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The Powell Street Festival Society publishes 2 newsletters every year, one in February and one in July.
Powell Street Festival Society
Summer 2008 Newsletter
Download a pdf of this newsletter by clicking on the following link. You will require Adobe Acrobat Reader which you can download here.
Volume 14, Number 2 – June 2008 (2.8 MB)
Contents
- Powell Street Festival 2008 by Kristen Lambertson
- Society News
- A Fond (not quite) Farewell by Miko Hoffman
- Festival Highlights and Events
- Call for Volunteers!
- Community Events
- Acknowledgements
Powell Street Festival 2008
by General Manager Kristen Lambertson
This year is full of changes and surprises. Certainly it’s a big year for me as I plunge into the Festival as the new General Manager and Programming Director. And with incoming Communications Manager Sabrina Mehra, Production Coordinator Naomi Horii, and Volunteer Coordinator Irene Bao, PSFS staff has had a major turnover. However, with Miko Hoffman’s guidance and the assistance of the Festival’s incredible board and volunteer support team, the 32nd annual Festival will be as exciting as ever.
One of this year’s big surprises is that we’re back in OPPENHEIMER PARK!After Miko and this past year’s crew of volunteers and staff worked tirelessly to get the word out that we’d be temporarily moving, we are happy to announce that for 2008 the Festival is staying put! This definitely bodes well for everybody at Festival. Not only do we get to enjoy returning to our annual digs, but it means that the new staff all get to experience the full effect of being back on PSF’s stomping grounds in the heart of Japantown.
Miko and the programming team have put together a stellar program. In tune with this year’s theme, Sensu, or “style,” design has been a dominant thread through the programming. In addition to several visual art exhibitions leading up to the Festival, PSFS is hosting the exhibition Commercial na Art! Ocean Fresh at the Helen Pitt Gallery. Aya Takada, the Artistic Director of Birdo flugas gallery in Shiogama, Japan, curated works by 5 Japanese artists who explore the intersection between commercial and fine art in Japan.
Off-site, the Festival is also hosting the newly commissioned piece by Kokoro Dance on top of Sunrise Market. At the Firehall Theatre, performances include readings of new haiku poetry commissioned from some of PSF’s favourite literary artists, a video screening of animation shorts by Japanese Canadians, and a double bill concert by Mia Doi Todd and Shugo Tokumaru. On the Festival grounds, some other not-to-be-missed performances include excerpts from Dress me up in your love by Vancouver-based Theatre Replacement, music by Coracao Boemio, a dance performance by Nelson-based Hiromoto Ida/Ichigo-Ichieh Dance, and the musical collaboration between Total Constructive Interference (taiko) and no luck club (electronics), as well as much, much more!
But with all the changes and the exciting new performances, the Festival will also include all the old favourites, including martial arts demonstrations, the kids’ Suika Wari, or watermelon game, an array of hand-made crafts, local community information booths, and of course the ever-popular food booths, serving up traditional Japanese fare.
One final exciting change that I am happy to announce is the Festival’s inauguration of the Zero Waste Challenge. In an attempt to reduce its environmental impact, the Festival is implementing a composting and recycling plan. All food utensils and dishes sold on site will be made of compostable materials. We encourage all Festival attendees to join in on the program, and ensure that they recycle and compost as much of their waste as possible at this year’s Festival.
Help spread the word about the Festival’s great line-up and the fact that we’re back at Oppenheimer Park, and we’ll see you there!
Society News
We’re staying put at Oppenheimer Park!
With the City of Vancouver under major construction, Oppenheimer Park was scheduled for a massive renewal project during the 32nd installment of the Powell Street Festival. Plans were under way to temporarily relocate, but with construction postponed, the 2008 Powell Street Festival will remain in the heart of historic Japantown in Oppenheimer Park. Help spread the word!
