tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22552602890690438112024-03-18T19:17:56.456-07:00Summer Sun: the Los Angeles Asian American Dance SceneThis blog is devoted to your stories and recollections on the Asian American dance scene in Los Angeles at places like Rodger Young's and the Elks Club, listening to the bands Carry On, Free Flight, Winfield Summit and Hiroshima.
Collecting the stories is important because it was “our” time as Asian Americans. The decade of the 1970s was a period in the awakening of Asian pride following the Civil Rights movement, and minority groups were instilled with self-esteem in ethnic identity.Elisabeth L. Uyedahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02653471540089805435noreply@blogger.comBlogger52125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2255260289069043811.post-76342238688885887882020-05-20T11:39:00.003-07:002020-05-20T11:42:45.401-07:00Gidra's Poster for a Dance at the Rodger Young AuditoriumThanks to Russell Wong for bringing to my attention of a poster he spotted on a video piece by CGTN America.<br />
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The same footage showing the poster appeared in two CGTN videos - the one for the Chinese American Museum in Los Angeles, but also another piece profiling Susan Wong and her efforts to revive the original <i>Gidra</i> publication (1969-1975) that started during the Civil Rights Movement.<br />
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Here is a screen grab - it's a little blurry.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From a CGTN America news video</td></tr>
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Elisabeth L. Uyedahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02653471540089805435noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2255260289069043811.post-3788569739781688882017-11-20T09:57:00.003-08:002017-11-20T20:44:18.425-08:00Why This 61-Year Old Likes "Far East Movement"Two of the original hip-hop musicians who formed Far East Movement are Kev Nish (Kevin Nishimura) and Prohgress (James Roh). They were school friends, and their musical collaboration was cemented in 2003 by the Far East Movement name.<br />
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They were both born a couple days apart in January of 1984, grew up near Downtown LA, and as they like to say, "repre K-Town". I'd say that 1984 was when I probably wasn't going to "Asian dances" any longer, or I was attending few and far between.<br />
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I appreciate Far East Movement due to the strides they have made to break through the bamboo ceiling. With their number one hit "Like a G6" in 2010, they're the first Asian American group to have a number one on Billboard. Despite touring with Lady Gaga, Rihanna and others, their Asian faces still impeded their cred (seen as too Asian, or labeled K-Pop at first impression).<br />
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Now's a good time to draw a bit of comparison between them and the jazz fusion band Hiroshima. They are both the only Asian American bands to hit the mainstream. They're both L.A. bred, yet both their band names harken back to ...well, the Far East, away from L.A.<br />
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I was pleased to view on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pIAoVzDf5fY">YouTube one of the official videos for "Bang It to the Curb"</a> that it was filmed at the Elks Club!!! Now called the MacArthur, this elegant 1924 building is currently a private venue for events and filming only. If Far East Movement reads this - do you know the pleasing irony of you guys filming here?? This was our hangout in the 1970s - Asian dances, cruising, scoping out the guys and the girls, me with a drink in hand feeling very sophisticated.<br />
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Find out what Kev Nish and Prohgress are all about at <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VKnW6uswLXg">Not Your Average part one interview</a> and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZKou3d-ba04">Not Your Average part two interview</a>.Elisabeth L. Uyedahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02653471540089805435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2255260289069043811.post-25432649146498234272017-06-09T10:27:00.000-07:002017-06-09T10:27:00.108-07:00Asian American CultureCheck out three recent blog postings at Los Angeles Revisited:<br />
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<a href="https://losangelesrevisited.blogspot.com/2017/05/and-oscar-goes-toli-ling-ai.html">And the Oscar goes to...Li Ling Ai!</a><br />
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<a href="https://losangelesrevisited.blogspot.com/2017/05/asian-americans-in-film.html">Asian Americans in film</a><br />
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<a href="https://losangelesrevisited.blogspot.com/">Los Angeles Chinatown ephemera</a>Elisabeth L. Uyedahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02653471540089805435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2255260289069043811.post-46907772014255179462017-04-24T10:09:00.001-07:002017-04-24T10:09:11.602-07:00Hey, remember George Tong?Jerry C. wrote to me a couple of weeks ago:<br />
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"Read ur blog. Great memories. I was a part of that time . My buddy Nathan lived in Bakersfield and would drive to LA to be among Asians. Nathan told me he would see his older brother. At the dances. The draw was powerful to be amongst people alike. There were the Holiday bowling leagues. And thr Rafu Shimpo would list the dances. Christmas day night was a big crowd. If I recall Hiroshima played at Baby Lion Bar on Wed nite for free. I was offered to be their roadie by Dan's brother. Society of 7 and Kalapana were concerts we would buy tickets to see. Great times. Don't forget George Tong the man his parties were the foundation of this time. The private houses he would rent."<br />
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Jerry, do you remember in the late 1980s into the 1990s, it was primarily Claudia Mark organizing dances and the big New Year's dance?Elisabeth L. Uyedahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02653471540089805435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2255260289069043811.post-45402928207858275732016-07-12T17:29:00.001-07:002016-07-12T17:29:10.254-07:00Dance at Mary Knoll Auditorium August 27, 2016Carolyn Carrera wrote me about an upcoming dance:<br />
