It was fashioned after the Sulu series in New York, which (after 5 years) had its final show this past September, which one of Sulu DC's founders, Simone Jacobson, blogged about for the Lantern Review.
Simone, incidentally, is a classmate, not just from my time in UMD's Dance program, but AU's Arts Management program as well.
I actually got to speak and present some of my own work (via DVD), at a Sulu DC event sometime this past spring, at U St Music Hall. Tonight, I was invited but had to turn down the spot. Instead, I offered to volunteer and ended up being Simone's Assistant Stage Manager.
For the One Year Anniversary show, Sulu DC returned to the Artisphere, where it had its October show, but which had also recently opened. While there's no official website, you can "like" the venue's Facebook Page.
Before the actual event even started, audience members were treated during the pre-show reception in the lobby, to beats dropped by The Pinstriped Rebel, and a performance by members of the Dhoonya Dance Performance Company.
As the audience made their ways to the seats, the Nen Daiko drummers welcomed them.
After this, our fabulous MC, Regie Cabico, spoken word poet and co-founder of Sulu DC & Sulu Series (NYC), entered, singing in true Filipino/karaoke form to Don't Rain on My Parade.
He welcomed the audience and introduced the next performance, Paige Hernandez, who presented excerpts from her one woman show, Paige in Full. You can actually catch the full piece as part of Intersections at the Atlas Performing Arts Center, in March (2011).
Awards were then presented, the Audience and Community Partner, followed by a high-energy performance by PaperDoll recently returned from a tour in China, which featured a performance at this year's World Expo, which closed out the first half of the evening.
After intermission, Phil Good Band kicked of the second act (you can check out their FB Page). The Artist of the Year award was then handed to Yellow Rage, who, as part of their acceptance, were then prompted to honor us with a performance, which was most excellent.
Gayle Isa, the guest speaker for the evening, and Founder & Executive Director of the Asian Arts Initiative took the stage to share some words and thanks, followed by an intense performance by slam poet Beau Sia.
The final pair of awards were handed out, for Arts Education of the Year, and Community Contribution.
Overall an excellent night, and an amazing one given that it's only been a year and I can remember attending the first Sulu DC event in a church basement. In addition Simone & Kuya Regie, props have to go to Jenny C. Lares, Alex Cena, & Brian Wang.
Looking forward to seeing what the next year brings!!
J Street Jr
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