Kollaboration 11

The 11th Annual Kollaboration
Date: Saturday, November 5, 2011
Location: Nokia Theatre L.A. Live
Capacity: 6,800

Competitors:
afterschoolspecial
Andrew Figueroa Chiang and the Blazing Rays of the Sun
Dawen
Emanon Dance Crew *AUDIENCE CHOICE WINNER*
Inch Chua
Monsters Calling Home
Noel Kunz *1st PLACE WINNER*
Lions Ambition

Guest Performers:
G.NA - Kpop Singer
PK - Comedian
Clara C - Singer/Songwriter
Ensemble Memo - Opening Act

Guest Judges:
Jin Akanishi - Top-Selling Japanese Singer, Songwriter & Actor
Ashley Choi - Head of International Business and Marketing for Blvd 34 Music Group
David Choi - Singer/Songwriter
Ryan Higa - Youtube Star
Kelly Hu - Actress

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Yo-Yo Artist Wins Top Prize at KOLLABORATION 11
Written by Joanna Wu

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 11, 2011 - Two-time world championship yo-yo artist and up-and-coming elite entertainer Noel Kunz took the grand prize on Saturday at Kollaboration 11, the largest showcase for Asian Pacific Islander (API) talent in North America.

 

"Winning Kollaboration is still beyond me,” Kunz said. “I couldn't believe it when my name was called as the winner. In fact, the first thing I said was, ‘You sure?’ This is a big deal, a huge deal, and I'm humbled to know that my yo-yoing was good enough to change people's minds on the art."

Kunz, originally from Vallejo, California, and now living in Indiana, stunned the judges with his impressive performance set to hip hop music. Emanon Dance Crew, with more than 70 dancers, gained the audience’s approval and won the Verizon Audience Choice Prize of $1,000.

 

"I want to use this win as a platform to help other artists who have talents that aren't conventional or usual to the public eye,” Kunz said. “If I can help give back to those who have helped me, then I will feel good knowing that I made a difference in the performing community."

Other highlights from the evening included the headliner, G.NA, presented by the Korea Foundation, who performed from her most recent album “Black and White” and other selections. Originally from Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, G.NA went to South Korea to pursue a singing career, and has set herself apart from the many girl groups in Korea as a solo artist.

 

Kollaboration officially wrapped up the 2011 series of nationwide shows with its 11th annual show hosted by Roy Choi, Kollaboration’s executive producer and CEO, at the Nokia Theatre L.A. Live, the biggest venue to ever hold a Kollaboration production.

 

Other special guest performers who took the stage included symphonic quintet Ensemble Memo, singer-songwriter Clara C, and comedian and founder of Kollaboration, Paul “P.K.” Kim. The full list of competitors included:

 
 

  • afterschoolspecial – An alternative band based out of San Diego known for their eclectic blend of rap, rock, and alternative music.
  • Andrew Figueroa Chiang and the Blazing Rays of the Sun – A Los Angeles based rock band specializing in earnest performances, energetic arrangements, and big harmonies.
  • Dawen - A Los Angeles based singer/songwriter and winner of Kollaboration Acoustic 4.
  • Emanon Dance Crew - High school dancers from Ventura County that inspire youth to share the same passion on the dance floor.
  • Inch Chua - A singer/songwriter hailing from Singapore who recently made her U.S. debut at the South by Southwest Music Festival.
  • Monsters Calling Home - A Los Angeles based band with a dynamic folk sound.
  • Noel Kunz - Two-time World Championship Yo-Yo Artist and up-and-coming elite entertainer.
  • Lions Ambition - With the most votes from the online poll of Kollaboration winners from other cities, this Seattle band took the last spot in the competition.

 
 

The judges panel included Jin Akanishi, top-selling Japanese singer, songwriter, and actor; Kelly Hu, actress in shows including most recently in The Vampire Diaries and Hawaii Five-O; Ryan Higa, or better known as NigaHiga, one of the most highly subscribed YouTube stars; David Choi, singer, songwriter and producer from Los Angeles; and Ashley Choi, head of International Business and Marketing for Blvd 34 Music Group.

 

Major sponsors for the event included the Korea Foundation, Verizon Wireless, Nielsen, as well as YesStyle, Korea Daily, LA 18, Hite Jinro, Candy Geek, Kabuki, Skunk Juice Earbuds, Moodaepo, Song Group Inc, Soompi, Koreaboo, and Nongshim, who presented the Freestyle Vocal Competition; and Vlado Footwear, who presented the Freestyle Dance Competition.

Since its inception in 2000, Kollaboration has enjoyed significant growth as a grassroots entertainment movement serving the API population from communities across North America. With 12 shows in 10 cities making up the 2011 Kollaboration season, this was the first year that Kollaboration Los Angeles, the original flagship production, was held as the last show.