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"We’re trying to revive those great memories (and raise money for our building maintenance fund) by having an ‘oldies’ dance! Anyone who is Japanese and over 40 either attended Maryknoll or knows someone who went there! While the school closed in 1994, the church (now 104 years old!) is still quite active as the St. Francis Xavier Chapel Japanese Catholic Center. The school was rededicated as the “Maryknoll Activity Center” with rental space for classes/meetings/etc. I am VP of our church Auxiliary Group who is sponsoring the dance. Forgive me, but I’m not used to blogging and I have no clue how to post anything, but I would be ever so grateful if you would post our flyer on your blog. We want to try to reach anyone who wants to relive those great dance memories! We will have a LIVE band---several members used to play with the familiar bands of the day (Free Flight, Chosen Few, Fire & Ice and Buddhaheads Ltd…"<br />
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Elisabeth L. Uyedahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02653471540089805435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2255260289069043811.post-62628015485885732372016-05-27T11:51:00.003-07:002016-05-27T11:51:43.504-07:00Hiroshima and Tyrus WongThis posting is also on <a href="http://losangelesrevisited.blogspot.com/">Los Angeles Revisited</a>.<br />
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The Asian Pacific American Heritage Month concludes in a few days. The month of May was designated due to key historic May events that defined the Japanese-American and Chinese-American experience.<br /><br /> African-Americans have their month in February; National Hispanic Heritage month runs from September 15th through October 15th each year.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My mementos from the concert</td></tr>
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The L.A.-based jazz band, Hiroshima, scheduled a concert in Arcadia this recent May 14th. The group leader, Dan Kuramoto, called the attention of the audience to the heritage month, explaining that he coincided this at-home concert because "this is <em>our</em> month".<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dan Kuramoto and musician on May 14th</td></tr>
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Several weeks earlier, the L.A. Asian Pacific Film Festival featured a screening of "Tyrus Wong: Brushstrokes in Hollywood" in Little Tokyo's Aratani Theatre. Tyrus, now 105 <span style="font-family: "calibri";">½ </span> years old, was the center of attention in receiving rounds of applause as he entered the theatre in a wheelchair. His long-time friend, colleague and fellow artist, <a href="http://losangelesrevisited.blogspot.com/2015/06/the-official-milton-quon-fan-club.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Milton Quon</span></a>, arrived shortly before, with the help of a walker.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My souvenir button purchased after the screening</td></tr>
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Pamela Tom's film reveals his contributions to the 1942 animated film, Bambi. Tyrus' delicate expressions of forest scenes led Walt Disney to ultimately adopt his conceptual style for the entire film's background scenes. In recent years, Tyrus was belatedly recognized and honored for his considerable contributions to the film, notably by the late Diane Disney (daughter of Walt). The documentary also explains the influence of storyboard artists, (like Tyrus, who later worked for Warner Bros.) whose visual layouts for movie scenes often swayed the directors.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Filmmaker Pamela Tom during the Q&A session <br /> following the screening at the Aratani Theatre</td></tr>
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It would be wonderful if the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences could present an Honorary Award to Tyrus next year . It might redeem the sting from the last two years' Oscars ceremonies: the #OscarsSoWhite show earlier this year was inclusive of Asian Americans but only to poke fun at the same old stereotypes; last year's awards show brought on comedian Margaret Cho to act as a North Korean.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tyrus in 1928, seated with legs crossed at front row, second from left.<br /> Courtesy of the Seaver Center for Western History Research</td></tr>
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Tyrus Wong was born in 1910, about the same time East Coast movie companies were discovering the year-round sunshine in L.A. Tyrus immigrated from China to the U.S. as a child. All he ever wanted to do was draw. He made it a successful livelihood in order to raise a family by working in Hollywood but also branching out as a commercial artist. He managed to bring his artistry into the cultural fabric of our country.<br /><br /> The band, Hiroshima, formed with a unique sound through the accompaniment of the Japanese string instrument, a zither called the Koto, played by master kotoist June Kuramoto. The early band was a pride of the 1970s local L.A. Asian American dance scene, and Hiroshima later found mainstream success, radio play and Grammy nominations. Like Tyrus, the band Hiroshima managed to bring their artistry into the cultural fabric of our country.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">June Kuramoto on the Koto</td></tr>
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This post is published on the day of President Barack Obama's historic trip to Hiroshima, Japan, one of the two sites bombed by U.S. atomic bombs to force an end to World War II.Elisabeth L. Uyedahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02653471540089805435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2255260289069043811.post-40979362858271029422015-06-02T10:06:00.003-07:002015-06-02T10:06:39.784-07:00"Yesteryear Remembered" Calls It QuitsMy fellow alumnus from John Marshall High School submitted his last and final blog post at <a href="http://yesteryearremembered.com/">Yesteryear Remembered: remembering things from my past</a>. KSquared ended his five year running blog by telling about the time around 1974 when the band Hiroshima played Marshall High.<br />
