events

SAMASAMA x Kam & 46 Presents: Mag-Pau Hana Tayo by Les Talusan

Hey DC! I’m providing the soundtrack for this upcoming event with my friends. Vanessa, Elaine and I have wanted to start our pau hana series in DC for a while now, and for this first event, we decided that it was going to be a fundraiser for both Common Good City Farm and Umpukan, Kam & 46 and SAMASAMA’s Filipino American History Month event this October, but with the recent tragic events on Maui, we’ll be sharing proceeds to families that are directly affected. Come eat good food and be in community with us 🖤 ⁣

Kam & 46 and SAMASAMA Presents 𝑴𝒂𝒈-𝑷𝒂𝒖 𝑯𝒂𝒏𝒂 𝑻𝒂𝒚𝒐! at Common Good City Farm. The first of a series of "after work" events we’re hosting to keep the spirit of Pau Hana alive through gathering folks, sharing their food, drink, stories, and music with you 🌿⁣

Pau Hana, Hawaiian for "after work", comes from the old Hawaiian plantation days where the immigrant workers of different backgrounds, would come together after a long, treacherous day of work and talk story, share food, listen to music and dance to separate themselves from work ☀️⁣

Join us! 𝑴𝒂𝒈-𝑷𝒂𝒖 𝑯𝒂𝒏𝒂 𝑻𝒂𝒚𝒐 on Tuesday, August 29, starting at 6PM for Cocktail Hour w/ Sustain Table Food Co. & Little Hat Coffee. Afterwards, Kam & 46 will be serving dinner while Drew Kid plays a live set. We'll be ending the evening with dessert from Kam & 46. Our resident DJ, Les The DJ will be providing the soundtrack throughout the evening. Let's eat, drink, share and gather! All ages are welcome! ✨

Proceeds go towards Common Good City Farm’s public programs and Umpukan, our Filipino American History Month event in October 2023 🌱

📢 𝐔𝐏𝐃𝐀𝐓𝐄 ‼️ 𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐜 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐋𝐚𝐡𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐚, 𝐌𝐚𝐮𝐢, 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐜𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐛𝐞 𝐝𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐝𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐥𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐟𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐬.

Purchase your tickets/donations here!

$30 for Cocktail Hour - includes plant-based and gluten-free appetizers by Sustain Table Food Co. and one beverage of your choice by Little Hat Coffee (alcoholic and non-alcoholic)

$65 for Cocktail Hour, Dinner and Dessert - includes plant-based and gluten-free appetizers by Sustain Table Food Co. and one beverage of your choice by Little Hat Coffee (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) for Cocktail Hour and one beverage for dinner. Dinner service and dessert by Kam & 46.

Vegetarian option for dinner and additional drinks available for purchase.

Check out the menus below!

A little bit of history. . .

The word PAU HANA comes from the Hawaiian language. Pau means done and Hana means work. In translation it means after work. In Hawaii, the phrase Pau Hana means more than the direct translation itself. 

Going back to the early plantation days in Hawaii, the different ethnicities  (Hawaiian, Filipino, Japanese, Chinese, Korean, Portuguese , Puerto Ricans to name a few) were recruited by plantation owners and labor contractors. They brought in a diverse ethnic workforce to control cheap labor in order to increase production and profits. The immigrant workers were enslaved and mistreated into long hours in poor environments. Labor laws and unions came into action afterwards, but to overcome it all was the spirit and unification of the workers. 

The plantation owners separated the living and working spaces of these ethnicities but after work they all gathered and shared their culture with one another.  Amongst a few shared were food, music, traditions, and language. Because of this willingness and practice, new friendships/relationships, new traditions, new language (Pidgin), and new culture evolved based on diversity, unification and not separation. 

Today pau hana is still practiced, whether at a local bar for happy hour or community gathering for socializing. To keep tradition going in the DMV area, we hope to carry out a PAU HANA gathering much like how the plantation workers did. To provide a community gathering filled with diversity. Our event will feature local small businesses within the DMV and artists. Please join us and let's "talk story" and dance with some food, drinks, and entertainment. 

Magsama-sama tayong mag-pau hana!

