PHILADELPHIA — From Sri Lankan poetry to Filipino hip-hop, Asian Arts Initiative’s monthly Family Style Open Mic series features an eclectic mix of multi-disciplinary performance and storytelling geared toward promoting open dialogue and sharing of a diversity of cultural experiences. The 2013 series, held third Fridays at Asian Arts Initiative’s theater (1219 Vine St.), is hosted by Michelle Myers and Catzie Vilayphonh of the spoken-word duo Yellow Rage and includes a monthly featured guest as well as a lineup of local performers.
Encouraging conversation about the diverse experiences of Asian Americans as well as extended “family” of all cultures, Family Style Open Mic allows participants a 5-minute spot for poetry, storytelling, dance, theater or music performances; original work is especially encouraged. A pre-reception for all open mic guests and performers offers free food and drinks provided by this season’s sponsor, Circles Thai Cuisine.
On February 15, in conjunction with the Philadelphia Free Library’s “One Book One Philadelphia” 2013 selection The Buddha in the Attic by Julie Otsuka, Family Style Open Mic will feature notable poet Gowri Koneswaran, a Sri Lankan Tamil American writer, singer and lawyer who works to advocate for animal welfare, the environment, and the rights of prisoners and the criminally accused. She has performed at Lincoln Center Out of Doors, the Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage and the Smithsonian Folklife Festival. A poetry coordinator at Bloombars and a host of open mics at Busboys and Poets in Washington, D.C., Koneswaran will perform at Asian Arts Initiative with the theme “Stories of Where We Come From.”
The special guest performer scheduled for March 15 is SNRG (SNRGmusic.com),a Filipino hip-hop and rap group on video rotation on MTV Asia that has performed live across the world including in Toronto, Manila, Los Angeles and New York. The performance on April 19 comes from closer to home, featuring the former frontman of Philadelphia-based band Miss Vintage. Musician and lyricist Jason Min (jasonminmusic.com) released his debut self-titled EP in November 2010 and stays active in the Philadelphia music scene with a unique sound driven by layered guitar lines and melodic, ambient soundscapes paired with introspective lyrics. Finally, the season closeson May 17 with a “Best of Family Style” presentation featuring favorites from the 2012 and 2013 seasons.
Family Style Open Mic: Schedule of Events*
Friday, February 15
7:30-9:30 p.m., $5-$10 (sliding scale)
Pre-show reception begins at 7 p.m.
Featuring notable poet, singer and lawyer Gowri Koneswaran
Friday, March 15
7:30-9:30 p.m., $5-$10 (sliding scale)
Pre-show reception begins at 7 p.m.
Featuring Filipino Hip-Hop & Rap Group SNRG
Friday, April 19
7:30-9:30 p.m., $5-$10 (sliding scale)
Pre-show reception begins at 7 p.m.
Featuring musician and lyricist Jason Min
Friday, May 17
7:30-9:30 p.m., $5-$10 (sliding scale)
Pre-show reception begins at 7 p.m.
Featuring Best Of Family Style Open Mic 2012-2013.
*Family Style Open Mic participants are highly encouraged to sign up in advance online.
The Family Style Open Mic series takes place at Asian Arts Initiative, 1219 Vine St., Philadelphia, PA 19107. In addition to these monthly programs, Asian Arts Initiative hosts exhibitions and ongoing youth workshops. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 12-6 p.m., and by special appointment. Admission to the gallery is free. For more information, call 215-557-4055 or visit www.asianartsinitiative.org.