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I was there that year, but I don't remember this.Elisabeth L. Uyedahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02653471540089805435noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2255260289069043811.post-73477624776342183002015-05-05T11:54:00.000-07:002015-05-05T11:54:16.126-07:00Ron Quan Remembers the East L.A. Scene and More<div>
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LOl.......yes, I distincly remember "Land of a Thousand Dances" , a band out of East Los Angeles. It was one of their "two hit wonders" ("Farmer John......I'm in love with your daughter....."). It was during the mid-60's and East Los Angeles was jumping with dances almost every weekend, with popular local bands that played at those dances (like the Midnighters), and cruising up and down Whittier Blvd. every Saturday and Sunday (it was packed then). </div>
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the Japanese crowd (aka, "Buddhaheads") followed along with their own dances at locations like the Aeronautical Ballroom (near Fairfax and Beverly), the Old Dixie Ballroom (on Western Ave, near Vernon Ave), the Rodger Young Auditorium, the Elks Club in Gardena, and others. </div>
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Those other dances....like the Watusi, the Monkey, the Shing-ga-ling, the Harlem Shuffle (to name a few), the Skate, the Tempttation Walk, were made popular on the East Coast mostly in the black ghettoes of Chicago, Detroit, Philadelphia, etc. We had one out here called "The Slauson" and you can guess </div>
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what community that dance came from..........yup, Slauson and Central Ave, that's right!!!<br /><br />In the 70's, things started to change as Psychedelic music came in to being as well as the English influence (the Beatles). Everyone changed to growing their hair long, wearing bell-bottoms, worn down denims, tee shirts with "tye-dye" designs on them, started smoking weed and dropping pills, gang activity reduced significantly but Black militancy and revolutionary fervor increased (Black Panthers, Black Muslims, the Red Guard, Brown Berets, the Weathermen); Young people preached "love and peace" concepts, "Love-ins" were held frequently at Griffith Park, huge marches against the Vietnam War were held on Wilshire Blvd. with crowds or easily 100,000+ people, young girls were leaving home and hitchhiking west from across the country to become part of the new "hippie" counter culture in San Francisco. What a crazy time, it was. And, not to mention that you guys straight out of high school were starting to disappear because either they got drafted into the service and sent off to Nam or they disappeared (fled to Canada) to avoid the draft. </div>
Elisabeth L. Uyedahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02653471540089805435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2255260289069043811.post-45642924732286630852015-02-27T09:40:00.000-08:002015-02-27T09:40:33.100-08:00Coming March 28th, 2015 - Back in the Day: The Sansei ShowLong time no post - here is an event upcoming to re-live those dance day memories on March 28th - what? 4 to 8 p.m.? What happened to just getting out the door at 8 p.m. and dancing until 1:30 or 2 a.m and then hitting Denny's on Vermont until 4 a.m.??:<br />
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Elisabeth L. Uyedahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02653471540089805435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2255260289069043811.post-91448135017924542502014-01-13T11:45:00.002-08:002014-01-13T11:45:41.033-08:00Happy New Year 2014! - The Band DynastyAnonymous left me a comment: Are you still maintaining this blog at all? I'm the bass player from the
original Dynasty (there was another Dynasty later). The original Dynasty back in
the early 70's including myself on bass, Danny Yamamoto on drums, Craig Lee on
vocals, Lorie Kimura on vocals, Jim Kelso on trombone, Bob Rink on Hammond B3
organ, Philip Kawakami on guitar and there was another guitar player later on
which I can't remember his name unfortunately. I was surprised to even be
mentioned in a blog along with Carry On! <br />
<br />
Hey Anonymous! I haven't posted to this blog for a long time - thank you for your comment, and adding a bit of history on Dynasty.<br />
<br />
Sincerely,<br />
<br />
Betty (Elisabth)Elisabeth L. Uyedahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02653471540089805435noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2255260289069043811.post-82214980011045658632011-10-24T16:53:00.000-07:002011-10-24T16:53:38.846-07:00New Recollections from L.A. & Stockton, CaliforniaIt has been a long while since I have posted. Here are some more memories:<br />
<br />
From L.M:<br />
"I remember back in the 70’s going to a bunch of the college dances while I was still in Junior High and High School up in Stockton. <br />
<br />
Both Delta College and UOP used the <a href="http://www.eastwindband.com/">East Wind Band</a>, and they were quite the thing back then for all Asian Alliance dances. I had the most fun back then at those dances, and remember the music as pretty much what you hear Steve Kikuchi do for us now, which is why I’m happiest at dances that he puts on since my music growth is stunted and pretty much stopped way back then.<br />
<br />
I remember though running into cousins that were quite a bit older than me, and would totally freak out to see their young cousin at these dances. Of course, quite a bit older now equates to about 5-8 years older, and doesn’t seem so much older anymore, but back then when I was only 15, 20-23 sounded ancient to me.<br />
<br />
Gary M. wrote to me in August the following:<br />
<br />
"I had been involved in several bands over the years. Starting in the mid 60's a band called the Rising Suns was the first garage band I participated in. It was comprised of friends, Clayton Mizufuka, Wade Hojo, Kenny Takaoka and Davis Akiyama who wanted to play the music of Thee Midnighters, Rolling Stones, Animals and of course, the Beatles. We were still in high school and played for school functions, USC Pharmacy fraternity parties and talent shows in Mar Vista and Crenshaw shopping centers. <br />
<br />
<br />
Later I was asked to play drums for Thee Prophets. It's members included, David Akiyama, Brian Tanouye, Johnny Sanchez, Tom Sonjeka, Gordon Young, Michael Hotta, Denis Hotta, John Hubbard, David Honjio and a guy whose last name was I think Torigoi."<br />