A little about us. . .

The hosts Kam & 46 x SAMASAMA

Vanessa and Elaine are Kam & 46, Fil-Ams from Hawaii and California who were raised in an immigrant household. Kam & 46 is an ode to the homes they grew up in, where they learned their culture. Being away from home, they always appreciate and carry their values, customs, and traditions, and sharing the food they grew up with embodies this spirit and is an extension of sharing a piece of them and their home.

Les and Seda are co-curators of SAMASAMA. SAMASAMA (Tagalog for "all together") began with the humble mission of celebrating diversity through art and gathering. Founded in Washington, DC in 2016 as a collective art show and benefit celebrating Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month, SAMASAMA has evolved to curate year-round programs, events, and partnerships to highlight diasporic narratives and facilitate nuanced dialogue. The mission of SAMASAMA remains honoring ancestral and indigenous roots while pushing creative boundaries to grow our understanding of current and future generations' multicultural identities.

PARTICIPANTS

The Space by Common Good City Farms 
Common Good City Farms is a place where community members can source fresh food, see sustainable urban agriculture in action, and gain exposure to concepts and skills to lead healthy lives. They actively engage with all members of their diverse community and create opportunities for connections on their farm, while emphasizing intensive vegetable production and modeling best practices in sustainable urban agriculture. Their mission is to sustain and support a more equitable community through growing, learning, cooking, and sharing fresh food together. 

Beverage and Cocktails by Little Hat Coffee
Little Hat Coffee is a D.C. based popup founded by Hwan Choi and Frankie Contreras. LHC was born from our love for coffee and the service industry. LHC’s aim is to provide quality coffee and beverages that highlight our Latin and Asian heritage. LHC works closely with A Toda Madre Roasters based in North Potomac who sources various single origin coffee beans from Central and South America. By working directly with smaller farms we are able to help farmers receive better wages and continue to improve their business and quality of living. LHC is currently located at Bryant Street Market in front of bar Alegria.

Appetizers by Sustain Table Food Co.
Sustain Table Food Co was founded in Washington D.C.  by Maylan Nguyen to empower herself and others to become a positive impact on our local food system. By sourcing ingredients from local farmers and producers, she has found various mediums to showcase how to prepare nutritious, whole food plant-based options that can appease omnivores. From experimenting with making Asian-inspired backpacking meals to piloting a zero-waste meal service for her neighborhood, and most recently working with Little Hat Coffee to offer a plant-based bánh mì, Maylan hopes to use this project to help consumers envision a flavorful future with less reliance on excess salt and processed sugars and oils. Sustain Table Food Co also works to support community gardening and food projects to foster sustainability and equity in the DMV area.

Live Performance by Drew Kid 
Drew Kid, sometimes known as French Toast Jefferson, is a dedicated musician, multidisciplinary artist, and for context, a Silver Spring, MD native of Filipino-American origin. DK’s current work takes on the form of his band: KLOUT SITTY BURD GYANG, an artistic community movement centered on ascension, which focuses the spectrum of expression to promote universal healing. He has amassed an extensive discography of collaborations among artists DMV-based, nationwide, and recently released his self-declared greatest work: THE LOOP EVOLVES, a 22-track double album chronicling his recovery from trauma and depression.

Event Soundtrack by Les The DJ 
Les The DJ a.k.a. Les Talusan is a DJ, whose musical practice immerses people in the joy of community-powered discovery. Born and raised in Manila, Philippines, and now based in Washington, DC for over 20 years, Les continues to find inspiration behind the decks in the U.S. and abroad. Fueled by their own story of resilience, liberation, and courage as an immigrant, parent and survivor, Les brings to the center the songs long cherished, remembered, and celebrated by people of the global diaspora.

January 2023 Calendar by Les Talusan

My first Bahala Na! on Eaton Radio show for 2023 is up! I brought a bag of records I picked up in Thailand a couple of months ago from various shops in Bangkok, including my favorite, M Tanakorn Records.

