
Tickets: $10 general, $9 (students, seniors),
Festival Program

_______________
SATURDAY, May 3 @ 12:00 noon
LIGHTING THE LAMP
A short film directed by Rani Breslow & produced by Helen Bubenechik
Theater 3, Program #9 (Stories from the Heart)

(2002) A family drama Starting Sumintra Singh, Noor Shic and Kiran Rao. A young East Indian woman must decide between continuing her education or having a child. This film recently screened at the San Diego Asian Film Festival.

_____________________________________________
SOME COOL FOLKS

ROBOT STORIES
Filmmaker Greg Pak

VISION TEST
Filmmaker Wes Kim

LONG LIFE, HAPPINESS AND PROSPERITY
Filmmaker Mina Shum

(4) --------------- FILMS: CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS ----------------
_______________
DEADLINE : May 1

GIRLS ON FILM
Girls On Film is currently seeking submissions of film and video works for its one year anniversary screening event. We are looking for challenging, unique, enlightening or just plain entertaining narrative, documentary and experimental shorts by women of color filmmakers from all around the globe.

Girls On Film is a San Francisco based quarterly film and video screening series dedicated to showcasing and promoting short format film and video works by women of color. Founded in May 2002 at Artist's Television Access, Girls On Film seeks to create screening opportunities for challenging new work by first time filmmakers, as well as highlighting work by more established filmmakers.

Submission Details: (Deadline: MAY 1, 2003)
Submit a VHS of your short film/ video work of 30 minutes or less (clearly labeled with name, title, length, phone number and email)

_______________
DEADLINE : June 4 (US & International Entries)

MADCAT WOMEN'S INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
Founded in 1996 the MadCat Women's International Film Festival is a forum which highlights avant-garde, experimental and independent films and videos from around the globe.

The Festival exhibits provocative and visionary works that are original in their use of the medium.MadCat's goal is to emphasize innovative works by women that challenge the use of sound and image and explore notions of visual story-telling. This international festival advances an alternative vision by emphasizing work that exploits the medium.
Submission Details: (Deadline: June 4, 2003)

_______________
SAT. & SUN. April 26 & 27 (this weekend)
THEATER AUDITION CALL
NAATAK, Indian Theater Group in Silicon Valley (South Bay) is
auditioning this weekend for several roles in their next English
language play "Where There's a Will" to be staged from June 27 - 29.
Indian accents preferred for this play.
Audition Details: (This weekend, contact asap if interested)

(5) --------- POETRY / READINGS ----------

_______________
THURSDAY, May 8 @ 7:00 pm

HISTORY SAN JOSE EVENT - AUTHOR BILL WONG TO SPEAK
Public Lecture & Book Signing
Barnes & Noble Bookstore, 5353 Almaden Expressway, San Jose, CA

Bill Wong, author of 'Yellow Journalist' shall be joined by authors Pam Chun and Ruthanne Lum McCunn in a History San Jose event. They will discuss among other things, intergenerational issues in the Chinese American and Asian American communities. Books will be available for sale and signing.
More about author Bill Wong

_______________
FRIDAY, May 9 @ 7:00 - 11:00 pm

RESISTING ORIENTALISM!
California Institute of Integral Studies
1453 Mission Street (Between 10th and 11th.) Auditorium, 3rd Floor,
San Francisco, CA Directions

In Honor of Asian American/Pacific Islander Heritage Month presented by the CIIS People Of Color Group and Student Alliance. An evening of spoken word, provocative art, dialogue, poetry, live music, DJs and some radical down home Asian food.

Featuring spoken word: Ching-In Chen (Mango Mic), Russell Gonzaga, Tonia Chen (EXA), Kenji Liu (CAST) and more guests.
~some words from Angana Chatterji (Professor, Cultural Anthropology, CIIS)
~an installation of vintage anti-Asian propaganda prints
~calligraphy by Youki Kato
~and music from tabla percussionists, and dj flood
Come experience, share and celebrate expressions of the spirit of resistance!

_______________
TUESDAY, May 13 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
ASIAN AMERICAN WOMEN ARTISTS ASSOCIATION (AAWAA) PRESENT AN EVENING OF POETRY AND PROSE
Public Reception & Readings
SomArts Bay Gallery, 934 Brannan Street (near 8th), San Francisco, CA 94103
Gallery Information: 415.552.2131, or contact Shari Arai DeBoer at:
shari_deboer@yahoo.com
FREE

AAWAA In collaboration with the Asian Pacific Islander Cultural Center (APICC) proudly announce "Making Their Mark: Concepts, Visions and Narratives" as part of the 6th Annual United States of Asian America festival at SomArts Bay Gallery in San Francisco. Please join the Asian American Women Artists Association as they proudly present an energizing evening of poetry and prose against a backdrop of contemporary art. Come experience the riveting narratives as their words jump to life and transport you to their worlds.

Literary talents include Nancy Hom, Kavita Bali, Debbie Yee, Vanessa Merina, Mary Rose LaFreniere, Delia Tomino Nakashima and Aenea Keyes. The evening will include a reading by member artists and an open mic for the audience to share their voices with the larger community. Come meet the artists and share your stories.