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<br />
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<br />Elisabeth L. Uyedahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02653471540089805435noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2255260289069043811.post-82571841495894703632011-05-22T07:12:00.000-07:002011-05-22T22:12:03.462-07:00Hiroshima - a World Community-Minded Musical Talent<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The band Hiroshima performed at the "Thousand Hearts" Japan Relief concert on April 23rd at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium.<br />
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I have never seen them in a "real" concert - they were awesome. Their guest vocalist was the golden voice of Mr. Terry Steele. The audience comprised primarily of two camps: the Hiroshima fans, and the young teens & 20-somethings drawn there to see the other feature performers, Quest Crew, an Asian-American dance ensemble who made America's Best Dance Crew in MTV's Season 3.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7INNxI8ikk0OZtUCpxjVIOQ6GoQ2il62pUjzQALucjIPJhaijxc0wS8PEPZYvubEgtNscsVhb3cQRpU9YDpZVbt1kqPmqWxHaChV56BKxdVbf3BZzvxII2YkdzVJUVVJ7IvhU_eb-3pM/s1600/DSC04502.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7INNxI8ikk0OZtUCpxjVIOQ6GoQ2il62pUjzQALucjIPJhaijxc0wS8PEPZYvubEgtNscsVhb3cQRpU9YDpZVbt1kqPmqWxHaChV56BKxdVbf3BZzvxII2YkdzVJUVVJ7IvhU_eb-3pM/s400/DSC04502.JPG" width="400px" /></a></td></tr>
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The über-talented Hiroshima (click on image to zoom)</div>
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Hiroshima plays throughout the country, and their performance schedule can be tracked at their <a href="http://www.hiroshimamusic.com/">website</a>. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quest Crew's amazing moves from this mostly guys and one girl ensemble (click on image to zoom)</td></tr>
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<br />Elisabeth L. Uyedahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02653471540089805435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2255260289069043811.post-73462165195183358342011-04-14T23:29:00.000-07:002011-04-14T23:29:32.323-07:00Asian RetroMitchell Matsumura's <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Asian-Retro/178909495470803">Asian Retro</a>, viewable on Facebook, has been up for some time - what took me so long to mention it? Hi Mitchell! It's been a long time! We lost touch. You've been talking to my brother down in Gardena town?<br />
<br />
Asian Retro has really taken shape since I last signed on. It covers the dances, the cars, the old music, the new music along with profiles on contemporary musicians. There are discussions, photos and an abundance of comments.<br />
<br />
Readers, for those who are not familiar, Asian Retro can be viewed even by those without a Facebook account - however, if you want to submit comments, you will need to set up an account.<br />
<br />
Mitchell states on his site that he promoted dances back in the 70's and 80's at places like Lococo's,
Jockey Club, Destiny II, Tiffanys, Chez Moi, Max 151, Downunder Saloon,
and Lahani's.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Elisabeth L. Uyedahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02653471540089805435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2255260289069043811.post-50087920793124808782011-02-20T23:37:00.000-08:002011-02-20T23:37:12.608-08:00The YouTube Generation<b>Hindsight Wishes </b><br />
<br />
The L.A. Asian American dance scene of the mid-1970s and early 1980s lives in my memory.<br />
<br />
I think of the current technology and think back to all that could have been captured on video and camera - the bands playing, the guys and the girls, the dance moves.<br />
<br />
Can you imagine holding up the wall (with cell phones in hand, and everyone glued to their hand-helds texting across the room?? <br />
<br />
Check out this fun music <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MIVu-egUMM0">video of Joseph Vincent</a> - wow, what a difference 40 years make!Elisabeth L. Uyedahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02653471540089805435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2255260289069043811.post-29689418996308874402010-12-06T23:02:00.000-08:002010-12-06T23:02:45.609-08:00Tennis Connection's Holiday Party December 11, 2010Tennis Connection has been hosting a holiday party for at least 20 years. Once again, this Saturday, our party will be at Andres inside the Doubletree Hotel in Torrance. High Resolution's DJ Steve Kikuchi will be back at it - maybe for the last time. Honestly, we're struggling to meet our minimum, the same problem we had last year. We thought we'd give it another try, but I'm gonna vote against another dance party next year.
Those of us who will be in attendance will have loads of fun, but the business end of hosting is a wreck.
On top of that, there is another party the same night, down in Gardena town at Cherrystone's, run by no other than Leonard Kim. Music Company's Dane Matsumura's got that gig, looks like it will be a jammin' night over there.Elisabeth L. Uyedahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02653471540089805435noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2255260289069043811.post-60796330528208575002010-06-06T14:11:00.000-07:002010-06-06T14:20:03.995-07:00The 70's Street Machine<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB0WcGxpZzoCcMTinw4DHMXyrXD7TQh3UXEKA6DwiB8ioGwY0LYVMhFDZUR77i_4GkytALEIOzWG8BmAMJRU8GMIxJ8y2zYXGJeSfbuX2jsFPD15pe8gYhuZWFGcI8FAfw9iveeYMg37o/s1600/Kevin's+510.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 297px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB0WcGxpZzoCcMTinw4DHMXyrXD7TQh3UXEKA6DwiB8ioGwY0LYVMhFDZUR77i_4GkytALEIOzWG8BmAMJRU8GMIxJ8y2zYXGJeSfbuX2jsFPD15pe8gYhuZWFGcI8FAfw9iveeYMg37o/s400/Kevin's+510.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479772932308547714" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">My friend's Datsun 510, one of many racing and cruising vehicles that turned my head on the streets, parking lots, freeways, and cruise nights in the 1970s.