⁣⁣⁣Shout out to Eaton DC’s music director, Andrew Grant and to everyone that tuned in via Mixcloud. Check out the show below:

⁣Here’s where you can hear me playing tunes this month 🌿⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣

⁣⁣⁣1/1 Sun, 10PM OPM Sundays w/ meesterenriquez & Joel Quizon - twitch.tv⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
1/2 Mon, 9PM This is SAD w/ Joel Quizon w/ guests, DJ Neil Armstrong & Chris International - twitch.tv⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
1/4 Wed. 3-4PM Bahala Na! on Eaton Radio - mixcloud.com
1/6 Fri, 9PM-2AM Allegory / Radical Library at the Eaton Hotel
1/7 Sat, 8-9PM Dr. Breasty Cray’s Soundtracks Only Vol. 1 - twitch.tv⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
1/7 Sat, 10PM-2:30AM Showtime w/ Anno
1/8 Sun, 4-5PM Elvis ⚡Bowie Birthday Bash, curated by DJ Mike C & Victoria Rawlins - twitch.tv⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
1/8 Sun, 10PM OPM Sundays - twitch.tv⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
1/14 Sat, 10PM-2:30AM Boogie Jeepney at Neptune Room w/ Buscrates ‼️⁣⁣⁣
1/15 Sun, 10PM OPM Sundays - twitch.tv⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
1/18 Wed, 10-11AM Respect Music Raiders of The Lost Art - twitch.tv⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
1/20 Fri, I dunno, somewhere in Massachusetts w/ one of my fave rappers of all time⁣⁣⁣
1/21 Fri, 7-10PM Daikaya Izakaya
1/22 Sun, 10PM OPM Sundays - twitch.tv⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
1/26 Thurs, 8-9PM Rotations on WFMU's Rock 'n' Soul Radio Stream
1/27 Sat, 9:30PM-1:30AM ⁣⁣Le Mont Royal
1/28 Sat, A fancy event with TAA | PR
1/29 Sun, 10PM OPM Sundays - twitch.tv⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
1/30 Mon, 8PM New Wave Heartthrobs w/ DJ Neil Armstrong & DJ Mike C - twitch.tv⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣

ASTIG 2 Year Anniversary | A Fundraiser for Typhoon Survivors in the Philippines⠀ by Les Talusan

So stoked to be invited to participate in @astig.sound’s 2nd-year anniversary! @et_iv asked, so of course I’m down. I’ll be playing an all-vinyl set of Original Pilipino Music. Details below:⠀

ASTIG 2 Year Anniversary A fundraiser for typhoon survivors in the Philippines⠀
November 28, 2020, Saturday⠀
6PM (ET) / 3PM (PT) / 7AM (MNL/Sunday)⠀
TAP IN and FOLLOW: twitch.tv/astigsound

Join us as we enter another musical journey through the eras and genres of sounds from the Philippines & the diaspora. This lineup is special and believe us when we say you don’t want to miss this.⠀

Featuring sets by:⠀
@vexruffin8888
@parallel_uno
@lestalusan
@immuzikation
@tallteesound
@cocomachetz
#ovrrsrrr
@mister_rey.beats

Plus residents DJs:⠀
@et_iv
@joogmac
@djhellal
@lilthowwow

Donations will be collected during the stream and sent to @kidsforkidsph and to @sabokahan. Please visit their pages to find out more ways to support their efforts on the ground. Follow @astig.sound for more information about the event.

March Calendar Update by Les Talusan

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It’s Women’s History Month! Here’s where you’ll find me this March:

3/3 Combined Federal Campaign of the National Capital Area (CFCNCA)’s Finale and Awards Ceremony, representing Girls Rock! DC
3/5     Bahala Na at Eaton Radio (2-4PM)
3/9     National League of Cities Congressional City Conference
3/10   National League of Cities Congressional City Conference
3/11   Panel: Find Comfort in Uncomfortable Places at Arc'teryx (6-8PM)
3/12   Bahala Na at Eaton Radio (2-4PM) [CANCELLED]
3/12   NGA Nights: GRL PWR at the National Gallery of Art (6-9PM) [CANCELLED]
3/21   Smithsonian American Art Museum’s Cherry Blossom Family Celebration at the Kogod Courtyard (my slot is from 12:15-1:15PM) [CANCELLED]
3/21   Sister Sister at Showtime (10PM-2AM) [CANCELLED]
3/26   Bahala Na at Eaton Radio (2-4PM) [CANCELLED]
3/26 APALA Census Dance Party (8-10PM) [Virtual]
3/27   Allegory (10PM-2AM) [CANCELLED]
3/28 Neptune Room (10PM-2AM) [CANCELLED]

