I think the figure below has the cutest cat face ever. Who taught this kid how to do the eyes like this? …and green nose? Love it. I could go on about the goodnesses of each piece. There’s something in all of them that I like. Well, most of them, even from the one who couldn’t get a start.

Thanks Kizuna, DKE, OCBC and JANM.

Tons of kids, each with a custom figure.

See how tiny the girl in orange with the pink glasses is? She’s 6 and did a great job with her figure.

The silent auction included special lunch with George Takei. That would be fun no matter what.

Norman Mineta, Greg Kimura, and Gordon Yamate. Thanks much for the work, y’all and thanks Gordon Yamate. Glad I didn’t drink the vodka.

What seems like bean soup is actually the bean soup that Daniel Inouye used to eat. It’s the actual recipe for the soup from DC. Evidently, he’d invite people to eat bean soup with him if you donated a certain amount to a certain place. It was nice to have it with him. A great idea for the night if you think about it.

After party shenanigans. That’s a silhouette of Edwin Ushiro waving against a projected photo of… Edwin Ushiro waving.  Photo from GR Biennale 3

From left to right: JANM: Supernatural Tim Watters, Edwin Ushiro, Greg Kimura, and Audrey Kawasaki

Great exhibition.

Holy crap! I got to see Bad Religion at The Echo. And Quicksand back together. And FIDLAR for free. But first things first. Last week was the closing of the Giant Robot Biennale 3 at JANM, where I got to see my friend (and rad artist) Jack Long play with his band, White Dove.

I never got to see Monster, the band’s first incarnation, but I totally believe that there is a pre-history to this group. They play a deceptively pretty, straightforward style of rock that is both rough and pretty, simple and sophisticated. I detect unhinged, dark elements following the tradition of L.A. bands like The Dream Syndicate and Mazzy Star. Seeing art in person rules. Going to shows rules. Getting both at the Giant Robot Biennale 3 closing party was awesome.

This Tuesday, I caught Quicksand’s return to L.A. The band featuring Walter Schreifels reunited for the Rev25 shows in Pomona on one of the nights I didn’t attend. Then they played FYF, which I missed. So it was cool to see them headlining a relatively small show with Title Fight. The openers played a tight set that combined Samiam melodies with a post-hardcore sensibility, and helped bring the average age of the audience below 40. Touché Amoré singer Jeremy Bolm (above) made a quick appearance to make it super special for the young’uns.

Quicksand is a musicians’ band, and at this point in the group’s resurrection the chops and chemistry are unbeatable. I have to admit that while I’m a big fan of leader Walter Schreifels’ other bands (Gorilla Biscuits, Rival Schools, and Walking Concert) I’m a Quicksand novice who only has the first 7″ single. Yet it was impossible not to be sucked into the intensity and energy of the nearly 20-song set with a packed room full of fans who know the words to every single song. Hardcore anger and intensity tempered by musicianship, melody, and craft doesn’t get much better and I gotta track down the LPs. I bought the Ed Templeton-designed tour shirt (vegan connection?) and don’t want to be a poseur.

The next evening was Bad Religion at The Echo. To see them once more in a club that not much larger than Al’s Bar or the Coconut Teaszer was really special and the mix of songs brought me back to those days as well. The band was honest about being unrehearsed and chatted, joked, and talked shit, but played like the well-oiled, left-leaning, free-thinking, circle pit-driving machine that they have evolved into. Older songs like “We’re Only Going to Die” meshed perfectly with later hits like “American Jesus” and new standouts like “Los Angeles Is Burning.” And the new songs like “Robin Hood in Reverse” are as angry, smart, and punk as ever. It’s so easy to stop listening to a band after decades, but Bad Religion is totally worth following and supporting into adulthood, even if you’re a parent like me who can’t wear a shirt that says, “The easiest thing to do is say fuck you” anymore. Go buy their amazing new LP and see them when they hit the road for real.

Last night I managed to catch FIDLAR’s record release show at Amoeba Hollywood. The last time I saw them was the record release show for OFF! at the Whisky. They already had a huge following back then and it’s awesome to see that they haven’t imploded like most young punks that sing songs about fucking up and rehab from experience. And perhaps it was the aisles of vinyl and CD that separated and kept the rabid fans from not destroying Amoeba. See FIDLAR while you can and check out their rad new LP. I love seeing old band hang in there or get back together, but you gotta get behind some new ones as well. FIDLAR is one of them.

There’s also a panel discussion on custom figures on Saturday (Jan 19th) – featuring Luke Chueh, Yoskay Yamamoto, Scott Tolleson, and David Horvath. 3-4pm at JANM.

The connection runs deeply. From Inouye being on the Board to being married to a previous CEO.

LOS ANGELES —DECEMBER 17, 2012—Japanese American National Museum’s statement on the passing of U.S. Senator Daniel K. Inouye:

“The Japanese American community is deeply saddened by this loss,” said Dr. G.W. (Greg) Kimura, President and CEO of the Japanese American National Museum. “Senator Daniel K. Inouye is irreplaceable. He embodies the very best of our community and our nation. He fought with valor and distinction on the battlefield and he was a tireless supporter of civil rights and social justice for all Americans. His legacy will live on in the many lives and institutions he touched, like the National Museum, and he will be sorely missed. Our thoughts are with his wife, Irene Hirano Inouye, and their family during this difficult time.”

The holiday celebration continues on Saturday, December 15 with more excitement for the entire family. Enjoy participating in a hands-on art workshop from 2 PM to 4 PM with artists Albert Reyes and Saelee Oh from JANM’s Giant Robot Biennale 3. A special holiday photo opportunity with Japanese American Santa is available from 11 AM to 2 PM, and a special book signing from noon to 2 PM with acclaimed author and Usagi Yojimbo artist, Stan Sakai (signing for books only). Events on Saturday, December 15 are free with Museum admission.

The Target Free Saturday at JANM was a hit drawing 1000 folks. Kids made robots out of cardboard boxes, film canisters, crepe paper, and spare junk parts. Many also learned about comics with Yumi Sakugawa and did some watercolors with Rob Sato.

Come make some watercolor paintings with artist Rob Sato! Attendees will learn watercolor texture techniques and how to use masking in this workshop. Materials provided.

Giant Robot Artists’ Entourage Workshop with Rob Sato
is happening in conjunction with JANM’s Target Free Family Saturday: Pop Culture

There is more info at the Giant Robot Facebook event page.

Time Lapse of the mural and installation by Saelee Oh and Deth P Sun. Saelee Oh’s work took days and days, Deth P Sun, 11 hours. Both are amazing to see in person. Music by Goh Nakamura.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vUvuSOjq1cY

Deth P Sun Art Available Friday October 5th 12noon PST, it’ll be at this link. There are 360 5″x5″ pieces.

Here’s a voting poll. It’s a popularity contest in the end. If this poll includes “pound for pound” cultural significance, diversity, community building and outreach. I’d cast my vote and say, yes to JANM. (Cityvoter – JANM)

People lurk and check out the gear on the tables. The event was fun.

Kat Rivera shows off the bag of buttons she purchased through the vending machine at JANM.

Japanese American National Museum
100 N Central Ave (yes, either address works)
Los Angeles, California, 90012
United States

(JANM – Kokoro)