[May 13] NORTHERN CA: Panel Discussion: The Next Generation – Asian American Comedians

Asian American Now, The Next Generation: Asian American Comedians
Asian American comedians like Margaret Cho and Dat Phan have now become household names. But has mainstream exposure changed the perceptions and interpretations of Asian Americans in stand-up comedy? How do comics play off or subvert audience expectations and media-driven stereotypes? And how do these stereotypes, and comics’ personal identities, shape their material, performances, and careers?

Speakers:

Oanh Ha (moderator) of KQED Radio has reported on Asian American issues and Asia for the last decade. Her stories have explored the impact of globalization and the connections between Asia and America – from venture capital to Korean hip hop. Her stories have also appeared in the Wall Street Journal, Newsday, and the Orange County Register.

Tina Kim started her comedy career in New York City. Since then, she has sold out her self-produced shows in venues across America. Tina blends her humor with stories about her wacky Korean family, dating, dieting, and much more. She has recently been featured on CNN, VH-1, Comics Unleashed and the Style Network.

Samson Koletkar was born and raised in Mumbai and now lives in San Francisco. His comedy offers a unique perspective on life as an Indian Jew in the West. His observations are refreshingly new and turn existing stereotypes on their head. Samson’s comedy often echoes the voice of the seldom-heard first-generation immigrants.

Edwin Li began working as a comedian at the age of 16. Since then, his earnestness and shameless curiosity have made him a favorite with comedy veterans and club owners alike. His rambunctious new set is a portrait of the wild, untamed energy of a young American man.

Darby Li Po Price, Ph.D. teaches Asian American and Ethnic Studies at Laney College in Oakland. His Ph.D. thesis at UC Berkeley focused on multiracial comedians. Darby received a Telly Award for his PBS documentary Crossing the Line: Multiracial Comedians.

Co-sponsored by Asian Pacific Islander Cultural Center (APICC), Center for Asian American Media, Hyphen magazine, and Kearny Street Workshop.