See you at one or more of these events 🌿

Photo: Mark Anthony Enriquez

Photo: Mark Anthony Enriquez

Mid-February Calendar Update by Les Talusan

Hello, mid-February! ✨

I’ll be on Eaton Radio this afternoon for Bahala Na. Tune in around 2PM via eatonworkshop.com/radio. Tomorrow, I’m playing French records all night at French Kisses at No Kisses for a light and love themed dance party. There will be drink specials and slices from Sonny’s Pizza and the best part is that it’s a fundraiser for Melanoma Research Foundation. Bring your partner(s), bring your friend(s) and celebrate Valentine’s Day with us ♡ 

Here’s the rest of my calendar. Come say hi!

2/4    NAIOP Chapter Merit Awards Celebration
2/6    Bahala Na at Eaton Radio (2-4PM)
2/8    Shelly and Laura’s Aqueerian Birthday BLOWOUT at Jackie Lee’s
2/13   Bahala Na at Eaton Radio (2-4PM)
2/14   French Kisses at No Kisses - a fundraiser for Melanoma Research Foundation (8PM-12AM)
2/22  Neon Dreams at Draft Punk Cebu w/ meesterenriqez, and Cebu City’s Popdaze, Stereomafia, B1B2 (9PM)
2/27  Bahala Na at Eaton Radio (2-4PM)
2/28  Allegory (10PM-2AM)
2/29 PRESENT TENSE: DC Punk and DIY, Right Now by Farrah Skeiky book release at Transformer (2-5PM)

October Calendar Update by Les Talusan

It’s Filipino American History Month!

How’s your October going so far? Mine’s been a bit contemplative.

I moved to the U.S. 20 years ago this month, painfully leaving everyone I know. I wanted to give Anak a good life. I think it worked out! Anak was able to join us a few years ago and now he’s a sophomore at the University of Washington. Community helped me survive and thrive in the past two decades. Thank you.

Tomorrow, I’m DJing at one of my most favorite museums in DC, the National Gallery of Art, from 6-9PM.

On Saturday afternoon, I’m DJing DC Punk Archive’s 5th Year Anniversary! I’m on at 2:30PM then CORIKY (Amy Farina - Ian MacKaye - Joe Lally) goes on at 4:00PM.

In commemoration of Filipino American History Month and with the help of my friends, I’m throwing us a FAHM Celebration on Saturday with one of the dopest rappers on earth, Ruby Ibarra.


Here’s where you hear me playing tunes the rest of the month:

10/3  Coach Diversity Institute Culture at Work | Symposium for Coaching in Diversity and Inclusion at the Newseum

10/10 Bahala Na at Eaton Radio (2-4PM)

10/10  NGA Nights: Art History Mysteries, After Hours at the National Gallery of Art (6-9PM)

10/11  Allegory (10PM-2AM)

10/12  DC Punk Archive 5th Anniversary Celebration

10/12  SULONG! A Filipinx American History Month Celebration w/ Ruby Ibarra at Wild Days (10PM)

10/17  Bahala Na at Eaton Radio (2-4PM)

10/17  DC Jobs With Justice "2019 I'll Be There Awards"

10/18  Pyramid Atlantic

10/18  Taking the P*ss - Goodbye To All That w/ The Kaiser at Marx Café (10PM-3AM)

SAMASAMA Presents: SULONG! A Filipinx American History Month Celebration by Les Talusan

Illustration: Michelle Chen

Illustration: Michelle Chen

SAMASAMA Presents:
SULONG! A Filipinx American History Month Celebration
Wild Days, Eaton DC | 1201 K St NW, Washington, DC 20005
October 12, 2019, Saturday, 11PM Doors, 21+
Eventbrite [FREE w/ RSVP] | FB

Ruby Ibarra
Wabi-Sabi Society
Marie Anamong Ramos
Les The DJ

Sulong means “push forward” in Tagalog. This event will highlight and celebrate Filipinx artists that are pushing the creative boundaries of traditional art and cultural performances. Featuring artwork by Ashley Dequilla.

