you were meant for amazing things.

Torrance is the last place I expected to host an event that included art, dance, music and social justice. Growing up in this city, we have a self given nickname of "Borrance" because nothing exciting ever happens here. Or so we think. I believe there are things happening all around us that we take for granted or these things just go unnoticed so we think we lead mundane lives. I believe there is potential in all of us to create amazing things. We all have the ability to cause whimsy and evoke emotion. I was reminded of this last night at an event called Fuze.

I'd like to thank the people at HOPE International and Mosaic for setting the bar and exemplifying how culture and awareness can be brought together to form a genuine community and spark a meaningful conversation. The event staff was friendly and helpful (shout out to Goodie!) and the art gallery featured some exquisite pieces. Hearing what HOPE International does with microfinancing was really impressive. An innovative idea about empowering people to acquire skills for trade and to create their own capital is one of the fresher takes I've heard regarding helping impoverished people. Inspiring spoken word, tap dancing and songs bookended the headline act, Sleeping At Last.

I had the privilege of meeting Ryan from Sleeping At Last and he is one of the most unassuming, genuine and easy to talk to artists I've ever met. His honesty and genuine personality really shines through his music. During a Q & A session, he said that when we writes his music, he tries to cause his audience to get goosebumps and I think he succeeds with each song and arrangement. Speaking of arrangements, I gotta give a shout out to the quartet that accompanied Ryan that included my cousins, Emi and Kumi on the violins! Excellent performance guys & girls!

I'll have a link to some video of the performance later but for now check out this performance of "Umbrellas".

you were meant for amazing things.