We interview Eric Nakamura, publisher of Giant Robot magazine. Along with Martin Wong, the two began a long and earnest love affair with Asian popular culture and brought it to America with their publication and Giant Robot stores in New York, Los Angeles, and until April 26, 2011, San Francisco. The closing of the San Francisco location is a significant event, R.J. checks-in with Nakamura and they talk about art, music, and honest business acumen.

Our Apex colleague, Robynn Takayama, talked with Professor Balance about Filipino indie music in the Bay Area and in the Philippines, which is one section of the book Professor Balance is working on entitled, “Tropical Renditions: Popular Music and Performance in Filipino America (Working title).” And hear from this hardcore band from the Philippines!

April 20, 2011 marks the one year anniversary of the BP, or Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill. R.J. and guest producer, Khanh Pham report on the recent and nuanced developments with the Vietnamese community in New Orleans East, specifically Village of L’Est, or Versailles.

And, Bay Area soul singer Goapele is coming to Yoshi’s in San Francisco this weekend. Friday and Saturday, 8pm & 10pm shows and Sunday 7pm & 9pm. We have one pair of tickets to give away for the Sunday, May 1, 9 PM show. Listen to KPFA 94.1 FM at 7pm tonight and call in.

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