SULONG! will kick the night off with inspiring and talented Filipinx artists and honor this year’s Filipino American National Historical Society’s FilAm History Month theme, “Pinay Visionaries: Filipina American Women”. Join us as we celebrate Pinays for their strength and contribution to the cultural landscape of America.

Special edition SULONG! and SAMASAMA gear hand screen printed by Soul & Ink available for purchase. Pre-order now and pick-up at the event.

* Many thanks to SAMASAMA’s community partners, Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance (APALA), Jamie Garcia, Andrea Kim Neighbors and to the Eaton/Wild Days for hosting us.


October 1991 marked the United States' first Filipino American History Month (FAHM). This month commemorates the major contribution of Filipino American early identity in the US. SAMASAMA is honoring FAHM for its efforts of encouraging diverse narratives through art, food, and culture.

August Calendar Update by Les Talusan

Illustration: Katrin Davis

Illustration: Katrin Davis

How’s your summer going so far? It was so nice this evening at Fort Reno. The last show of the season is on Monday, 8/5. Hope to see you there!

My friend and co-DJ instructor at Girls Rock! DC, DJ Zombie and I are hosting a DJ 101 Workshop at Slash Run on 9/1. Please join us! Register here for yourself or for a friend.


Here’s where you’ll hear me playing tunes this month:

8/1 Bahala Na at Eaton Radio (2-4PM)

8/4 JALSA: A Muslim Writers Salon [2019 Asian American Literature Festival] at Wild Days (2:30-4PM) - Register

8/8 Bahala Na at Eaton Radio (2-4PM)

8/8 Panel: First Ladies to Anthology of Booty: Women’s DJ Collectives in the District of Columbia w/ Allison Wolfe at Lost Origins Gallery (7-9PM)

8/9 Allegory (10PM-2AM)

8/10 GR!DC End of Summer Celebration! (1-4PM)

8/15 Bahala Na at Eaton Radio (2-4PM)

8/16 Taking The Piss “A Night of Good Music” at Marx Café (10PM-2AM)

8/22 Bahala Na at Eaton Radio (2-4PM)

8/23 Caz’s Underground Party at Marx Café (10PM-2AM)

8/29 Bahala Na at Eaton Radio (2-4PM)

8/30 Punk Soul Sisters at Showtime (10PM-2AM)


A little something special for September:

9/1 Beats & Burgers: DJ 101 with Les The DJ and DJ Zombie at Slash Run - Register

June Calendar Update by Les Talusan

Hi, it’s June! Catch me playing tunes this month ✨

6/11  Rent the Runway “Sip & Style” at Sonoma Wine Bar (5-7PM)

6/21  Taking The Piss “A Night of Good Music” at Marx Café (10PM-2AM)

6/22  America Now: Celebration of Music at the National Museum of American History (11AM-1PM) - Tickets

6/22  Community Weekend: Celebrating The Life of Animals in Japanese Art at the National Gallery of Art (5-8PM) - RSVP

6/22  By The People International Arts and Dialogue Festival “Solstice Saturday” at the Smithsonian’s Arts + Industries Building (9-11PM)

6/23  Community Weekend: Celebrating The Life of Animals in Japanese Art at the National Gallery of Art (11AM-5PM) - RSVP

6/30  Workshop: Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center Presents Likha: A Learning Together Workshop on Creative Process w/ Ruby Ibarra for youth ages 14-19 (12-3PM) - Register

6/30 The DC Record Fair Summer 2019 Edition at Eaton DC (4-5PM)


See you soon!


May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month by Les Talusan

Illustration: Katrin Davis

Illustration: Katrin Davis

Happy AAPIHM!