</span>Elisabeth L. Uyedahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02653471540089805435noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2255260289069043811.post-89337217575333236902010-03-12T23:21:00.000-08:002010-03-12T23:46:17.557-08:00And Now, Rickie Miyake, Former Band Member of Easy Livin'<span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Rickie found out my blog through his friend, and he contacted me the other day. It is so nice to meet you, online, Rickie. As a former band member, he contributes a new perspective on the 70s Asian dance scene:</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">I just wanted to drop a quick note and say that it seems when people mentioned the music from back then, they forgot to mention Jo Mama. “Sailing” was one of my favorite songs.<br /><br />I was part of one of the lesser garage bands from back then, a group called Easy Livin’. The other members were Teri Kusumoto on vocals (she went on to sing for Hiroshima for a while), Michael Kosaka on bass, Duane Kamei on guitar (his brother Jerry was the keyboard player in the Chosen Few and Free Flight) and Dennis Yokotake (currently with the Music Company). We got together in 1971, around the time when Free Flight, Carry On, Winfield Summit, Long Time Comin’ etc., were popular.<br /><br />Anyway, just wanted to say hello and that I am looking forward to reading all your blog entries! BTW, I graduated from Dorsey in 1972.. so these posts bring back some good memories!<br /><br />Rickie Miyake<br /><br /></span><span><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Later Rickie wrote:</span></span><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">I think that’s a great idea you had about the blog. Back then we never really thought about any cultural implications, it was just something that we did for fun. I always looked forward to these dances and the weekends in which there weren’t any seemed kind of empty. Now, I didn’t dance (still don’t, despite my wife’s attempts to get me to do that) but the reason I liked the dances was to go listen to the bands.<br /><br />The first dance I ever attended was a pretty memorable one – it was the last appearance of the Chosen Few, which I think was at Roger Young. I remember the very last song they played was a cover of Linda Ronstadt’s “Long Long Time.”<br /><br />Back in junior high and high school I was constantly listening to music – back then it was KHJ’s Boss Radio and the Boss Jocks, and KRLA. I always wanted to be in a band, too. One day we were at Duane’s house and his brother’s band, Free Flight, had practiced there the day before and left all their equipment set up. Well, you can guess what happened next. That was the very beginning of Easy Livin’. After our first laughable “jam session” I posed the idea, why don’t we start up our own band? Everyone else thought I was kidding but I kept nagging them because it had been so much fun. Gradually, the idea set in.. the final group had only Duane and myself from the group of us buddies who commandeered Free Flight’s instruments and amps that day but we found three others to play with us.<br /><br />I was never very good but I have to say, those were just about the most fun days of my life. I mean, how much better could it be – doing something that you really love to do. We were blessed having someone like Teri who had such a great voice. She was like the glue that held us together. Playing as a group was great – not once was I ever nervous because it felt like we were all there for each other. If I were to be by myself I know I’d be very nervous. I suppose it was kind of unusual since Asians were supposed to be more sedate.<br /><br />As for the culture part – back then I did used to wonder if other ethnic groups did the same thing. I always kind of felt like this was a distinctly Asian-American event; even with the bands, it was odd when a non-Asian band would play at a dance. Their music was always different, too.<br /><br />You have probably seen this video already but just in case you haven’t, here’s something a friend of mine sent me last year. I thought it captured the spirit of those times very well, although they seem to give short shrift to us Westsiders, haha.. here’s the link:<br /><br />http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nukJYZT1SCw<br /><br />I’ve written a lot about my experiences growing up in my own blog. If you’re interested, you can take a look. A lot of the entries are mundane or goofy or whatever was on my mind, but a number of them do have recollections of things past – the older ones in particular (before I ran out of memories to write about). The blog has an obvious address: http://www.rickiemiyake.com<br /><br />Thanks, and it’s nice “meeting” you!<br /><br />Rickie</span></span>Elisabeth L. Uyedahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02653471540089805435noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2255260289069043811.post-26306079139970653482010-03-04T21:04:00.000-08:002010-03-04T21:21:29.572-08:00"Dynasty" to Perform at Oldies Dance - April 17, 2010Liz Hoshizaki and members of the band, Dynasty, will be performing hits from the 60s and 70s on Saturday, April 17th at the Holiday Inn, in Diamond Bar, California.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Presenting… <br /><br /><br />“All Day Music” <br /><br /><br />Dance to the music you remember from <br />the 60’s to the 80’s <br /><br />Saturday, April 17, 2010 <br /><br /><br />Holiday Inn (Diamond Bar) <br />21725 E. Gateway Center Drive <br />Diamond Bar, CA 91765 <br />909-860-5440 <br />Cocktails & hors d’oeuvres <br />Dance <br /><br />Advanced seating reservations <br />recommended (limited capacity) <br />$25 per person <br /><br />Contact Liz or Russell Hoshizaki <br />909-396-1628 <br /><br /></span><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Dance music provided by: <br /><br /><br />DYNASTY <br />Russell Hoshizaki <br />Liz Hoshizaki <br />Dan Salas <br />Jeff Carter <br />Gary Yano <br />Jon Lundgren <br />Gino JaVierre <br /><br /><br />7:30—8:30 PM <br />8:30—11:30 PM <br /><br />Dressy casual <br />Restaurant on premises <br />open for dinner 5 to 10PM</span>Elisabeth L. Uyedahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02653471540089805435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2255260289069043811.post-38126304313095830082010-03-02T21:30:00.000-08:002010-03-02T21:44:21.198-08:00Breakfast at Tak's - Crenshaw Square<span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Here is a gem of a YouTube video tribute to the customers, and the owner Mary, of Tak's Coffee Shop in the community - yes I said 'community' of L.A.'s Crenshaw