Commemorating AAPI Heritage Month, creative catalyst and producer Courtney Ozaki of the Japanese Arts Network presents a multimedia version of AMPLIFY. This AMPLIFY series begins with multiple videos highlighting the work of Asian American artists and culminates in a live event featuring performances and a panel discussion with artists.
Encompassing music, dance and a wide variety of art forms, this AMPLIFY series explores the deep impact of AAPI artists on the cultural landscape of Colorado and the country. Join us on May 27 for an evening of discussion and live performance, as well as a screening of the multimedia video series!
AMPLIFY is a series of live performances that amplify voices that have not traditionally been heard - at the Center or beyond.
FEATURED ARTISTS:
Kimberly Ming - Performer & public speaker
Kimberly Ming's artistry spans from neo-soul and hip hop to multimedia production. Her cultural background as a Puerto Rican and Chinese woman have been major influences in her intention to bridge gaps between people and traumas of the soul. Kimberly has performed on the stages such as Momma's Hip Hop Kitchen to local Denver stages and will be soon be doing a country wide tour. Influences of her work include Akua Naru, Erykah Badu, Jill Scott, and Macy Gray.
Margaret Ozaki-Graves - Soprano & cultural consultant
Active soloist in opera, concert and musical theatre
Education Coordinator, Central City Opera Education Department
Education and Cultural Consulting Work: Central City Opera 2019 Festival Season, Japanese Arts Network (JA-NE), Denver Immersive Opera, SNATS
Akemi Tsutsui-Kunitake - Illustrator
Akemi Tsutsui-Kunitake is a third and fourth generation, mixed-race Japanese American artist based in Denver, Colorado. Her pen and ink works mix themes of Japanese folklore with Western mysticism. Her artwork taps into her passion surrounding the intersectionality of cultural tradition, ancestral tradition and modern identity.
Han Nguyen - Dancer and Film-maker
Han was born and raised in Denver, Colorado and began dancing at the age of 13. His ever-expanding knowledge of dance originates from his passion to develop himself as an individual, as well as his passion to help others reach their greatest potential. His choreography experience comes from being a lead choreographer for the national hip-hop team, Academy of Raw, and his dance and choreography have contributed to non-profit organizations such as Heritage Camp for Adoptive Families, Relay for Life, and Junior Achievement.