Great Leap celebrates 20 years July 17

Great Leap, Inc., one of the oldest Asian American arts organizations in the country, in association with the Los Angeles City Human Relations Commission and the Japanese American Cultural and Community Center presents Great Leap's 20 years of art and community with "To All Relations '98," a gala concert on Friday, July 17, 1998 at 8:00 p.m. at the Japan America Theatre. TO ALL RELATIONS is the translation from the ancient Native American greeting "Mitakuye Oyasin." This concert will blend the power of song, and the sharing of story and dance in an offering to bring the world family together.

Featured will be a rare appearance by the legendary Asian American trio, Chris Iijima, Nobuko and "Charlie" Chin, reuniting to share songs from their seminal album, "A Grain of Sand," which has just been re-released on CD with Bindu Records. Also on the program is a dynamic collection of artists including Lauren Tom, Dan Kwong, Shishir Kurup, Bob Devin Jones, Louise Mita Jung, Sybil Desta, Paulina Sahagun, Calvin Jung, Young-Ae Park and Arlene Malinowski, performing a delicious medley of stories that reflect the Asian, Latino and African American experience in "A Slice of Rice, Frijoles & Greens." Special musical guests include Derek Nakamoto, Francis Awe, Nigerian talking drum master, June Kuramoto, Johnny Mori and Danny Yamamoto of Hiroshima, and more.

In the past twenty years Great Leap has created and presented original works about Asian America and the multi-cultural experience in over 400 venues throughout the United States. Great Leap was founded by artistic director Nobuko Miyamoto, one of the early voices to emerge from the Asian American cultural movement. A veteran of stage and films, Nobuko appeared in the landmark Broadway musical "Flower Drum Song" and films "West Side Story" and "King and I." Nobuko's music and choreography were part of "Karate Kid II" and her current album, "To All Relations" was released on Bindu Records in 1997. Great Leap is now collaborating with Bindu to produce multi-cultural music and children's projects.

TO ALL RELATIONS '98, a concert of song, story, and dance to be presented one night only, Friday, July 17, 1998 at 8:00 p.m. at the Japan America Theatre, 244 S. San Pedro Street in Little Tokyo. General admission: $20. Student, senior, group and JACCC member discounts available. For tickets, contact the Japan America Theatre box office at (213) 680-3700. For general information about Great Leap, Inc., call (310) 264-6696.

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