tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-85866882011-06-07T23:37:15.103-07:00John Murrellnoreply@blogger.comBlogger1611100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8586688.post-1118100378112404772005-06-06T16:25:00.000-07:002005-06-06T16:26:18.120-07:00

In an effort consolidate all the blogs at the Mercury News - my blog will now be hosted here.It'll offer more bang for yer buck!

Marianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00426619630572654218noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8586688.post-1117825496717826212005-06-03T11:54:00.000-07:002005-06-03T12:09:31.173-07:00

Thank goodness it's Friday!Before I go into what spots are hot this weekend, here's some more serious thoughts.Ch-check out the site: http://postsecret.blogspot.comIt's a sobering site, an "ongoing community art project where people mail-in their secrets anonymously on one side of a homemade postcard."Many of the secrets are very dark, things you would even hesitate to tell your therapist - like

Marianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00426619630572654218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8586688.post-1117745270362330682005-06-02T13:18:00.000-07:002005-06-02T18:04:58.496-07:00

Recently hip-hop journalist Davey D pointed out the controversy MTV is stirring up when they put out a top ten of all-time hip-hop album list - because it begs the question - What is hip-hop? Social commentary? Gangsta rap? Political strife?With hip-hop now a global phenomenon over 30 years old - the age and hometown of the list-maker must be taken into account as well.This is MTV's list:10

Marianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00426619630572654218noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8586688.post-1117657328155249332005-06-01T12:45:00.000-07:002005-06-02T11:56:46.653-07:00

Last night, I caught the opening night of "the Mambo Kings" musical.Sitting across from me in the next aisle was none other than Sean Penn and Naomi Campbell. I don't know why they were together but they were. Penn wore a smoky dark suit complete with a little goatee. And, Campbell wore a flowy black dress.I saw nothing that would make wife Robin Wright mad, but Campbell was drop-dead gorgeous. (

Marianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00426619630572654218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8586688.post-1117571155805654242005-05-31T13:17:00.000-07:002005-06-01T00:42:17.600-07:00

This weekend, I ate a LOT and relaxed.But with last week's busyness, I didn't get a chance to talk about how I listened to John Cho speak in San Francisco.One thing he said really struck me. As a second-generation immigrant whose parents came from Korea, he described his parents as "cowboys," who came to the US for a better life, who came knowing nothing, not even the language of this future home

Marianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00426619630572654218noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8586688.post-1117241399434119372005-05-27T15:22:00.000-07:002005-05-27T17:54:10.063-07:00

I caught a preview of Madagascar on Tuesday. I laughed through the whole thing.Now Mercury News movie critic Bruce Newman said the film was meant for kids, not for their parents - but being a kid at heart, I loved it. True, it wasn't the same kind of fun as "The Incredibles" with its dark humor - but it was good clean fun.The animals were funny and could be easily transformed to merchandise. (

Marianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00426619630572654218noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8586688.post-1117134924737741552005-05-26T11:27:00.000-07:002005-05-26T21:07:12.700-07:00

Bomb Veinte surprised me. (Here's a link to my review.) Usually radio shows are filled with chaos and bad sound quality, but this one was better produced.Check out these links: my review recorded interviews of artists from backstage a photo slide show I was the ONLY reporter allowed backstage, so here are some moments from the night, some actually quite funny: I bopped D-Roc from the

Marianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00426619630572654218noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8586688.post-1117059332182771952005-05-25T14:52:00.000-07:002005-05-26T12:18:50.650-07:00

R. Kelly has devised this musical drama called "Trapped In The Closet."There are five chapters. Two are out, and I've been hanging on the edge of my seat to find out the full story.Chapter 1: A man meets a woman in a club and they get it on. He finds himself in her bed the next morning but she won't let him leave because her husband has just come home. The man hides in the closet. The

Marianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00426619630572654218noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8586688.post-1116969289254009652005-05-24T14:11:00.000-07:002005-05-25T12:21:53.716-07:00

Ch-check out my story today on Jill Scott. (Here's the link.) She was lovely to interview and made an interesting comment about the image of women in videogames like Tekken.As for this last weekend, I checked out the Peking Opera version of Macbeth. I wasn't sure what to expect and only had their descriptions to go on - like the backdrop of Scotland was exchanged for the warring period of Ancient

Marianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00426619630572654218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8586688.post-1116967397129656842005-05-24T13:25:00.000-07:002005-05-24T13:59:50.553-07:00

It took me several listens to like the Gorillaz sophomore album "Demon Days." Their first single off their album "Feel Good Inc." was the same way. It wasn't until I saw their slick animated video (click link for the video) and saw how "Feel Good Inc." was paired with an iPod commercial (clink link for commercial), that I started to feel it.The virtual hip-hop group's gimmick this time around is

Marianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00426619630572654218noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8586688.post-1116895984080050902005-05-23T17:48:00.000-07:002005-05-23T18:14:19.490-07:00

Check back tomorrow when I'll be reviewing the new Common and Gorillaz albums. I liked both, but was a bit disappointed with the attitude change in Gorillaz. The Gorillaz cartoon crew sound like they have grown up, but have lost a lot of the happy naivete I loved them for the first time.

Marianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00426619630572654218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8586688.post-1116886311975871142005-05-23T14:58:00.000-07:002005-05-23T15:19:15.453-07:00

Hope everyone had a great weekend. Highlights from my weekend were: John Cho and a Peking Opera version of Macbeth, but more on that later.Today, ch-check out my story on Natalie, (Here is the two of us talking on the rooftop of Universal Music and Video Distribution. The rooftop overlooks all of San Francisco.)She's one of the artists in the line-up for Wednesday's 94.9 Bomb Veinte concert (

Marianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00426619630572654218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8586688.post-1116629406484004032005-05-20T15:46:00.000-07:002005-05-20T18:21:24.570-07:00

Ch-check out my story today in Eye on Alicia Keys.Truthfully, that girl has the most beautiful voice. If I was a guy I would have been smitten already!She was getting over a cold that day, but wow, she was smokin'!Ch-check out what to do this weekend...SATURDAYMango KingzWHERE: Raging Waters, 2333 S White Rd., San JoseWHEN: Sat. all day 5/21TIX: $40; Gabe @ (408) 590 - 4295WHY: Drinks, prizes,

Marianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00426619630572654218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8586688.post-1116529688768365182005-05-19T11:58:00.000-07:002005-06-01T13:22:55.923-07:00

Ch-check out my story today on the Mandarin Macbeth. It's a Peking Opera version of the famous Shakespeare play.For the story I chatted with director Wu Hsing-Kuo as he rode from his lecture at San Francisco State to a local Chinese restaurant.The man, probably in his 40s (he wouldn't say, only that he could play anyone from age 16 to 60) was really unassuming. While he played these extravagant

Marianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00426619630572654218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8586688.post-1116447034784645932005-05-18T13:01:00.000-07:002005-05-18T13:19:37.336-07:00

Did anybody get the chance to ch-check out Britney's new reality show?Somehow, I can make it through Jessica and Ashlee Simpsons', even the Barkers, but I wasn't so enthused about Britney.I interviewed her at a teleconference before her last tour, The Onyx Hotel. She came off as a bit of a ditz.I asked: Your past pastor has denounced your recent activities, what is your response?Her answer was

Marianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00426619630572654218noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8586688.post-1116375157440949522005-05-17T17:05:00.000-07:002005-05-17T17:14:10.766-07:00

I spoke with Jill Scott yesterday. She was a good sport, even though she had a bad case of food poisoning - bad fish - and got hives. I told her I hope the rest of the Bay Area food treats you better - she laughed.What I liked about her is that she was grounded, "obedient" as she called it - and has a healthy sense of balance in her life.She also gave me a good tip on writer's block - instead of

Marianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00426619630572654218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8586688.post-1116272321424257992005-05-16T12:08:00.000-07:002005-05-16T21:21:47.823-07:00

I filled this weekend will a LOT of fighting.On the big screen that is.First up, I watched "Unleashed." I really enjoyed this film, and not only because I'm a big fan of Jet Li's - I mean, I hated his movie, "The One." That was a big waste of his talent.What was funny about "Unleashed" is that his character, a human attack dog, gave him the flexibility of not having to learn a lot of English -

Marianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00426619630572654218noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8586688.post-1116013466830419852005-05-13T12:36:00.000-07:002005-05-13T12:52:02.963-07:00

Ch-check out the first song on my play list, the hot new single by R. Kelly, "Trapped in the Closet."It's peaked at No. 23 on the Billboard Hip-Hop Songs chart, and is part of five chapters.The first chapter is about a man and a woman having a tryst, only to have the husband come home and the lover hide in the woman's closet.The second one is not out yet, but I've heard an MP3 - and like the

Marianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00426619630572654218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8586688.post-1115925089060909682005-05-12T12:00:00.000-07:002005-05-12T12:17:40.106-07:00

Some news off the entertainment press:Dave Chapelle reportedly checked into a psych ward in South Africa, halting production of the third season of his show on Comedy Central. Let's hope he gets well soon - his show was a conversation starter. Yahoo is selling downloaded songs for 79 cents, competing head to head to Apple's 99 cents each. Already stocks are plummeting for Napster and RealNetwork.

Marianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00426619630572654218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8586688.post-1115847005931981122005-05-11T14:12:00.000-07:002005-05-11T17:18:43.273-07:00

Tomorrow night, for you Sith aficionados out there unwilling to wait in line, the Force is coming to you - that is - if you're willing to fork out $500. George Lucas, himself, will host a benefit preview of the new Star Wars at the Metreon, as a fundraiser for the Koret Family House, which provides temporary housing for families with children with cancer. For more info, contact (415) 621-2255, or

Marianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00426619630572654218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8586688.post-1115754888361645852005-05-10T12:46:00.000-07:002005-05-10T13:14:56.186-07:00

It's sunny today!Yesterday was freaky - I didn't know whether to wear sunglasses or open my umbrella, or both. I ended up doing both and felt equally, well, awkward.Ch-check out today's paper! Here's the link. I have a story on mother rockers - Mamapalooza that is. It's a fun concert series born out of mothers' frustration over what mainstream music had to offer. They sing everything from sultry

Marianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00426619630572654218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8586688.post-1115682641336196402005-05-09T16:43:00.000-07:002005-05-09T16:50:41.453-07:00

Despite the rain, I had fun this past weekend.I dropped by 94.9's Cinco de Mayo party in downtown San Jose at The Vault. The music was crackin' and the place was beautiful - you should check it out when you have a chance.Then, I went to the Maroon 5 concert. Despite the fact, the whole band showed up with bed hair, looking like they just woke up, they played like they were fully conscious. It was

Marianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00426619630572654218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8586688.post-1115336705980868352005-05-05T16:26:00.000-07:002005-05-05T16:56:57.453-07:00

Yesterday I had the chance to interview and have lunch with an up-and-coming R&B singer Natalie. She was wonderfully humble and a pleasure to talk to. Instead of her road manager, San Jose native Darryl Gooden, getting drinks for lunch, she asked him first what he wanted. (She performs in a stellar line-up with The Game, Snoop, Baby Bash, etc. May 25th at the HP Pavilion.)All kinds of industry

Marianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00426619630572654218noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8586688.post-1115251411876469892005-05-04T16:57:00.000-07:002005-05-04T17:04:57.173-07:00

Ch-check out today's paper. I was a model......a hand model that is.In today's Food section, my mom and I hand-modeled for a story about bonding over won-ton making.To friends I've been joking, saying it took time and commitment, lots of lotion and finger exercises, but really - it took all of 15 minutes. Also, I forgot to put some lotion on.The last time I hand modeled was for a past edition of

Marianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00426619630572654218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8586688.post-1115161646602022712005-05-03T15:52:00.000-07:002005-05-03T16:18:51.456-07:00

Like many this weekend, I caught the movie "Hitchhiker's Guide to the Universe." It debuted at No. 1 with $21.7 mil in box office sales, surprisingly beating out "XXX."I loved the movie, but I really don't remember the book. Usually, I make a point of watching the movie first, then reading the book - that way I'm not disappointed.What really made the movie were the Jim Henson puppetry and the

Marianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00426619630572654218noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8586688.post-1115071670133848482005-05-02T14:59:00.000-07:002005-05-02T15:18:41.223-07:00

Ch-check out my graffiti story in today's Mercury News on this link! It's spread over the whole Arts and Entertainment section front.Also, click here for a graffiti lexicon.Plus, a link to a brief history of graffiti:One of the first widespread graffiti writers who tagged (sprayed on signatures) was TAKI 183. Unfortunately (or fortunately, depending on how you look at it), according to this

Marianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00426619630572654218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8586688.post-1114807288625748482005-04-29T13:27:00.000-07:002005-04-29T14:04:57.660-07:00

Okay so more on how to get in free to Las Vegas spots...There are many clubs in Vegas, but just as many comps, so here's a brief guide on how to find those comps or how to get comped. (My friend also wrote a guide on this link.)TRAVEL IN A GROUP OF GIRLS: When we were waiting in line, there was a group of guys waiting near the end. While one of us gals pushed through and got in within 15 minutes,

Marianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00426619630572654218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8586688.post-1114732792370406102005-04-28T16:54:00.000-07:002005-04-28T17:34:23.293-07:00

Yesterday I met Ami and Yumi of Puffy AmiYumi. And I'm sad to report that I'm shorter than both of them.They were a little mellower than I imagined, but still very bouncy. Yumi, in a Madonna-punk like outfit (a maroon crushed velvet top with pearls) kept flopping her permed head around. While, Ami, in a very 80s outfit (an oversize yellow T, shorts, black leggings and boots) jumped at the end of

Marianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00426619630572654218noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8586688.post-1114637986571789522005-04-27T14:15:00.000-07:002005-04-27T14:45:52.303-07:00

So the biggest Taiwan pop news lately is that rocker Wu Bai finally admits that he was secretly married in the last year or so to his girlfriend/manager Chen Wen Pei in Fukuoka City, Japan. It was a marriage on the downlow, and only in these last few days has he admitted this to the press there.No wonder he and Chen were giggly on the phone with me - alone, indeed!Tonight, two great things to

Marianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00426619630572654218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8586688.post-1114549304250119352005-04-26T14:00:00.000-07:002005-04-26T16:39:26.350-07:00

I'm back to the Bay.Las Vegas was decadent. With the exception of a roulette spin, we didn't gamble. Actually we didn't even splurge on buffets. We left the money to spas and clubs.Here's a breakdown of what we did:(Here's a link to a review of my last Vegas trip. Last time we saw Jay-Z, this time we took a picture with Sinbad.)PALMS, Skin We hung out poolside and had lunch. The pool wasn't

Marianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00426619630572654218noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8586688.post-1114196626623384452005-04-22T11:32:00.000-07:002005-04-22T15:07:28.956-07:00

Ch-check out my story today on Tori Amos! (Click here for the story.) She's a fiery spirit, but as a mom, she makes sure to discuss the tour with her 4 1/2-year-old daughter."I don't think that you can just drag a kid halfway across the globe without her having any say in it," the 41-year-old singer songwriter says.This weekend, my friends and I are going to Vegas and will try to hit the Rain,

Marianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00426619630572654218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8586688.post-1114118056926941492005-04-21T13:49:00.000-07:002005-04-21T21:32:06.460-07:00

There are two interesting magazines to ch-check out.One is DJ Spooky's brainchild, 21C Magazine. He was an intriguing interview, a DJ who dissects songs and resurrects them together with a PhD-like mind. My favorite album of his is Optometry, a thoughtful mix of jazz artists like well-respected avant-garde jazz pianist Matthew Shipp. Its one I would definitely recommend. It was a mainstay in my

Marianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00426619630572654218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8586688.post-1114024059139239482005-04-20T12:07:00.000-07:002005-04-20T15:05:36.273-07:00

Check out my story today on Puffy AmiYumi. (Click here for the story.)I interviewed the hyper Japanese pop duo over the phone. They were in Tokyo preparing for a photo shoot for Entertainment Weekly.Right in the middle of interviewing them (with translator Archie Meguro from Sony Music, Japan) Ami exclaims, "I dropped my chips!"The two are fanatic about food. Yumi loves ice cream and donuts. They

Marianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00426619630572654218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8586688.post-1113945200869564752005-04-19T13:56:00.001-07:002005-04-19T17:38:58.940-07:00

The other day I had lunch with San Jose graffiti artist Scape Martinez.Besides having a sweet blog (keepmykhakiscreased.blogspot.com) he had a very interesting analogy about the music industry. Martinez compared the industry to a bank where instead of cultivating talent, it invests in things that would garner the fastest and highest return. For example, Martinez says, they would put in more

Marianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00426619630572654218noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8586688.post-1113852269609308952005-04-18T12:21:00.000-07:002005-04-18T15:48:32.453-07:00

This morning I interviewed Tori Amos. Like her music, the 41-year-old singer was intense.She became critical when I asked her about the reason behind her moving away from singing about herself to taking on other characters (like when she becomes the voice of the murdered wife on her cover of Eminem's "Bonnie and Clyde '97" and where she sings as "Mother Earth" on her latest album "The Beekeeper")

Marianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00426619630572654218noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8586688.post-1113588323121645252005-04-15T10:57:00.000-07:002005-04-15T12:55:30.630-07:00

Rob Thomas plays tonight. Ch-check out my story here. It includes video and audio clips.He taught me a great lesson this week about the need to balance being able to say no. He passes up on a lot of promotions to have more time for himself, and he still has a career right?When I interviewed Sammy Hagar, he had something deep to say too: "Happiness comes from within."Keep those things in mind this

Marianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00426619630572654218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8586688.post-1113520960385818692005-04-14T16:14:00.000-07:002005-04-15T11:12:19.346-07:00

Lately, I've been speaking on a lot of campuses about what I do. Common questions students have are: How was it speaking to Marilyn Manson? And how can you keep your own morals values intact as a journalist? (She was referring to tabloid journalism.)I was freaked out about interviewing Marilyn Manson, because his persona seemed so evil, but he really wasn't so scary over the phone.If you've seen

Marianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00426619630572654218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8586688.post-1113432004865949382005-04-13T15:23:00.000-07:002005-04-13T15:52:27.056-07:00

Yesterday I spoke with Tom Gray of the British band Gomez.He was a pleasure to talk to, and even if he weren't in music I would want to be his friend.Gray, the vocalist/keyboardist/bassist/guitarist, describes Gomez as "eclectic" music. It's kind of bluesy rock. And what's nice is that they make a point not to compromise themselves as artists.The band got together as friends looking for fun, and

Marianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00426619630572654218noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8586688.post-1113353978347460112005-04-12T17:47:00.000-07:002005-04-19T15:25:50.570-07:00

The other day I interviewed Rob Thomas, lead singer of Matchbox Twenty. (Click here for my story.) He performing solo for now, but plans to go back to the band and continue to write for other artists (most recently a collaboration with Big Boi of OutKast). In short, he's a very busy man. On balancing all this music and his marriage to model Marisol Maldonado, he says: "We stay together as much

Marianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00426619630572654218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8586688.post-1113249256387430132005-04-11T12:37:00.000-07:002005-04-12T14:26:56.690-07:00

When bassist Adam Clayton described U2's music as an expression of "spiritual ecstasy," he wasn't kidding.U2 must be the only rock band that can :sing about "Yahweh,"recount meeting the Popeexclaim Martin Luther King Jr.'s wordsand broadcast the Universal Declaration of Human RightsBono even hung a cross necklace, he received as a gift from the Pope, on his microphone stand while he sang. Bono

Marianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00426619630572654218noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8586688.post-1112979745212801512005-04-08T09:57:00.000-07:002005-04-12T14:26:44.436-07:00

The other day I had the opportunity to talk to Adam Clayton, bassist for U2. Check out my story at this link. He gave me a ring while he was on the way to sound check at Los Angeles' Staple Center. He called as scheduled with a lovely lilt in his voice, the Irish accent. Clayton was sweet, unassuming and very humble. He said they planned to keep U2 together as long as it goes somewhere. I

Marianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00426619630572654218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8586688.post-1112979413117957902005-04-07T09:56:00.000-07:002005-04-08T10:11:27.320-07:00

Today, check out my stories on Starbucks' dealing in music and these two hip-hop dancers who break at both bar mitzvahs and baseballs games. This past week, I went to a fantastic little jazz cafe in downtown Fullerton, called Steamers. It reminded me of the times I used to play flute in a jazz band way back. Monday is big band night, and the cover band, the John Peace Super Band, sang a

Marianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00426619630572654218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8586688.post-1112821264476293622005-04-06T13:50:00.000-07:002005-04-06T14:03:48.036-07:00

Hope everyone is having a good week - I'm back from LA now, well actually I spent most of my time in sunny OC. I mainly did a lot of shopping along Rodeo, Brea, Fullerton and Sunset. I also checked out a very cool live jazz restaurant - more on that later this week.So, in yesterday's World Journal (a national newspaper written in Chinese) Taiwanese rocker Wu Bai was photographed with my Mercury

Marianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00426619630572654218noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8586688.post-1112523763107875662005-04-03T03:12:00.000-07:002005-04-04T11:38:23.506-07:00

I'm in Los Angeles this weekend and caught Wu Bai on Sunset Blvd. (Check this link for my interview in Monday's paper.)He really is like a Taiwanese version of Bon Jovi or Aerosmith. Imagine Mandarin and Taiwanese 80's classic rock.It was truly a proud moment to have an Asian artist fill the 1100-person space at HOB on a Friday and Saturday night!But except for the blatant House of Blues sign, Wu

Marianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00426619630572654218noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8586688.post-1112401219973674842005-04-01T16:09:00.000-08:002005-04-01T16:26:31.810-08:00

I'll be in la-la land starting tonight, so you won't catch me until next Wednesday.An interesting thought channel 104.9 had on air was that bands are much better at sprints than marathons. They tend to come and go with hits.And, Phantom Planet echoed that idea. Their earlier claim to fame, actor and drummer Jason Schwartzman has left, leaving them to change their line-up.So bassist Sam Farrar,

Marianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00426619630572654218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8586688.post-1112302224997195742005-03-31T12:39:00.000-08:002005-03-31T13:00:07.063-08:00

Yesterday afternoon, I had the pleasure of interviewing the Taiwanese King of Rock, Wu Bai over the phone from LA.The 37-year-old rocker, which many compare to Bon Jovi or Bruce Springsteen, was giggly over the phone and spoke in both English and Chinese.He apologized for his "broken English" which was not that bad, and talked about how he liked spending time alone: jogging, visiting hot springs,

Marianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00426619630572654218noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8586688.post-1112227265158399972005-03-30T14:13:00.000-08:002005-03-30T23:54:08.733-08:00

Yesterday my friend Danny and I had a debate on if we had tax return money, what best to use it on?Ipod (20 GB) vs. PSP?Here's our thoughts:CostIPOD = $300, $1 a song; cheaper in the long runPSP = $250, $30-40 a game; way more expensivewinner= IPOD Cool factorIPOD = the white headphones have become iconicPSP = judging from the demand, it's the got-to-have toy of the momentwinner = PSPFun

Marianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00426619630572654218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8586688.post-1111826845827047582005-03-29T14:49:00.000-08:002005-03-29T14:55:04.333-08:00

Last Friday I caught the opening night of "Making Tracks." It's like an Asian version "Rent." But instead of HIV, it deals with the deep-rooted Asian American theme of sacrifice.I liked it enough to recommend it but wish it wasn't three hours long. Overall, I would give it a "B."Here's my report card for the night's performance...Singing and talentALeads Michael K. Lee (from "The Wedding Banquet:

Marianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00426619630572654218noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8586688.post-1112040930040429722005-03-28T11:43:00.000-08:002005-03-28T13:07:58.423-08:00

Hope everyone had a wonderful Easter. I checked out the new Asian American musical "Making Tracks" which was a bit like an Asian version of "Rent." More on that tomorrow.As for today, ch-check out my story today on the New Bay hip-hop scene!It's been in the works for months now and I'm glad it finally printed.In the print version I have a list of notable South Bay hip-hop groups. Here are the

Marianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00426619630572654218noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8586688.post-1111736853564266482005-03-24T23:06:00.000-08:002005-03-25T00:22:54.450-08:00

I've been playing the very beautiful PSP.I played so much Dark Stalkers my left thumb is a bit sore. It's a Street Fighter-esque game. That genre, beating up evil doers one-on-one, is my favorite, perfect after a stressful work day.I also watched Spider -Man II on the PSP - the screen is so clear. It would be the perfect companion on a long flight.I like the PSP so much better than the Nintendo

Marianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00426619630572654218noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8586688.post-1111699637043840192005-03-24T13:19:00.000-08:002005-03-24T13:29:11.880-08:00