district:</span><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RVIjRjwmXh0&sns=em"><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RVIjRjwmXh0&sns=em</span><br /></a><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">George said </span>"<span style="font-style: italic;font-family:Arial;" >this video clip brought back some very old memories of my</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> </span><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:Arial;" >days at UCLA/USC in the 70's & 80's. Many of you on this email shared our college days together. Enjoy!!! </span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:Arial;" > </span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:Arial;" >Tak's owner used to work at the coffee shop at the Holiday Bowl. How I wish I could get one more short rib meal at Walt's Cafe or the</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> </span><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:Arial;" >prime ribdinner at Rudy's....... </span>"<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">On a related note, hey Gordon, tell William to email me about his family's restaurant in Crenshaw - get with it!</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Betty</span>Elisabeth L. Uyedahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02653471540089805435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2255260289069043811.post-25098820140319807542010-02-28T16:46:00.000-08:002010-02-28T16:52:40.834-08:00Comment from Ron - a Tribute to Loco Mojo<span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Ron sent in a comment this past Wednesday, but comments tend to be buried on the blog, so I'm bringing it up here! By the way, Dane is playing with with a band headlined by Michael Grange on Saturday, March 6th, 7:00 p.m. at DiPiazza's, at 5205 E. Pacific Coast Highway, Long Beach, $10.00 cover charge; make a reservation at 562-233-8894. Here is what Ron wrote:</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Hey Dane,</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">I've enjoyed hearing Loco Mojo over the years at Paul's Kitchen. Sorry that place is no longer happening but that you guys are still quite active. I'm trying to keep track of where you guys play so that I can enjoy those old sounds. Keep your groove goin on and I'll be there right with ya!</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Ron.....Manual Arts HS, "60</span>Elisabeth L. Uyedahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02653471540089805435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2255260289069043811.post-4851010037895045242010-02-02T22:32:00.000-08:002010-02-02T22:45:40.899-08:00Hermosa Beach at 22nd Street<span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Many of us congregated at a stretch of beach at Hermosa. My cousins and I used to have a contest every summer to see who darkened the most and fastest with our Coppertone Tanning Butter. Below, my friend tells more:</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Hi Betty!<br />I am so happy you are doing this retrospective on the AADS, it was part of our teen culture, and surely brings back fond memories...<br /><br />I remember:<br /><br />*the dances were what we looked forward to all week, I worked at Contempo Casuals, so it was fun to have access to the lastest trends and picking out an outfit for the dance!<br /><br />*My dad was not too fond of his "east-side" girl hanging out with the "west side" crowd, but alot of my friends (from church) were from the west side, and it was exciting to cruise Crenshaw Blvd on the weekends. I couldnt drive yet, so my west side friends would drive us around.<br /><br />One night, we parked in front of KJLH radio station, where they broadcast live, and "King Oliver" gave us a shout out on the radio while we were parked right in front of his window!<br /><br />* Beach culture- of course we hung out at Hermosa, at 22th Street...when I was old enough to drive, I would be there every single weekend with my friends, baking in baby oil til we were dark as possible. We were listening to Tower of Power, Isley Brothers, Chicago, and Michael Jackson (on cassette)<br /><br />*Street races- that was pretty fantastic- it was exciting to watch, and exhilarating to be a part of the crowd, because of the danger involved and running from the cops if they showed up...often times the races would suddenly be announced at a "secret" location, where if you knew where that location was, it was even more exciting to be there, like being privy to some underground party!!!<br /><br />They had races from Montebello to Oxnard, and even my friends in San Francisco worked on their Camaro engines to race in "LA".<br /><br />*Music- to this day, when I hear "Suavecito" by Malo or All Day Music by War, it brings me back to my childhood dances. I learned (or tried to learn!) dances like the cha-cha, or electric glide, but most of the time I would watch the experienced dancers until I practiced enough at home. Back then, we spent alot of time to look great and dressed to impress! So we regularly got permed, and ALWAYS wore platform shoes, and of course had to wear the latest Chemin de Fer jeans!<br /><br />*Food-I played sports and alot of my friends also played softball, basketball and volleyball in the asian-american leagues, so eating was a big part of our social calendar. We frequented hang outs like Mago's on the west side, where cha-su avocado tacos and burritos were on the menu, Far East Cafe, Manuel's (El Tepayac) in East LA, or Ciros if ET was too crowded, also a hot spot for us was Westwood, near UCLA where we would go eat at one of the food joints (falafels or burgers), then we'd shop for jewelry at the street fair or go to the movies.<br /><br />*Shopping- since there were no cell phones or internet, the mall was a popular destination for me and my girlfriends. Since I worked at Contempo, a lot of my friends would come shop there, or to the Attic in Monterey Park or Montebello, or Judy's, which was another chain in the mall.<br /><br />Guys were wearing alot of jeans and workshirts, girls were all about the widest bell bottoms with platform shoes, or wallabies, but on the weekends, the guys would put on their silky disco shirts and gals wore hot pants and minis or low rise bell bottoms and platforms and those looks are now an iconic fashion mark of the seventies.