We are celebrating by creating new traditions and building community through art with our 3rd Annual SAMASAMA Art Show and Gathering! Join us tonight at Shopkeepers for the opening reception. I will also be curating an all-vinyl set of music by Asian/Asian American and Pacific Islander artists ✨

When I’m not DJing weddings or taking photos, here’s where I’ll be playing tunes:

5/1  SAMASAMA Opening Reception at Shopkeepers

5/2  Bahala Na Radio at Eaton Hotel

5/2 The KGB at Compass Spring Party for Friends and Clients at Gaslight Tavern

5/3  Petworth First Fridays at Petworth Fitness

5/9  Bahala Na Radio at Eaton Hotel

5/14 Power Your Day with Rent the Runway at Compass Coffee McPherson Square (8-11AM)

5/15 Power Your Day with Rent the Runway at Compass Coffee Chinatown (8-11AM)

5/16 Power Your Day with Rent the Runway at Compass Coffee Farragut (8-11AM)

5/16  Bahala Na Radio at Eaton Hotel

5/17 Power Your Day with Rent the Runway at Compass Coffee Georgetown (3-6PM)

5/17  Taking The Piss w/ The Kaiser at Marx Café

5/18 Power Your Day with Rent the Runway at Compass Coffee Spring Valley (8-11AM)

5/19  SAMASAMA Family Day at Shopkeepers

5/23  Bahala Na Radio at Eaton Hotel

5/24  All Night at Allegory

5/25  SAMASAMA Closing Reception at Shopkeepers

5/26  Movie/Brunch: Better Luck Tomorrow at Slash Run

5/28 Presentation: Harmony Hills Elementary School Career Day

5/30  Bahala Na Radio at Eaton Hotel

5/30 Midnight Driver at Black Cat

5/31  Punk Soul Sisters w/ Sally Go Round at Showtime Bar

SAMASAMA Art Show & Gathering Schedule of Events by Les Talusan

* Flyer image painted by Henley Bounkhong

* Flyer image painted by Henley Bounkhong

Foreign National and Batang Kankaloo present the 3rd Annual SAMASAMA Art Show & Gathering. Founded in 2016 to honor Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in May, this exhibition will present original work by artists of color from diaspora communities.

The term SAMASAMA means all together in Tagalog. The theme of the exhibit is Bayanihan, a Filipino custom derived from the Tagalog word bayan, meaning community. It refers to the spirit of communal unity, work, and cooperation to achieve a particular goal.

AAPI communities are rich in tradition and heritage, but tread quietly in the modern-day conversation of nuanced diversity. America's relationships and identities are more complex today than ever, uncovering layers of untold and underrepresented narratives. These differences are encouraged, celebrated, and is the foundation of supporting, and understanding one another's cross-cultural connections.

This year, SAMASAMA will continue its tradition of donating a portion of proceeds for all art sold to local organization Asian American LEAD (AALEAD). In support for the tireless work that they do for our youth. Please tag and follow us on IG @samasamaart and use the hashtag #SAMASAMAART2019 to view our activities throughout the month and share our artists’ powerful work!

OFFICIAL 2019 ARTIST LIST


SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:
Donations will be accepted at the door (suggested $5-20 donation), 15% of art sales will be donated to Asian American LEAD (AALEAD), a non-profit that supports low-income and underserved Asian Pacific American youth. All events will be held at Shopkeepers except for the movie showing on May 26th, which will be at Slash Run.

May 1 | OPENING RECEPTION | 6:00-9:00PM | RSVP
To kick off the month-long celebration, please join us for an evening of art and atmosphere. Featuring food by Maketto and Aiya, Kicheko Goods and SAMASAMA artists’ pop-up shop, live painting by Cita Sadeli CHELOVE and Maria Miller, live screen printing by Soul & Ink and Les The DJ, curating an all-vinyl set of Asian and AAPI music.

May 18 | KUNG FU 101 | 11:00AM-12:00PM | RSVP
Kung Fu, or sometimes referred to as Wushu, is a system of self-defense that is based on developing and improving the mind and body to efficiently function as one. Wong People has been in Washington, DC's Chinatown since 1971 and will be leading a free Kung-Fu 101 session. Open to all ages.