 

KOLLABORATION 11 is the 57th show produced by Kollaboration.

Kollaboration is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. Our mission is EMPOWERMENT THROUGH ENTERTAINMENT. We are dedicated to the promotion of a strong Asian Pacific Islander American presence in entertainment and media.

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Meet our Kollaboration 11 Competitors!

   afterschoolspecial

Self-described as a "musical hurricane on a collision course with awesome" and known for their eclectic blend of rap, rock, and alternative music, afterschoolspecial is a notable band originating from San Diego. Since their start in 2007, the group has quickly grown a reputation for their fusion sound, unique stage presence, and high energy performances. Nominees for the 2009 San Diego Music Awards for the Best Hip Hop Act and Best Hip Hop Album, they have traveled as invited performers at various venues, speaking engagements, and universities all across the nation. With the release of their highly anticipated album, It's All In Your Head, afterschoolspecial hopes to continue to refine and redefine their music to inspire their listeners.
Website: http://www.afterschoolspecialmusic.com
 
   ANDREW FIGUEORA CHIANG & THE BLAZING RAYS OF THE SUN
  A tight-knit team of musicians, Andrew Figueroa Chiang and the Blazing Rays of the Sun are known for their big harmonies, heavy grooves, and energetic performances. Andrew Figueroa Chiang is every bit an entertainer. He leads the group with his sweet voice, disarming charm, and infectious joy. Check them out live – you’re guaranteed a smile.
Website: http://andrewandthebrots.com/
 
   DAWEN
  A recent Grand Prize Winner of Kollaboration Acoustic 4, Dawen is a singer/songwriter known for his smooth baritone and sensual falsetto that recall the vocal stylings of Maxwell and Sade. In his debut album American Me (with a new EP slated for release in early 2012), he fuses soul and R&B with jazz and funk into his music and lyrics, which cover everything from identity and social issues to love, loss, and redemption. With his unique and expressive songs, he offers a lyrical style that appeals to both the intellect and the emotions.
Website: http://www.dawen.us/
 
   EMANON DANCE CREW
  Based out of Oxnard, California, Emanon Dance Crew was established in March of 2006, under the direction of Byron Bucao. With the combination of high school students from all over Ventura County, Emanon has grown to inspire the youth in the community to share the same passion on the dance floor. Recently awarded Youth Team of The Year from World Of Dance Industries, Emanon continues to meet the needs of the younger generation who are yet to enter the collegiate dance scene.
 
   INCH CHUA
  The first Singapore solo artist selected to perform at the South by Southwest Festival (SXSW) in Austin, Texas and one of her nation's most prominent indie singer/songwriters, Chua was the front-woman for Allura, a popular alternative rock act. Since then, she has departed from her boisterous rock singing to work on her solo career, which focuses on developing her schizophrenic potpourri of introspective acoustic tunes and quirky rhythms. Despite the change, her unmistakable voice remains true. As a seasoned and distinguished performer, Chua and her skills continue to be sought out for various projects, including independent film work and commercial jingles.
Website: http://www.inchchua.com/
 
   MONSTERS CALLING HOME
  Inspired by the hit 90s children's TV show Ahh! Real Monsters and nurtured by their friends and family from the San Fernando Valley, Monsters Calling Home is five musician friends who share their love for adventure and fun. Their "smangin" music consists of upbeat, folk sounds, rhythmic fun, and fervent performances.
Website: http://www.monsterscallinghome.com/
 
   NOEL KUNZ
  Appearances on shows like America's Got Talent and PBS' The Friday Zone are indicative of Kunz's quick climb as one of the world's elite and upcoming entertainers in the yo-yoing community. With nothing more than a piece of string and a hunk of metal attached to it, he explodes onstage with fast-paced tricks and intricacy. The two-time World Championship Finalist of the World Yoyo Contest (Artistic Performance Division) hopes to spread his love of Filipino culture and fond childhood memories in the 90s when yo-yos ruled the world with his performance.
 
   LIONS AMBITION
  Though they just began their musical career as a group in 2008, this Seattle-based band has already played in different showcases throughout the U.S. and Canada and has opened for Ludacris, Talib Kweli, and Shwayze. With their soulful rock vocals and dynamic rhymes, it is no wonder that they have already shared the stage with such recognizable artists. Their infectious melodies and thought-provoking lyrics capture an array of emotions and capture many facets of life, comparable to other hip hop and rock fusion bands such as Linkin Park and Gym Class Heroes. The inspiration for their music is based on "following your dreams and defying obstacles," which is the very stuff that their music inspires in their fans.
Website: http://www.lionsambition.net/