EVENTS
Our 2008 season kicked off May 3 with MERGE, an exhibition of contemporary glass and ceramic art by Frozen-Melt Collective: Naoko Takenouchi, Miyuki Shinkai, and HiDe Ebina. The artists re-imagined the issues of identity that arise from the merging of cultures: East and West, old and new, philosophy and technology. MERGE was co-produced by the Powell Street Festival Society, explorASIAN and Numen Gallery. On June 6, Lucky’s Gallery was packed with art lovers eager to catch their first glimpse of Tiny Lines for Smaller Movements, an exhibition curated by Lyndsay Sung highlighting the smaller, quieter movements in handmade designs and artwork. Local contemporary artists Madoka Hara, Rafael Tsuchida, Yuriko Iga, Kathy Shimizu, Lynda Nakashima, Cindy Mochizuki, Tonari Gumi seniors, and Toronto-based artist Maiko Tanaka presented new works, including works on or utilizing/integrating paper, small illustration works, do-it-yourself designed birthday cards and celebrity fan-art. The show runs until July 3, so you have a few days left to check it out!
FUNDRAISER
Join us at Hapa Izakaya’s new Kitsilano location on July 6 for An Evening of Sake and Savouries, a delicious fundraiser for the Powell Street Festival Society! Enjoy a sampling of 5 different kinds of sake (courtesy of Blue Note Wine and Spirits Inc.) and scrumptious food pairings from the Hapa Izakaya kitchen. Tickets are $45 for members and $50 for non-members and are available by advance purchase only. For tickets, email kristen at dkam.ca or call 604.683.8240. Sunday, July 6, 5:00-6:30 pm. 1516 Yew Street, Vancouver.
A Fond (not quite) Farewell
by Miko Hoffman
As many of you know, I will be leaving my position with the Powell Street Festival Society at the end of June. After almost nine festivals on staff, I’ve decided it’s time for me to move on, professionally; however, I plan to remain involved as a core volunteer, so you won’t be rid of me that easily!
During my time with PSFS, I have learned the true meaning of community spirit and the value of community-building. I have met some extraordinary artists and seen some fantastic shows. I have also made lifelong friends. I would like to thank all of the artists, volunteers, staff, community members and community partners for making my time here so rewarding. Special thanks go to the dedicated board members and core volunteers who have offered endless support and advice. It has been an honour, and my pleasure, working with all of you.
I will keep this goodbye short because if I continue to blab on about how much I love the Festival and everyone associated with it, I might talk myself out of leaving! And that would be absolutely pointless because PSF already has an amazing new GM/Programming Director, Kristen Lambertson, who I hope you will all welcome with open arms. I know I am leaving PSF in extremely capable hands with Kristen at the helm! See you all at the Festival!
Festival Weekend Highlights
Taiko extravaganza featuring several Vancouver-based taiko groups and Jodaiko, featuring Tiffany Tamaribuchi from California • Martial arts demonstrations • New work by Kokoro Dance commemorating the 20th Anniversary of Japanese Canadian redress • Dress me up in your love, an intimate theatrical experience by Theatre Replacement • Dance performances by Hiromoto Ida/Ichigo Ichieh Dance (Nelson) and mask and mime artist Yayoi Hirano • Launch of pH6,a collection of haiku-inflected poetry by six Asian Canadian writers • Jazz by Yuji Nakajima’s Coracao Boemio • Historical Walking Tours of the Powell Street area • Animated shorts by Japanese Canadian filmmakers
Festival Events
SPATIAL POETICS VII
Hunt & Gather Gallery, Nouvelle Nouvelle, and Gastown locations
Opening: July 12th, 2008
Spatial Poetics VII is an interdisciplinary event that celebrates collaboration and innovation in the use of text, visuals, music, and performance by an eclectic mix of Asian Canadian artists. Curated by Miko Hoffman and featuring the work of Natalie Purschwitz & Kimberley Cooper, Vanessa Kwan & Diyan Achjadi and Madoka Hara & Lee Hutzulak.
COMMERCIAL NA ART! OCEAN FRESH
Helen Pitt Gallery
102-148 Alexander Street
August 1st-15th, 2008br />
Commercial na Art! Ocean Fresh explores Japanese mass culture and commercialism through the works of five emerging Japanese artists using photography, illustration, video, sculpture, painting, and comics. Curated by Aya Takada, the Artistic Director of Birdo flugas project and birdo space in Shiogama, Japan, the exhibition features works by video artist Chikara Matsumoto, photographer Itaru Hirama, visual artist Yusuke Gunji, comic book artist Erika Kobayashi, and rock art illustrator Toru Morooka.