May 19 | STENCIL, CALLIGRAPHY, BOOKMAKING + POP-UP LIBRARY | 2:00-5:30PM | RSVP
Join our family-friendly event at Shopkeepers for a series of fun workshops where kids can make books, learn stenciling, Chinese calligraphy, and brush painting! Miss Chelove will be live printing (with prints and other items available for purchase). The pop-up art market will be open. Check the times below for each activity. Enjoy all-vinyl set by Les The DJ, in the cafe space. Food and beverage by Maketto will be available for purchase.

2:00-5:00PM | Make Books/Read Books with DCPL
Drop by anytime between 2-5:00PM at the DC Public Library table to make your own mini field journal, customized with imagery from DCPL's local history and punk archive collections. DCPL will also bring a pop-up library of books by Asian American and Pacific Islander authors, so bring your library card!

2:00-3:30PM | Stencil/Poster Workshop by Shani Shih
Join Shani Shih for a workshop on expressing identity, values, and vision through stencil art on a poster format. Participants will learn how to create stencils of various levels of complexity, and ultimately create a unique 11x17 poster with a combination of painting, typography, and image and pattern stencils. Stencils will be applied with spray paint outdoors.

4:00-5:30PM | Chinese Calligraphy and Brush Painting with Michelle Chen
Join us for an introduction to Chinese calligraphy workshop, open to all ages. Students will use traditional brushes and ink to write Chinese characters, and will have the opportunity to try different styles, such as standard, seal, and running script. We will also discuss some of the history and cultural significance of calligraphy. Rice paper, ink, and brushes will be provided.

May 25 | CLOSING RECEPTION | 4:00-7:00PM | RSVP
Please join us for our closing reception with The Color Curtain Project book release, live activations by Miss Chelove, Shani Shih and Michelle Chen, a pop-up art market and powerful performances, including a traditional Cambodian dance demo by Sadira and a contemporary Filipino folk dance by Jamie Garcia. It will be an evening full of delicious food provided by Maketto and Citizen Cook. Citizen Cook realizes Wilma Consul’s vision of making food that creates awareness about wellness, sustainability, and diversity. The chef will offer Filipino merienda (mid-afternoon snacks), adding rice plates at 5:00PM. The dishes can be enjoyed to the all-vinyl set of Asian and AAPI music curated by Les The DJ.

May 26 | BRUNCH MOVIE: BETTER LUCK TOMORROW AT SLASH RUN | 11:00AM-3:00PM | RSVP
Celebrate the end of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month with us at Slash Run, a local burger joint, with a movie and brunch presented by Batang Kankaloo & Parle-G Baby! We'll watch Justin Lin's “Better Luck Tomorrow”, enjoy Slash Run's tasty brunch menu, and listen to all-vinyl jams by Les The DJ, before and after the movie.


For all the events, donations will be accepted at the door (suggested $5-20 donation), 15% of art sales will be donated to Asian American LEAD (AALEAD). Pay what you can, no one turned away.

We could not have produced this show without the pure passion, hard work, and dedication of our artists, AAPI community, and supportive allies. We hope you can check out any of our events to view their talent and craft. There's something for everyone. RSVP at bit.ly/2019samasama.

Evenings at the Edge: Our Art, Our Time by Les Talusan

This Thursday, I’ll be DJing at one of my most favorite museums in DC. Come say hi!

Evenings at the Edge
National Gallery of Art, East Building
Thursday, April 11
6-9PM | Free w/ RSVP

Here’s information about the event from the National Gallery of Art:

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Celebrate the art of our time in the East Building and get a sneak peek at the Gallery’s new exhibition "Oliver Lee Jackson: Recent Paintings" before it opens.

- Hear performances by The Marty Ehrlich Quintet and TRIO 3, featuring Oliver Lake, Reggie Workman, and Andrew Cyrille

- Enjoy an eclectic blend of jazz, jazz-funk and other off-kilter tunes from Les the DJ

- Light up the night with a handmade luminary

- Join pop-up talks featuring works of art created in the last half century

As part of our ongoing Teaching Artists Showcase, DC-based artist Tsedaye Makonnen will display her work and share processes and materials related to her teaching artist practice.