Yesterday, I had a fun time interviewing Phantom Planet's Sam Farrar. (For those uninitiated, Phantom Planet sang the theme song, "California," for the very hot television show "The OC.") The band opens for Sting next Friday, April 1st - so check out my full story that Friday in Eye.Sam was fun to talk to over the phone, and filled the spaces between questions, answers, and me typing, with random

Marianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00426619630572654218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8586688.post-1111611835900754402005-03-23T12:54:00.000-08:002005-03-23T13:06:36.173-08:00

It may be dreary outside, but I've been bringing a li'l sunshine in my car by playing Hawaiian music.One of my favorite songs to play lately while it pours is "Lokomaika'i" with George Kahumoku Jr. and Daniel Ho. It's "Amazing Grace" Hawaiian style.George was actually the first musician I interviewed on the job. He's both rascally and sweet, but also completely open about his music and life.I

Marianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00426619630572654218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8586688.post-1111528013921908032005-03-22T13:25:00.000-08:002005-03-22T14:20:54.846-08:00

My current favorite song is a silly one. It has the perfect line: "Ooh, I love eating cereal...when I'm watching my cartoons..."The single also has the perfect name: "Breakfast Club," featuring L.A. indie rapper Murs and Midwest freestyle master Supernatural.It's mixed by one of my favorite DJ's: Z-Trip, who one critic said is the perfect anecdote to Ashlee Simpson-ism. What I love about him is

Marianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00426619630572654218noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8586688.post-1111440299807552042005-03-21T13:15:00.000-08:002005-03-21T15:10:46.293-08:00

This weekend, I went into the sound booth for voice training. It was for my upcoming television debut on Pacific Fusion, an Asian American show on KRON, channel 4, Sunday (March 27) at 12:30 p.m.Jan Yanehiro, of "Evening Magazine" fame, is the co-executive producer of the show.As one of the few Asian American broadcast journalists I saw on television while growing up, I looked up to her, and

Marianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00426619630572654218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8586688.post-1111174393099766322005-03-18T11:23:00.000-08:002005-03-18T11:37:46.323-08:00

So recently rapper Lil' Kim was found guilty of lying to a grand jury about a shootout outside of New York radio station Hot 97.The 29-year-old Grammy award winner could face up to 20 years.I kind of feel sorry for Biggie's mistress and wonder if she was more straight up, this never would have happened. She said her sunglasses prevented her from noticing that her two friends (her manager, Damion

Marianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00426619630572654218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8586688.post-1111103332371547392005-03-17T15:40:00.000-08:002005-03-17T16:00:48.576-08:00

Happy St. Patrick's Day! Be sure to wear green, or you'll get pinched! Ch-check out this cool story about pub-hopping tonight.I had lunch the other day with Davey D.As the number two guy in hip-hop, behind none other than Russell Simmons, he's the go-to-guy and someone I strongly look up to.He counseled me on how to establish a brand name and carry it through everything I do.And on his site,

Marianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00426619630572654218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8586688.post-1111007961001990602005-03-16T13:12:00.000-08:002005-03-16T16:13:58.063-08:00

At Urbanology, the fashion show in Milpitas last weekend, they not only displayed different urban brands but showcased local artists as well.One, in particular, caught my eye: Santos Shelton who inscribed phrases and drew robots on planks of wood.This is what he had to say about his work:"My artwork is about my own struggles with life but also issues I see that face society. I use robot

Marianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00426619630572654218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8586688.post-1110916805564488382005-03-15T11:56:00.000-08:002005-03-15T12:04:43.843-08:00

More on Ramen Life - at Zoe Nightclub last Friday night in downtown San Jose.Around 300 people attended from all walks of life -- with ages from the 20s to the 50s.The ramen was good, but the lines were crazy and stretched like a snake through Zoe, making it hard to find the tail end.Responses about the night ranged from "I want a refund to spend my money in a ramen restaurant where I can sit

Marianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00426619630572654218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8586688.post-1110829750863193072005-03-14T11:39:00.000-08:002005-03-14T11:58:00.806-08:00

I had a very busy weekend. Besides shopping, I went to a fashion show and a ramen-tasting-taiko-hip-hop show.First on the fashion show -- I'll let you know about the ramen show later this week -- it was called Urbanology. It's the third edition and conveniently located in Milpitas, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel by Milpitas Square.It was nice to go to a fashion show and see models that aren't stick

Marianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00426619630572654218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8586688.post-1110573412203616752005-03-11T12:01:00.000-08:002005-03-11T15:20:08.513-08:00

Recently, I've been getting a few emails and calls from students working on projects related to hip-hop and violence. They asked me one central question: "Does hip-hop cause violence?"This question is in reaction to the recent spate of events: ie. the shooting outside New York's Hot 97 (look at yesterday's entry).My response is - it's not a direct relationship. Lots of musical genres have lyrics

Marianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00426619630572654218noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8586688.post-1110420638275764532005-03-09T18:10:00.000-08:002005-03-10T16:11:51.593-08:00

Here's a website whose purpose is to represent hip-hop more fairly: hiphopliveshere.comLately they've been following Hot 97's "Tsunami song" and violent shooting (A shooting took place in Hot 97's lobby following 50 Cent's visit to the New York radio station Hot 97 to announce dropping The Game from his label.)And on a lighter note, for something fun to check out - for those of you sitting at

Marianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00426619630572654218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8586688.post-1110318284987408922005-03-08T13:37:00.000-08:002005-03-09T12:10:54.480-08:00

Recently on a trip to Urban Outfitters, I bought this T-shirt that sums up my job to a T: "Music is my business. Living the Good Life."Another T from the same brand also caught my eye. It said: "Music is the weapon of the future."Anyways, in an example of good marketing (and to explain its crazy price of $28), these T's come with a CD. It's a sampling of what Ubiquity Records, the San Francisco

Marianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00426619630572654218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8586688.post-1110317327883665022005-03-08T13:08:00.000-08:002005-03-08T13:35:56.256-08:00

Tonight, Michelle Branch plays at the Warfield.Last time she came around to San Francisco I interviewed the now pregnant singer in her room at the Hotel Triton (right across from Chinatown). She was beautiful (her eyes were so big, anime characters would be jealous) and had a bubbly personality.She delighted in knowing that she was representing for Asians (she's part Indonesian). Growing up in

Marianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00426619630572654218noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8586688.post-1110243260098121672005-03-07T16:49:00.000-08:002005-03-07T16:54:20.100-08:00

When I was last on KALX-FM (90.7), I heard an impressive up-and-coming soul singer Jennifer Johns. She's an independent artist (unsigned) and has already released a limited edition album, "Heavy Electromagnetic Soularpoetic Junglehop." It's hot and a perfect soundtrack for those slower introspective days . My favorite is "Do you believe in love," a warm mix of spoken word and soul/R&B.This 26-

Marianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00426619630572654218noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8586688.post-1109976136719023162005-03-04T14:19:00.000-08:002005-03-04T15:11:53.893-08:00

I apologize for being absent this week - I've been holed up at home with a vicious cold that made me sound like Minnie Mouse.As for last week, I was on KALX-FM (90.7) on Sunday. They played the Chinese opera-rock-rap album Aadia which I love, along with Lyrics Born's new album ("Same !@#$ Different Day," coming out in April) which is absolutely hot and my current favorite, along with Stone Throw

Marianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00426619630572654218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8586688.post-1109369570246685432005-02-25T13:54:00.000-08:002005-02-25T14:18:53.500-08:00

I checked out the sold out Quannum MC's show last night at the DNA Lounge. It was stellar and worth the traffic-ridden commute.One act worth checking out from last night was the DJ, Mike Relm. He integrated video into his mix, so that while he scratched the record, the image would remind and fast forward. For example, a skateboarder from Jay-Z's video would bounce back and forth. He also mixed in

Marianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00426619630572654218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8586688.post-1109277776926285962005-02-24T12:27:00.000-08:002005-02-25T01:48:32.186-08:00

Tuesday night, I didn't get a chance to check out Ashlee Simpson (and wasn't sure I wanted to) but I heard two very opposing reviews. One praised Simpson to the point of forgiving her SNL faux paus and the other saw students burning her poster and leading a booing team. Anybody else want to chime in?In Vegas, I didn't gamble too much, but I did eat a lot and go clubbing.Here's a rundown of the

Marianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00426619630572654218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8586688.post-1109201856897643042005-02-23T15:23:00.000-08:002005-02-25T01:35:32.660-08:00

Ch-check out my review of Taiwanese pop-rock band Mayday in today's paper.I went into the concert unsure how they would sound live, but they rocked! Like a true pop band, Mayday changed five times from furry Mongolian robes to golden vests. They pounded on Chinese drums, sang love ballads and sang a duet dueted with Malaysian singer Fish Leong.One thing Ashin, the lead singer, said really struck

Marianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00426619630572654218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8586688.post-1109113703190515472005-02-22T14:46:00.000-08:002005-02-22T15:14:20.466-08:00

Hope everyone had a wonderful holiday weekend.I was in Vegas, and besides seeing old high school friends, I caught a glimpse of Mr. Hova himself, Jay-Z. He was cashing out his chips when we were (except I'm sure he didn't win it from Casino War like we did).The mega-millionaire was at the Bellagio, jokingly complaining that the cashier was ripping him off. He was wearing his Rocawear clothes line

Marianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00426619630572654218noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8586688.post-1108671881771986382005-02-17T12:01:00.000-08:002005-02-17T14:57:47.866-08:00

Yesterday I interviewed the very popular Taiwanese rock boy band Mayday at Santa Clara's Marriott.The five members were fun to talk to. All of them had feathered hair, and dressed as if they just stepped out of Urban Outfitters. Bassist Matthew Tsai wore cargo pants so big, that he repeatedly tied the belt strings together to make it stay up.They all poked fun at drummer Ming. He was the member

Marianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00426619630572654218noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8586688.post-1108603384590373602005-02-16T17:12:00.000-08:002005-02-16T17:26:32.096-08:00

Last night I met up with KYLD-FM (94.9) promotions director Ray Wong.It was nice to commiserate and rave with him about being members of a minority in the media business.He talked about breaking K-Ci & Jojo's song "All My Life" for the Bay Area.The funny thing is, he said, is that while working the music business you can't be a groupie yourself. Still everybody has somebody they love. His idol

Marianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00426619630572654218noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8586688.post-1108514979023920562005-02-15T16:39:00.000-08:002005-02-15T16:54:18.266-08:00

On Grammy's, the usual suspects won again on the female side: Alicia Keys and Norah Jones. So I was wondering, why any other female hasn't been able to step up. (By the way, Alicia Keys' concert on March 20th at the Paramount in Oakland is sold out already.)And, why did singers like Ashlee Simpson make it while Kelly Osbourne didn't? They're in the same genre - pop-punk - and use the same

Marianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00426619630572654218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8586688.post-1108414299254518742005-02-14T12:43:00.000-08:002005-02-14T15:58:26.663-08:00

Happy Valentine's everyone! Here's a story in the Mercury News that tugs at your heartstrings, about a couple that stayed together on "borrowed time."On Saturday I checked out Stanford's Pan-Asian festival - specifically the On Ensemble. This group takes the label Asian American to a whole new level by fusing taiko with the turntable. The effect is neat, though I wish they used two turntables and

Marianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00426619630572654218noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8586688.post-1108152176074974692005-02-11T11:57:00.000-08:002005-02-11T13:56:03.600-08:00

Valentine's Day is just around the corner, so for all you lovebirds out there, I decided to make a romantic song list for ya. R&B crooners, like Brian McKnight, top the list.McKnight was also one of my most memorable interviewees. When I asked him his favorite song, he serenaded me with "Rainbow Connection," Kermit style!So, here is my happy Valentine's list:"I Swear," All-4-One"Back At One,"

Marianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00426619630572654218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8586688.post-1108059743855793062005-02-10T10:17:00.000-08:002005-02-10T14:15:05.260-08:00

I interviewed Ashlee Simpson this morning and she was very sweet and straightforward. Let's just say she answered all my questions (like the ones about SNL and the Orange Bowl) with grace, just like her big sis, Jessica. More to come next week - the article prints on Feb. 19th. On Jessica, when I interviewed her last July, she was not the dumb blonde portrayed on MTV, but savvy enough to play up

Marianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00426619630572654218noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8586688.post-1107990894954417772005-02-09T14:50:00.000-08:002005-02-09T20:50:42.250-08:00

HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR!!! (GUNG HAY FAT CHOY) Check out my story today about funky soul singer Martin Luther. He was great to talk to, and one of the few artists I've spoken to that was savvy about both the artistic and the business side of making music. He told me that he loves Thai food and he was heading to London for a trip, so I recommended a great chain (Patara) that has a restaurant

Marianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00426619630572654218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8586688.post-1107895601728040692005-02-08T13:45:00.000-08:002005-02-08T13:00:15.340-08:00

If you get the chance to visit San Jose's City Hall, graffiti artist Scape Martinez has a number of paintings hanging in vice-mayor Cindy Chavez's office (801 N. 1st street on the 6th floor suite 600). They will be there through February. When he emailed to tell me, he joked, "Not bad for a tired graff guy huh?" Here's his web site as well - http://liquidscape.com - his work is sick!

Marianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00426619630572654218noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8586688.post-1107823193969159402005-02-07T16:29:00.000-08:002005-02-07T16:42:48.553-08:00

I had a percussion filled weekend, so luckily my ears aren't still ringing. Saturday afternoon in San Jose, I went to see the "Chinese Rap Master" - with that kind of moniker, I had to check him out. This "master," otherwise known as Wen Bin Lin, was not the traditional kind of emcee. Basically, his version of beat boxing was to clap bamboo together and his rhymes were stories from dynasty times

Marianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00426619630572654218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8586688.post-1107549313009612552005-02-04T13:13:00.000-08:002005-02-04T18:21:38.706-08:00

Lots to talk about today! Channel 104.9's birthday party last Friday was a blast. Even though some performance artists accompanying the Dresden Dolls band were dressed up like ghouls and pushing people about, I really enjoyed the party. The best band was Collective Soul. Keep that band on your radars; their alternative crooning was so sweet, it spoke to your soul. It was the kind of music you

Marianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00426619630572654218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8586688.post-1107389581362515722005-02-02T15:59:00.000-08:002005-02-03T11:35:06.930-08:00

We interrupt the regularly scheduled Asian American Music Conference stories, for some music news: Just as he was becoming the spokesman for videogames and phones - Snoop Dogg has been hit with a $25 million lawsuit alleging sexual assault among other things. The makeup artist filing the lawsuit is the same woman who was hit with a lawsuit in December by Snoop alleging that the woman was trying

Marianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00426619630572654218noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8586688.post-1107371574694348892005-02-02T10:56:00.000-08:002005-02-02T11:15:14.340-08:00

In between panels at the Asian American Music Conference I had the chance to talk with Dan the Automator. I find that many DJ's I interview have a difficult time expressing themselves verbally -- as if they need their turntables to express themselves. But the Automator was almost automatic. He had some simple advice for me about balancing a large workload. He said to do what was needed in the

Marianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00426619630572654218noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8586688.post-1107301464979514632005-02-01T15:24:00.000-08:002005-02-01T15:46:13.876-08:00

Over the weekend, I went to 104.9's birthday party at Zoe Nightclub in San Jose and also attended the Asian American Music Conference at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Burlingame. Both were amazing -- I'll elaborate more on both throughout the week. The Asian American Music Conference had such A-list guests as producer E-A-Ski, KMEL DJ Chuy Gomez and Dan "the Automator" Nakamura. Many of the panels

Marianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00426619630572654218noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8586688.post-1106940815452121472005-01-28T11:07:00.000-08:002005-01-28T11:35:09.696-08:00

Happy Chinese New Year! It's the year of the rooster, and the celebration often goes on for weeks. So celebrate with these events: WHAT: PKU Student Art Troupe Performance WHERE: Stanford University Memorial Auditorium, Memorial Way, Stanford WHEN: 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 29th TIX: $10; (650) 576-6452; pkualumni.org WHY: One of the first Chinese collegiate performing art troupe to ever

Marianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00426619630572654218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8586688.post-1106869013950687092005-01-27T15:24:00.000-08:002005-01-27T15:39:20.146-08:00

On yesterday's topic of tsunami news, I found a whole blog devoted to tsunamis. And in hip-hop news, popular producer (and Janet Jackson's beau) Jermaine Dupri has been recently named the new president of Virgin Records' urban music division. Virgin is home to artists like Lenny Kravitz and Janet. Dupri's move follows the the lead of other artists like Jay-Z, the president and CEO of Def Jam,

Marianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00426619630572654218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8586688.post-1106775044118887502005-01-26T13:20:00.000-08:002005-01-26T13:42:51.950-08:00

It has been great to see the world doing so much to help Tsunami victims. But, even with all the good, the bad seems to find a way of rearing its ugly head. Last week, New York hip-hop station Hot 97 aired an inflammatory tsunami song, poking fun at Asians. The song was made to the melody of "We are the World" and contained lyrics with derogatory words and depictions of Asian (though the song

Marianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00426619630572654218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8586688.post-1106696871683608222005-01-25T15:34:00.000-08:002005-01-25T15:49:01.133-08:00

Last night, I was lucky to catch GrandWizzard Theodore @ the NorCal DJ Academy in SF. The man known as the "inventor of the scratch" talked about how it all started - how he was on two turntables in his room, replaying the groove over and over, when his mother knocked on his door - and basically said - You either turn it down or turn it off! At this point, his hand moved - created the sound "

Marianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00426619630572654218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8586688.post-1106610238497986922005-01-24T15:34:00.000-08:002005-01-25T12:12:03.050-08:00

Last night I was at the 2005 Chinese New Year Sing Along Concert at HP Pavilion in San Jose. The concert stretched more than four hours, and held possibly the largest group of Chinese Americans I have ever seen in the Bay: more than 6,000. There were artists from Hong Kong, China and Taiwan, singing everything from traditional Chinese folk songs to pop songs. Out of more than a dozen artists,

Marianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00426619630572654218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8586688.post-1106339096930299632005-01-21T11:45:00.000-08:002005-01-21T12:44:17.013-08:00

Ch-check out my EYE cover story on my high school favorite, Jon B. He was very sweet on the phone and very open about his divorce, the fire to his studio and how he's getting back on his feet. Check out that story and clips from his latest album "Stronger Everyday." And, this weekend, ch-check it out: TONIGHT WHAT: Digital Underground WHERE: Zoe Nightclub, 417 South First Street, San Jose

Marianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00426619630572654218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8586688.post-1106249071887733902005-01-20T10:59:00.000-08:002005-01-20T11:26:52.950-08:00

While we're still on Chinese music, there's one band that has become a favorite of mine. Aadia is like an Asian version of Linkin Park with rock, rap, and an added element: Chinese opera. And, also in the news, the article I reported on about popular Taiwanese aborigine singer coming to San Jose's HP - according to the concert promoter Connie Pan-Yu, A-mei has recently changed agents, so her

Marianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00426619630572654218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8586688.post-1106164257248405092005-01-19T11:25:00.000-08:002005-01-19T11:51:41.460-08:00

I have a story on how the Bay Area is quickly becoming the hub for Chinese music (and many hope Asian music as well). They're moving up from using venues like hotels, casinos and campuses to well-known mainstream clubs and arenas like the HP Pavilion. Here's the link again. It includes multiple song clips. For this story, I looked into the singers: A-Yue, A-Mei, Priscilla Chan, Jay Chou, MC Hot

Marianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00426619630572654218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8586688.post-1106078492230032432005-01-18T11:51:00.000-08:002005-01-18T17:50:11.726-08:00

Hope everyone had a wonderful Martin Luther King Jr. holiday. Yesterday, I went out with my partner in style, Stephanie Grace Lim, to the Great Mall to report on Street Style, a weekly feature in the Mercury News' Style section about Bay Area fashion. When we asked the people what fashion meant to them, they came up with interesting definitions: Fashion is like a "salad" that is not only

Marianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00426619630572654218noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8586688.post-1106015233362537392005-01-17T18:10:00.000-08:002005-01-17T18:28:10.430-08:00

I finally watched "Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle." I thoroughly enjoyed it, and was upset with myself for not watching it on the big screen. I can totally relate to the themes because I have friends that behave the same way. For my group of Bay Area friends, however, the popular hangout wasn't White Castle -- it was Nation's. The DVD extras are also hilarious. There are funny outtakes, plus

Marianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00426619630572654218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8586688.post-1105667787521320442005-01-14T10:56:00.000-08:002005-01-14T11:21:08.750-08:00

Early this morning, I participated in The Improv / KEZR Tsunami Relief Benefit. The fundraiser was hosted by KEZR, at San Jose's Impov downtown from 6 to 10 a.m. It was a lot of fun. We got fed (yummy things like egg and potato burritos), entertained by very very funny comedians (including Tracy Morgan) and helped out the tsunami relief effort. At the end of the event at 9:30 a.m., KEZR producer

Marianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00426619630572654218noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8586688.post-1105583395773545182005-01-12T18:24:00.000-08:002005-01-13T11:46:56.386-08:00

When I was in Hong Kong, I was lucky to catch "Kung Fu Hustle," Stephen Chow's latest comedy that was just released in parts of Asia. As far as I can find, it's scheduled for release in New York and Los Angeles March 18th. His last picture, "Shaolin Soccer," was disappointingly missing from the big screen here in the states. Miramax had reportedly dropped the ball, and the movie went straight to

Marianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00426619630572654218noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8586688.post-1105559473034896552005-01-12T11:36:00.000-08:002005-01-12T14:18:41.050-08:00

When I was in Hong Kong, I made sure to stop by a karaoke club. Embarrassingly, I'll admit, I love karaoke. In college, after finals, I spent almost a full day at a karaoke club with 20-some other friends. In Hong Kong, locals informed me that after shopping and eating, karaoke is one of the more popular forms of entertainment. I'm not talking about the type of karaoke where you go in front of

Marianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00426619630572654218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8586688.post-1105472776011786422005-01-11T11:23:00.000-08:002005-01-11T12:50:08.876-08:00

When I was in Taiwan, another reporter (Max Woodworth of the Taipei Times) recommended I listen to Taiwanese artist, Mr. Eyeball. (click on the bolded words to find out more about the man behind the eye) Mr. Eyeball is the alter ego of musician and eccentric fashion designer Chen Bo-wei. Several theater groups have worn costumes he designed and his art sometimes hangs in pubs and galleries

Marianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00426619630572654218noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8586688.post-1105393264326869672005-01-10T13:32:00.000-08:002005-01-10T13:58:25.276-08:00

I'm back, back in Cali, Cali, and still feeling the time difference from my trip to Asia -- when it's day here, it's night there. Yesterday, I spoke on UC Berkeley's station, 90.7-FM (KALX), again. I discussed with radio emcee Billy Jam the differences between here and Taiwan. According to Taiwanese music producer/manager George Trivino, in the states, we go to clubs to dance, there, they go

Marianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00426619630572654218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8586688.post-1103768038929766912004-12-22T18:09:00.000-08:002004-12-23T11:33:22.246-08:00

So, I've already wished y'all a Crunk Christmas, now, its time for a very Shady Christmas with none other than Mr. Slim Shady himself. Pre- and post-Christmas, Eminem will be hosting a hip-hop show on Sirius Satellite Radio, on Shade 45, commercial-free, uncensored, fresh hip-hop radio channel. The broadcast schedule is below. Please have a very, very happy holidaze. I'll be rocking out in

Marianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00426619630572654218noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8586688.post-1103683363612731552004-12-21T18:41:00.000-08:002004-12-22T11:30:22.486-08:00

In the news, Naomi Campbell dumped Usher, reportedly saying his entourage was too controlling, expecting her to show up for pictures with him at every awards ceremony. They apparently had a tiff after she failed to show up at the Billboard Awards with him. I guess the model wanted to be more than eye candy. In other news, Lindsay Lohan may be topping the charts at No. 4, according to Soundscan,

Marianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00426619630572654218noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8586688.post-1103589546016648682004-12-20T15:57:00.000-08:002004-12-21T11:10:49.726-08:00

This holiday season season get crunked (or as we Yay Area folks say, hyphee) On Friday (8am, 12 Noon, 5pm, and 8pm) and Saturday (12am, 7am, 12pm, 3pm, 8pm, and 10pm), check out Music Choice's program, Crunk Christmas. It'll feature an hour long music show hosted by DTP's I-20 with such crunk classics as Lil' Jon & the East Side Boyz, Ludacris, Trick Daddy, and Bone Crusher. Or if you'd rather

Marianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00426619630572654218noreply@blogger.com0