contributed by Tina Woo, Membership Chair

Tina is always on the lookout for interesting and fun things to do in the Bay Area. These two look fascinating.

SAN FRANCISCO SOUL, Saturday December 4, 2021; 4-5:30 PM

In this work-in-progress virtual performance, BRENDA WONG AOKI, the first nationally recognized Asian Pacific storyteller in the U.S., tells true stories of her family’s 124 year history in the nation’s first Chinatown and Japantown against the backdrop of current times, when these historic cultural districts are being dismantled, replaced by skyscrapers and tech companies, and decimated by the pandemic. This new work was awarded commissions from the Hewlett 50, the National Endowment for the Arts, California State Arts Council, San Francisco Arts Commission, and The MAP Fund. Ms. Aoki tells of memories and moments in this unique performance, using archival images of San Francisco, as well as photographs and multimedia by well known artists. The price is $20 per person or $35 per household. Audience members will have the opportunity to contribute their thoughts at the end of the show.

Get tickets here!

HIDDEN HISTORIES WALKING TOUR

Hidden Histories is a live experience that connects you to the underlying beauty and historic riches of this remarkable neighborhood. Through Augmented Reality (AR) technology, your mobile device becomes a gateway to visions inspired by the milestones that shaped Japantown. You will see and interact with the art, which is overlaid on current-day Japantown.

Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, stories and community of the Hidden Histories of San Jose Japantown. Encompassing the three main Asian communities (chines, Japanese, and Filipino) that established Japantown, you will explore the cultural treasures of this diverse neighborhood with your mobile device.

You can experience the exhibit on your own, or if you prefer, the City of San Jose provided a grant to conduct guided walking tours of the exhibit during the month of December. The exhibit runs through January 15, 2022.

Dates and Times

  • Saturday, December 4th, 10:00 to 11:30 a.m.
  • Thursday, December 9th, 4:30 to 6:00 p.m.
  • Saturday, December 11th, 10:00 to 11:30 a.m.