Admission to Evenings at the Edge is free, but registration is recommended. Register through Eventbrite through this link.

Learn more about Evenings at the Edge: nga.gov/evenings

FB Event Link: https://www.facebook.com/events/374009363441439/

Oliver Lee Jackson, Triptych, 2015, 2015, applied fabric, mixed media on panel, photo by Philip Maisel

Oliver Lee Jackson, Triptych, 2015, 2015, applied fabric, mixed media on panel, photo by Philip Maisel

Punk Soul Sisters at Pyramid Atlantic's HyBall Fundraiser by Les Talusan

Punk Soul Sisters are playing tunes at Pyramid Atlantic’s annual nontraditional fundraiser! Expect love songs, anti-love songs and heartbreak songs all on vinyl!

Here’s information about the event from Pyramid Atlantic:

WHAT: The HyBall is Pyramid Atlantic’s nontraditional fundraiser! It’s quirky, immersive... and NOT BORING! DJs (that’s us)! Silent Auction! Drinks! Hands-On Making! Photo Ops! Chocolate! We expect 200+ attendees!

WHEN: Saturday, February 9, 8–11pm

WHY: Raise funds for Pyramid Atlantic’s facility and equipment!

THEME: This year’s HyBall theme is “Heartbreaker.” This inclusive Valentine-themed fundraiser celebrates the love/hate relationship people have with the holiday. Grab the paddles and get ready to yell "clear!," 'cause Pyramid's nontraditional fundraiser tackles Valentine’s Day, and your heart may not be able to take it. Whether you find this holiday sweet or saccharine, we've got you covered. Get dirty in our studios to create sincere or sarcastic valentine swag. Keep the blood pumping as DJs fight to win your heart. See some action in our silent auction full of quirky, flirty items and experiences. Seek advice from "the love doctor," or heck, get married ... she's licensed. Tempt yourself with bars of all kinds ... boozy and chocolatey. Fly solo or bring your valentines, gal-entines, and pal-entines. We don't judge. All proceeds benefit the programs and facilities of Pyramid Atlantic.

Show your love, and be there!

TICKETS: $40

FB Event Link: https://www.facebook.com/events/346198899310011/

Punk Soul Sisters: January 2019 Edition by Les Talusan

Punk Soul Sisters returns to Showtime Bar to bring you another night of vinyl-fueled tunes spanning soul, garage, rock and roll, and post-punk, guaranteed to get you to shimmy and shake all evening long.

Brought to you by:
Les The DJ
Sally Go Round
DJ Laura Lopez

Punk Soul Sisters
Showtime Lounge 113 Rhode Island Ave NW
Saturday, January 26
10pm-2:30am | No Cover
all-vinyl, all night!

FB Event Link: https://www.facebook.com/events/745502295820756/

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​​C’est Chic Capricorn Disco by Les Talusan

Get ready to boogie down at the first C'est Chic Disco of 2019 at Marx Cafe. Resident DJs will be spinning an all-vinyl set comprised of disco, boogie, funk, and soul all night long!

Needle drops at 10PM, no cover!

C’est Chic Disco
Marx Cafe 3203 Mt Pleasant St NW
Saturday, January 12 
10pm-2:00am | No Cover
all-vinyl, all night!

FB Event Link: https://www.facebook.com/events/323056925208069/?ti=ia

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New Year's Eve Danceteria at Slash Run! by Les Talusan

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Ring in the new year with Punk Soul Sisters and friends as we bring you a night of vinyl-fueled tunes spanning soul, garage, rock and roll, new wave and post-punk, guaranteed to get you to shimmy and shake all evening long.

Punk Soul Sisters New Year’s Eve Danceteria!
Slash Run 201 Upshur St. NW
Monday, December 31
9:00pm-1:30am | No Cover
all-vinyl, all night!

FB Event Link: https://www.facebook.com/events/244472122902898/?ti=ia

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