SHUGO TOKUMARU & MIA DOI TODD IN CONCERT
Firehall Arts Centre
280 East Cordova Street
August 2nd, 2008, 8:00 pm
Admission: $15 / $10 (students/seniors)
Special guests Shugo Tokumaru from Japan and Mia Doi Todd from Los Angeles perform an intimate and awe-inspiring evening concert at the Firehall Arts Centre featuring stellar vocals and unique instrumentations. Tickets at the door.
PSF BASEBALL GAME
Oppenheimer Park
August 4th, 11:00 am
Come take part in a fun slow-pitch ballgame—a tribute to the Asahi at Oppenheimer Park in the team’s home “Powell Street Grounds.” Fans and friends are welcome!
Jodaiko Concert
Saturday, August 9, 2:00 pm
The Roundhouse
Tickets are $15–20 sliding scale
PSFS and Pride in Art co-sponsor a taiko performance by Jodaiko at the Roundhouse. Tickets available from July 10 at Little Sisters, Rhizome Café and Full Bloom and as of July 24 at the Pride in Art Festival. For more information check www.tttaiko.com/jodaiko.
Call for Volunteers!
Volunteers are needed for the 32nd annual Powell Street Festival! There are hundreds of spots waiting to be filled before, during, and after the festival (including year-round and ongoing positions), so sign up now! Check here for details. If you would like to get involved, please contact this year’s Volunteer Coordinator Irene Bao at 604.739.9388 or psfvolunteering at gmail.com. We couldn’t do it without you!
COMMUNITY EVENTS by Festival Partners
Tanabata (Star) Festival
Vancouver Japanese Language School & Japanese Hall
487 Alexander Street (at Jackson)
Saturday, July 5, 10:30 am–1 pm
Do you know the story of star-crossed lovers Princess Orihime and Prince Hikoboshi who meet every July 7th on the Milky Way? Come and hear this romantic tale and enjoy a family event with performances, delicious food, and children’s crafts. You’ll also have the opportunity to make your wishes come true in the traditional practice of writing them on tanzaku (pieces of paper) and hanging them on bamboo. Bring your family and friends and don your yukatas for this popular summer festival! Free admission. Call 604.254.2551 for more information.
8th Chinatown Arts & Cultural Festival
Dr. Sun Yat Sen Park Courtyard
578 Carrall St
Saturdays in July starting July 5
Art and culture enrich the heart of historic Chinatown! Enjoy four colourful and diverse cultural showcases on July 5 (Asia Day – co-programmed by PSFS!), 12 (Africa Day), 19 (Drums Around the World), and 26 (Traditions of Old Russia). This festival enhances Chinatown’s role as the host of arts and cultural events in the City, promotes the diversity of art forms, and strengthens neighborhood collaborations. www.vancouverchinesegarden.com
Hataken (Tokyo), Gunshae (Vancouver),
Connect_icut (Vancouver)
Blim
197 east 17th Avenue
Friday, July 11, 8 pm $7
The Konspiracy Group with support from PSFS presents “a little night music” for your summertime listening pleasure. In anticipation of this year’s Powell Street Festival, we open a cross cultural dialogue between Vancouver and Tokyo. Join us for an evening of electro acoustic collaboration with Pacific Rim ambienteers, Hataken (Tokyo), Gunshae (Vancouver), and Connect_icut (Vancouver).
Storigami/Origami Time Workshop
National Nikkei Heritage Centre
6688 Southoaks Crescent, Burnaby
Saturday, July 19, 1–2 pm
Come and learn to create origami pieces step-by-step and through STORIGAMI, a form of storytelling that uses paper folding. Featuring origami storyteller Yukiko Tosa and origami artist Lisa David, members of PALM (Paperfolders Around the Lower Mainland). For families ages 6 to adult. Free. Pre-registration is advised. Email museum at nikkeiplace.org or call 604.777.7000 ext.109. Presented by the Japanese Canadian National Museum and Pangea Arts.