<br /><br />I hope these memories can help you with your story! Thanks for making me go back in time, it was fun recalling. </span>Elisabeth L. Uyedahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02653471540089805435noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2255260289069043811.post-17921740492814781432010-01-28T22:20:00.000-08:002010-01-29T13:24:01.098-08:00Dorsey High School and the ClubsEarlier I mentioned the girls' club The Chanels and a boys' club Ronin. I spoke to Ken by phone, who knew several of the girls of The Chanels. He was adopted into their club as a result of their mutual friendship. A 1964 graduate of Dorsey High, Ken typically attended public dances at the usual places like Rodger Young's, Aeronautical and one place that I believe has not been mentioned by others: King's Tropical Inn. <br /><br />At Dorsey, he said there was another dominant girl club called Jeunes (translates to Young People). Ken also had some older friends, and he recalls they were a part of a guys club called Chonin. <br /><br />I asked Ken whether it was true that those early public dances were semi-formal in dress. Ken confirmed what I had heard: people attended the functions in coats and ties, wearing what you would wear to church, he said. For that matter, he told me, many dances were sponsored by Japanese churches, like Centenary in Little Tokyo and Buddhist churches like Senshin at Normandie and 36th. He said the monthly dances were not broadly publicized, so mostly Japanese Americans attended. <br /><br />I inquired whether bands or recorded music was played - Ken said the functions he remembered in the 1960s were a little of both. One group from the mid-1960s that came to mind was Thee Chosen Few, a band whose members were multi-ethnic, including a Black member named Royce. Dances were also conducted 'low-tech' whereby probably a phonograph player was situated, allowing 45's to be played - with instances in which attendees brought their own latest records to be played and danced to. (Oh, oh, is it necessary to explain to some readers what is a '45'?? No, just google it with key words 'vinyl record' and figure it out if you don't know.)<br /><br />Turning back to the Dorsey clubs, I asked him whether dances put on by the clubs were business ventures. Ken said, oh yes, they had to rent out a dance hall, along with a bar that was very "liberal" in serving drinks. Ken also recalls that The Chanels held many, many house parties around 1962 to 1964 or so.<br /><br />I couldn't finish my phone interview without bringing up the subject of 'cruising'. Ah, yes, Ken remembers cruising Hollywood Boulevard, and around eating joints the Hodys and an A&W somewhere in Hawthorne. Cars in those days, he said, were equipped with record players spring-loaded to play 45's. Ken distinctly remembers in the year 1963, a friend proudly cruised in a 1950 Olds that he restored into a head-turning, eye-popping "pearlescent lime green."<br /><br />BettyElisabeth L. Uyedahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02653471540089805435noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2255260289069043811.post-47752976339135995832010-01-18T20:54:00.000-08:002010-01-18T21:05:35.588-08:00I Miss My Car<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6rsyhPQr2E6wTBHFDTHFJi5d7hFX06VC0h4XSiftwh2kuVqyKXxrK6YzdknD05e2iAGhPwf3g8dgLBn6miunwuWnVGLrhqInnpn3Npfmh24P7uRYD0n6uDEkHWC-Ab74q2u6-JbdJhiU/s1600-h/Mail0003.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 234px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6rsyhPQr2E6wTBHFDTHFJi5d7hFX06VC0h4XSiftwh2kuVqyKXxrK6YzdknD05e2iAGhPwf3g8dgLBn6miunwuWnVGLrhqInnpn3Npfmh24P7uRYD0n6uDEkHWC-Ab74q2u6-JbdJhiU/s320/Mail0003.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428310779614921138" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Hi Betty, </span> <div style="font-style: italic;"> <span style="font-size:130%;">It's the southbay kid again. I do miss all the good old days of dances, hang outs, and races. I'm glad that there are still some dances going on now. It's great that some of the bands are still together and playing all the oldies. I just don't remember alot of the people anymore. The group I knew, need to show up at these dances or maybe, they just don't know that they're back. Anyway, what I miss most about the past is my car. 1970 Chevelle SS. Boo Hoo, had to sell it years ago and wish I had it back.<br /></span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></span></span><br /></div>Elisabeth L. Uyedahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02653471540089805435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2255260289069043811.post-76759400553199211322010-01-13T23:03:00.000-08:002010-01-25T22:22:33.899-08:00Judy - That 70s Girl Remembers<span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:130%;color:black;" ><div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="clear: both; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">My friend Judy got word of my original questionnaire and emailed her responses January 10, 2010:<br /><br />Do you remember the song “Summer Sun” recorded by the group Jamestown Massacre?<span style="font-size:0;"> </span>Remember it being played often at dances? </div><div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="font-style: italic;">Yes, but vaguely. I want to bring it up on google to refresh my brain- I wonder if that song is out there on the internet music, etc.</div><div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="font-style: italic;"><strong></strong></div><div class="ecxMsoNormal"></div><div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">What were the names of the bands?<span style="font-size:0;"> </span>Who were the members?<span style="font-size:0;"> </span>Where are they today? </div><div class="ecxMsoNormal"><em>Carry On, Windfield Summit, Crosswinds..(Craig Lee's band) Prism band (James Ibusuki from Washington Irving Jr. High) , Hiroshima in J-town I re-read your blog and all those posted band names out there...I did not think about it until now. Yep, great memories!</em></div><div class="ecxMsoNormal"></div><div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Where did you go to a dance?<span style="font-size:0;"> </span>UCLA fraternity house?<span style="font-size:0;"> </span>Baby Lion’s?<span style="font-size:0;"> </span>Gung Hay’s?<span style="font-size:0;"> </span>Rodger Young’s?<span style="font-size:0;"> </span>Tell me about those places.<span style="font-size:0;"> </span>Where were they located?