Every once in a while, you get involved with an non-profit organization that you can't speak highly enough about.  Kollaboration was that organization for me.  Started in 2000, Kollaboration was a small show held at the USC Bovard Theatre with only a few hundred attendees.  Today, 6300 people rush for tickets to the Shrine Auditorium to get a chance to see some big names in entertainment for their 10th annual show.  Primarily started as a Korean American organization, it has since branched out to become a Asian Pacific Island (API) Organization with people helping out from communities and cultures from around the world.  This year, marks their first time that 10 cities will be hosting their own events including Atlanta, Toronto, San Francisco, Houston, Tulsa, New York, Seattle, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Washington DC.  Videos from past events have popped up on Youtube and other video viral websites with combined views of over 20 MILLION times.  These talented performers have broken through into the industry and some might even say they owe it all to Kollaboration.

With dancers, singers, musicians, and comedians all competing and performing, Kollaboration is always a hit no matter who's on the list.  Some past performers have included Boa, David Elsewhere, Fanny Pak, Kaba Modern, Jane Lui, Paul Dateh, Team Milenia, Jo Koy, Quest, Roscoe Umali, Colby O'Donis, Darren Carter, Kevin Shea, and many more. 

For Kollaboration 10, the performances were amazing as always.  Bhangra Empire danced a colorful and fun Bollywood routine.  Sam Hart sang his funny and original Mario Kart love song which has been viewed on YouTube over 4 Million times. Paul Jisung Kim beatboxed and looped his vocals with an amazed crowd staring and cheering on. Clara sang a wonderful piece and played guitar with beauty and grace.  Jason Yang played his unique soundless electric violin, as electronic beats played in the background as the crowd clapped along.  Other competitors included Will Volume on guitar and vocals as well as Mike & Alfa on guitar and vocals, both with equally talented performances.  Mixed into this talented list, other special guest performers entertained the packed crowd like comedian Rex Navarrete, dancers from America's Best Dance Crew We Are Hereos, the Dancers of Prepix from Korea, Hip Hop artist Pigeon John, R&B singer and New York Kollaboration winner Vudoo Soul opened the night to screams and cheers.  A funny film by Just Kidding Films played on the big screen and Oprah Winfrey Show winner Abraham McDonald sang loud as his dream of performing at the Shrine came true.  Also towards the end of the show, ANBU Black Ops dancers performed an amazing story telling dance routine with perfectly choreographed music and style.  The guest judges of Kev Jumba, Rex Lee, Joesph Kahn, Lisa Ling, Michelle Phan, Nita Song, and Patty Yoon were in for a challenge.  But at the top of the list, Clara's singing and guitar playing rose to the top as Kollaboration 10's big $2000 winner.  Runner up was Bhangra Empire's amazing dancers taking home $1000 and Verizon's Viewers choice award went to the Violin playing of Jason Yang.  An eventful night as things headed into the afterparty where Jinro Soju and Hite beer were given out for free until Midnight.

Also announced was creator Paul "PK" Kim's decision to step down from Kollaboration's Executive Director position this year to focus more on his stand up comedy career.  With a sad but accomplished decision, a final video of fond farewells and appreciation went out to PK from just a small sample of people he's helped over the years.  PK will greatly be missed as his inspiration and dedication to the Asian Entertainment community is 2nd to none.  PK has inspired many people to follow their dreams.  Myself included, as he has even helped me advance in my photography career outside of wedding photography.  Without his connection to KoreAm journal, I would have never had gotten a subscription, known about their cover Contest, and would have never entered and won my first published Magazine Cover.  Thank you PK for helping me to connect with my community more.

And thank you to the hard working staff of Kollaboration.  Christine's full time efforts and Roy's leadership are also a HUGE part in the success of Kollaboration.  That with the tons of volunteers that help out for every show, makes Kollaboation a proven fact that the Asian American community is there to support each other.  With that, new friends and connections have been made, which makes joining Kollaboration a recommended activity for all.  Congrats to the staff and performers of Kollaboration 10!!!

With 10 years of outstanding entertainment, Kollaboration 10 started with a bang at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, California.  5000 fans came to watch the amazing singers, dancers, musicians, and comedians perform for the top prize of $2000, with $1000 2nd place and a $1000 Verizon viewers choice award.  With talented performances by all, Clara Chung came out victorious, voted by the celebrity judges of Lisa Ling, Kev Jumba, Patty Yoon, Michelle Phan, and more!!

Kollaboration is a non-profit organization that holds an annual event and movement produced by young Asian and Pacific Islander professionals and students, volunteering their time and skills to celebrate the vast talents of their community and hopefully bring them into the mainstream.  Currently there are 10 nationwide Kollaboration shows from New York to Seattle as well as including other cities such as Tulsa, Houston, and Atlanta.

For more information please check out www.kollaboration.org.

Congratulations Clara Chung!!!

More photos to come....

Bob called me and wanted to see about getting headshots for a role of a "young dad."  Looking for quick locations, we decided just to shoot at the Madison campus of Santa Monica College at the Broad Theater.  Plenty of open shade, simple backgrounds, and great light.  With naturally great eyes, Bob and I spent a quick 1 hour session around the area and got some great photos.  Bob seems perfect for the role and the look, so good luck to you and all your future auditions.

10-10-10

As engaged couples flock to the flower store on Valentine's day, many also find themselves near jewelry shops, Tiffany's, and a few other expensive windows displays.  Because this year marks an important date that many won't want to miss.  October 10th, 2010 will be a lucky date not only for anyone into numerology, but for many couples in love.  One such couple will be yours truly!  That's right, as many of you have heard, I am engaged and plan on getting married on 10-10-10.  My venue has been booked, caterer set, and the remaining wedding day items have started to fall into place.  I just want to thank everyone for their support and best wishes, as Allison and I couldn't be happier.

With the excitement coming up, I couldn't be happier to spend the rest of my life with anyone else.  Allison is the perfect person for me as our 2 years of dating has finally turned into a promise that will last a lifetime.  I proposed in Tahoe after a perfect day of skiing, hot tubbing, walking near the lake, and an amazing dinner.  10-10-10 has now been taken off my calendar as possible days for anyone to hire me, and even though two inquiries have already come in, I had to gladly pass them on.  Some things are just more important, and my wedding is definitely going to be one of them!!  Cheers to all and can't wait to see everyone there!!!

I have had a dream of having one of my photos on the cover of a magazine.  I am now close to that dream.  I would appreciate any votes towards my photo at the website below.

http://iamkoream.com/koream-cover-contest/

The theme was about Third Generation Korean Americans and having a cover that best illustrates that topic.  Are they Korean, American, or both?  What do they eat, listen to, speak, know about the heritage.  I felt the best and most impact was through a photo that showed a Korean on the inside, but an American flag layer on the outside.

Thanks for all of your support!!  You can vote Daily!!  Spread the word!!  Contest ends Feb 12th, Friday!!!!

UPDATE: I WON!!!  Thanks to everyone for their support and votes!  You all really pulled through and helped me win my first Magazine cover.  Thank you.  The issue comes out in May, along with a short artist bio and photo inside.  Their estimated circulation is around 45,000 magazines, so I'm going to try to get a bunch for those who helped me out.  Thank you again!!