Event Details

(6) --------------- MUSIC ----------------
_______________
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 30 @ 9:00 pm - 2:00 am
POLYPHONIC! A Funky Fresh Smoothie of Breaks, Hip Hop, and Electro-Funk!
@26Mix ( Mission & 26th St.), San Francisco, CA
Admission: $5, free if you arrive before 10pm

Its our 1 Year Anniversary and we have a great party planned for you.

Alright, the DJ lineup is out of sight: San Francisco's Breaks King, Felix the Dog, coming out and spreading the beat; Joe Encarnacion will lay down the electric breaks; special mystery appearance, and our favorite residents: Evol, Funky J Vibe, and Nero will bring it all together; Urban dance crew Nothing But Flavor will be on the dance floor to perform some amazing Breakdancing moves; The Mission's own, Virginia, The Tamale Lady will be providing snacks to go with the $2 beers. If that isn't enough there's some new Visual Video Stimulus on the way, brought to you by Ultra 7 and JP, so that you may zone out and tune into the music, sights, and groove.

More Details: jonathanparra@hotmail.com

_______________
SATURDAY, May 3 @ 8:00 pm

LIVE JAZZ MUSIC
Salada Beach Cafe
220 Paloma at Oceana (Hwy 1), Pacifica, CA 94044
Cafe Information: 650.557.1356
Cover Charge

Jazz Trio: Ben Cortez on violin, Andy Birchett on double bass and Michael McMorrow on guitar, in a jazz trio that's very much worth checking out. These guys are very cool. I've been a musical fan of Ben's violin pieces for some years now. Ben Cortez, a lead violinist with the San Jose Mission Chamber Orchestra has been playing for many years with various groups. He is really not to be missed, his performances are truly mesmerizing and exquisite. Come on by if you can to hear some great live music. They'll be playing two sets :)
Cafe Details

_______________
MONDAY NIGHTS starting at 7:00pm

VIV AND A MOVIE
You can usually catch the very cool band 'ViV' at the RedDevil Lounge in San Francisco at the corner of Clay and Polk. This is a great place to share visual art, music and film. ViV also has a CD out and which has been moving up the college radio stations, so check them out and demand your ViV :)) We think they are pretty awesome.

A few weeks ago ViV decided to send their CDs out to college radio. So far, ViV's white CD has been added to 100+ college radio station playlists all over the country and they've made the top 30 on 50 stations! They'd like to crack into the top 200 and need the help of their fans..... sooooo, please call and request your ViV!
For a list of phone numbers you can call to request your ViV.

(7) --------------- CLOSING THOUGHTS & CONTRIBUTING ----------------

Wow... this is the biggest newsletter so far... and I had to leave some things out because I got tired of sitting in one place :) So, just to let you know, I'll be putting this whole thing up online over the weekend with images and more links, etc...

To inquire about art or set up a Studio Visit, contact me at:
kavita@urbanpeacock.com

To see some of my art, you can visit the Peacock Gallery

I've also been interviewed by www.thesala.com for their Artist Profile segment, it should be coming out sometime in May. I'll let you know when it's available :)

Thanks very much for stopping to read through all the things we are excited about in life :) I hope this email has made for a pleasant break in your daily activities :) This is what's happening in the CA region these days :) Have a great weekend :)

Wishing you all peace, warmth, creativity and much joy,
Kavita :)

______________________________________________________________
CONTRIBUTING TO URBAN PEACOCK:

If you know of a cultural/ artistic/ innovative event which furthers a sense of universal community through a celebration of the arts in your area and you'd like to get more people aware of it, please send me an email at least 2 weeks in advance (the earlier, the better). I'll do my best to get your listing up online to share with others. Right now we've been focusing on the west coast, mainly due to time constraints.

If you have events in your part of the world that you' like to share with a larger global community, please feel free to contact me with your listing and some information about the group/artists.

We particularly are interested in events that highlight our individual heritage (no matter what your ancestry or where in the world you call home). We at Urban Peacock believe that our humanity is the unifying force that creates community, and an understanding of our cultural experiences can enrich our mutual understanding of each other and our journey here.

To submit culturally empowering/ unique events for our newsletter/website, please contact: kavita@urbanpeacock.com

To learn more about our Urban Peacock philosophy, please visit:

http://www.urbanpeacock.com/about_us/editors_note_philosophy.html

Wishing you all much joy in the coming weeks.
Peace, warmth and creativity to you all :)
Kavita :)

Kavita, Editor-in-Chief, April 25, 2003

---------------------------------------------------------

Since 2000, when we started our online presence, the nature of our content has evolved in some wonderful ways. We are now in the process of updating our User Interface Design system to account for the growth and also to add more resources that would be of interest to our Peacock Community. The new design shall continue to evolve throughout 2003. It is our 10 year anniversary. Urban Peacock was started in late 1993 when I was a graduate student in the Film program at NYU. More about this story at a future writing session :)

Since the community aspect of this site is a pet project, time is often the deciding factor in how often we are able to update our content. Sometimes we update the site everyday, other times it may be a week in-between, so check back often to catch the latest. We have creative and thoughtful individuals from across the globe that visit us regularly. In our own small way we are building our dream of a virtual United Nations, defining ourselves through the universal nature of creativity.

If you have an event that you feel should be included and is not, please email us (kavita@urbanpeacock.com) or just drop us a line to let us know what you think of the site and any suggestions. We welcome your insights in building this Peacock community. Thanks for visiting. We hope you've enjoyed your visit.