<span style="font-size:0;"> </span>What do you remember about the venues? </div><div class="ecxMsoNormal"><em>All the places that were listed in your blog. Especially La Mirada Country Club, Loco's- MB. Yes, to Baby Lions (around the corner from where I worked) South Los Angeles, Gung Hay- Torrance, Asian Blend- WLA a few times? Rodger Young, vaguely. It is strange/crazy to think about now...Friday and/or Saturday nights, we would leave late to go to the dance parties. I remember all the Asian guys acting cool, standing around and not talking. HAHAHAHAHAHAAH HEEHEHEHEHE</em></div><div class="ecxMsoNormal"><em>Weekends were for fun hanging out with my girlfriends and see all my friends at the dances. Wondering..WHO IS THAT CUTE GUY? WHAT DO I wear ? (???? and I must go shopping again! I have to shampoo my hair first! (hahahahahaahah) Sorry to say but UCLA/USC Asian people at that time were a little snobby. hahaha (sorry) unless you were introduced by a common friend. Then, it was ok to talk and hang out. </em></div><div class="ecxMsoNormal"><em></em></div><div class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">What music do you remember hearing and dancing to?</span> <em><br />Tower of Power, Earth, Wind & Fire, Chicago, Motown anything, some early Hiroshima.<br /><br /></em></div><div class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Who were the organizers of the dances?</span><br /><em>Yes, George Tong for sure, Mitchell Matsumura@ Jockey Club.<br /><br /></em></div><div class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Did you go cruising, or enjoy being a spectator? </span><em>Spectator but I had boyfriends with their hot (?) cars, Datsun 240 Z rear spoiler, racing mirrors, sunken steering wheels and recoro bucket seats, etc. from Marshall High School & Cal State Univ.,Los Angeles. Seemed like all guys "worked" on their cars and did car talk with all their friends. Washed and waxed their cars every week.</em></div><div class="ecxMsoNormal"></div><div class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">What other experiences did you have, minor, inconsequential, or major?</span><em><strong> </strong>Just pure fun experiences, (WHO is smoking that joint? ) and thinking back now those were the best days and I should of made the best of them. No more fun after moving out of the house, getting a full time job, and go to work, etc. I had to going out for some freedom at least one night a weekend . I remember my DAD saying "WHY do you have to go out so LATE?" 10:00 pm "Do not tell me you were at the library." "Nobody leaves the house this late." "Why can't you leave at 7:00 pm and come home by 11:00pm? One particular great memory was eating late at Holiday Bowl in the Crenshaw neighborhood. First time, I had oyako domburi!" Coming home at 1:00 am or 2:00 am and sleeping in Sunday morning was normal for me as long as I kept up the grades in college and worked part-time at CSULA.</em></div><div class="ecxMsoNormal"></div><div class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">In your opinion, how does the social outlet, or the leisure time of the Asian American dances fit in the overarching general culture of Los Angeles and Southern California?</span><em><strong> </strong>I was glad to do all those fun things while I was going to college. Yes, when I read your blog it was fun to think back to those good old days...........Great memories for me. It is now history (SADLY) but interesting Asian social history! LA Chinese New Year and Nisei week carnival season was lots of fun, too! On K-earth, they play lots of oldies song..Today, I heard a song called "Precious and Few" by Climax, the band (?), it was popular song for slow dancing (and not your typical but cool R&B song. ) Starting this blog was a GREAT idea! Betty! </em></div></span>Elisabeth L. Uyedahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02653471540089805435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2255260289069043811.post-58716138849734113672010-01-06T22:37:00.000-08:002010-01-13T23:22:03.621-08:00"The girls in their fake eyelashes, getting to the dances at a cool time like 10:00 pm. "<span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Carolyn wrote on December 29th:</span><br /><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:arial,helvetica;font-size:130%;" ><span lang="0" style="font-family:Arial;">During the 1970s, I enjoyed going to some of the dances at Gung Hay, General Lee and Dillions and may have attended one Roger Young dance with some friends. I also was invited to some of George Tong's parties and dances. For George's last party in the 1990s, he chartered a yacht with approximately 40-50 people who sailed around the local harbors. At the time, the women thought George was a very good-looking "Fox."</span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br /><br /><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" >Helen wrote on December 20th:</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:130%;">Helen, your Toyota Carina driving partner! Yeah, reading some of the other blogs reminded of those good ol days of the 70's. I remembered lots of things back then. How about the Kiana polyester shirts and tight polyester pants the guys used to wear at the dances? And polyester wrap dresses for the girls so their legs would show off when we did disco twirls? But just before Disco there that rhythmic dance step, side to side. Everyone was doing a version of the same dance step. When we'd to the the ladies room, you could hear everyone dancing to the same platform shoe clacking sounds. The girls in their fake eyelashes, getting to the dances at a cool time like 10:00 pm. Those Sibicca platform shoes that made us just a little taller than the guys. Donna Summer's "Last Dance" . Mago's teriyaki avocado burgers and Kalapana from Hawaii. Remember the beach on Sunday where there were the usual faces from the night before dances, showing up at 22nd street in Redondo Beach (?). It was around the time Jaws the movie came out in theaters. And the guys in their cars...Hondas and Toyotas mostly loaded with Libre tire rims and Rococo seats! 8 track tapes! Then came the regular cassettes. Betty, you've brought me back down memory lane again. A unique time in the 70's. I also asked my kids about 'clubbing' and the mixed races at the bars. Same as what Allen said.<br />Betty, this has been a real trip. Helen</span><br /></span>Elisabeth L. Uyedahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02653471540089805435noreply@blogger.com0