Kollaboration 2009
Synopsis by John Kim

OMG, were you there? February 21st marked a historical moment in Asian American entertainment as 6,300 people from all over the United States filled the famous Shrine Auditorium to capacity. The previous host to the Academy Awards, several Grammy Awards, Emmy Awards, and many more saw for the first time a unique collection of professional, rising, and amateur entertainers with a single mission…to “Empower through Entertainment.” The 9th annual Kollaboration show grasped the reins of an eager audience and cemented its position as the premier Asian American event.

The night began with a video skit starring the charming founder Paul “PK” Kim and executive producer Roy Choi as they embarked upon an endearingly misfitted journey with a mysterious briefcase. Beautiful actress Moon Bloodgood, from the upcoming blockbuster Terminator Salvation, demonstrated her self-deprecating comedic side as she confidently belted out vocals to some of today’s popular music for an eye-rolling sound engineer. The audience roared in laughter to Bloodgood’s off-key karaoke close-up and her admittance that at the very least she was “good enough for an actress.” While always delivering moments to remember, it’s often hard to believe that Kollaboration is a not-for-profit organization due to the draw of support from internationally acclaimed artists as well as the contagious air of enthusiasm from thousands of adoring fans.

Laced in between the performances of the show’s seven competitors, several of America’s best dance crews tantalized the eyes with precision moves and grooves. Team Millennia was the first to take the stage and sweated something spectacular that lifted the audience to cheers. Moving as a single idea in multiple bodies, Fanny Pak’s dance routine teased and pleased with each member ending by hanging into the orchestra pit. And not to be outdone, Kaba Modern’s tribute to Michael Jackson thrilled the screaming auditorium with high energy grooves felt from the first row to the last.

Most people come to watch a great show, but some arrive to step up as part of an event that truly empowers. Unique to Kollaboration, members of the audience are offered an opportunity to take the stage for an impromptu freestyle competition. And it always makes for awesome entertainment. Judged by audience cheers, freestylers brought plenty of personality and proved that talent can come from anywhere.

The core of the show has always been providing a platform for Asian American artists to showcase their creative expression through friendly competition for large cash prizes. With the spotlight on, Kollaboration’s seven competitors certainly seized the moment. Kenichi Ebina deceptively danced in a robotic fashion that would have androids throwing in the towel. Jazmin proved that sometimes songs sound best when tuned to a four sister harmony. Paving a new way to hear violin, Paul Dateh bowed his strings toward emoting the true artistic voice within instruments. Kina Grannis might not have been strong enough for a man’s inconsistent love, but her live performance highlighted that she is more than another pretty face on Youtube. Although arriving as the under-promoted underdog, Lilybeth Evardome’s vocals garnered a winning position as the audience’s voted favorite. Jane Lui silenced thousands into admiration with some smooth strokes on the piano and the warmth of a touching voice reminiscent of a comforting mother. Finally, all of the competition came to a rest as David Choi strummed his acoustic original “Youtube (A Love Song)” with the same skillful fun previously featured online.

Kollaboration’s broad mission of empowerment through entertainment was further seen in the mixed medley of special guest performances. Magician Norman Ng conjured bowling balls from sketchpads and cell phones from Pringles cans. Comedy Central Comedian Jo Koy told ridiculously hilarious stories of his Filipino family life. The entire event concluded on a climax as the much-anticipated international superstar BoA debuted a couple tracks from her first American album.

Although the competition’s prize winners went to first place Kenichi Ebina and second place Jane Lui, extra honors should be endowed upon the entire movement’s leaders Paul “PK” Kim and Roy Choi as well as the hardworking volunteer staff. Nine years ago, no one ever thought that a simple show with a big dream would evolve to become so dynamic in its entertainment and influence. It is unbelievable that all proceeds go into helping fellow nonprofit organizations and expanding the movement. I’m definitely looking forward to next year…Kollaboration 10 is going to be amazing.

Special thanks to our judges, Printz Board, James Kyson Lee, James Ryu, Teddy Zee, and Welly Yang. And a huge thanks to our sponsors!! And of course this would not all be possible without our fans, supporters, and staff!