Origami: The State of Art
National Nikkei Heritage Centre
6688 Southoaks Crescent, Burnaby
Saturday, July 19, 3 pm
Origami artist Joseph Wu discusses the recent development of origami from children–s pastime into fine art. Examples of modern origami art will be shown. For adults and teens. Free event! Presented by the Japanese Canadian National Museum and Pangea Arts.
No Borders, No Limits: 1960s Nikkatsu Action Cinema
Pacific Cineématheèque
1131 Howe Street
July 31–August 4
Nikkatsu akushon! No Borders, No Limits: 1960s Nikkatsu Action Cinema is a series that will give Vancouver audiences their first exposure to an often artistic, always entertaining subgenre of Japanese cinema. Nikkatsu action films evoked a cinematic world neither foreign nor Japanese. It was a mix of the two – where Japanese tough guys had the swagger, moves, and even the long legs of Hollywood movie heroes. It was a place where the Tokyo streets, Yokohama docks, and Hokkaido hills took on an exciting, exotic aura, as though they were stand-ins for Manhattan, Marseilles, or the American West. www.cinematheque.bc.ca
20th Annual Vancouver Queer Film Festival
August 14–24
Vancouver’s second largest film festival brings film lovers and filmmakers together to celebrate the best in independent queer cinema. Flirt, chat and get a little wild at the hottest parties, galas and cinematic spectacles this side of the Pacific. PSFS is proud to be a sponsor of Love My Life. For more information, visit www.queerfilmfestival.ca.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Board of Directors
John Yamazaki, President
Hitomi Nunotani, Vice-President
Angus MacLean, Treasurer
Catherine Newstead, Secretary
Nina Inaoka Lee, Director
Kamara Kroeker, Director
Alia Nakashima, Director
Darren Okabe, Director
Programming Committee
Miko Hoffman
Yuriko Iga
Jim Inkster
Boon Kondo
Kristen Lambertson, Chair
Alia Nakashima
Darren Okabe
Kathy Shimizu
Michael Speier
Lyndsay Sung
Advocacy Committee
Miko Hoffman
Nina Inaoka Lee, Co-chair
Kristen Lambertson
Peter Li
Angus MacLean
Chisaki Muraki-Valdovinos, Co-chair
Rika Uto
John Yamazaki
Andrew Yan
Relocation Committee
Miko Hoffman (Chair)
Nina Inaoka Lee
Masa Ito
Kamara Kroeker
Peter Li
Angus MacLean
Rika Moorhouse
Jon Nakane, Chair
Jay O’Keefe
Michael Ouchi
Cat Renay
Kathy Shimizu
Gweny Wong
Staff
General Manager (incominG): Kristen Lambertson
General Manager (outgoing): Miko Hoffman
Communications Manager: Sabrina Mehra
Production Coordinator: Naomi Horii
Volunteer Coordinator: Irene Bao
Newsletter design & layout: Barb Yamazaki
SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR 2008 DONORS:
(from January, in alphabetical order)
Grace Arai • Midge Ayukawa • Maiko Behr • Sara Davis Buechner & Kayoko Segawa • Nobu & Ken Ellis • Randy Enomoto • Mickey Hayashi • Mitsuo & Emmie Hayashi • Nishikawa-Ryu Dance Group • Jim & June Nishihara • July Ono • Kimiko Oseki • John Philip & Reiko Richardson • Kumi Sutcliffe • Marlene Yuen
The Powell Street Festival gratefully acknowledges the financial support of the Canada Council for the Arts, the Department of Canadian Heritage, Human Resources Development Canada Canada Summer Jobs Program, the Province of British Columbia through Direct Access to Charitable Gaming and the BC Arts Council, the City of Vancouver through the Office of Cultural Affairs, National Association of Japanese Canadians, The Koerner Foundation, The Hamber Foundation, Sunrise Soya Foods, the Strathcona Business Improvement Association, CTV, The Georgia Straight, and the Bulletin Magazine.