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!!!