If you're reading this blog, it's pretty safe to say that you know about the upcoming Asian American talent showcase, Kollaboration New York on June 27th! But in the days leading up to KollabNY, we'd like to give you an exclusive sneak peek behind the curtain into what Kollaboration is all about and introduce you to the KollabNY performers so you can fall in love with them the way we have.

First blog in our "Getting to know and love KollabNY" series is why Kollaboration exists in the first place. Let's set the scene, shall we?

A long, long time ago...Way back in 2000, comedian Paul "PK" Kim, having gone through the struggle himself of taking the path less chosen (i.e. anything but the Asian parents' dream of their child becoming a lawyer, businessman or doctor) put on the first Kollaboration show in LA to showcase the area's burgeoning Asian American talent.

The first show drew 300 people and half the audience left before the show was over. But PK and his team persevered and in the next 9 years, Kollaboration gave the spotlight to such performers as David Elsewhere, Mike Song of Kaba Modern, Ben Chung of Jabbawockeez and Quest Crew.

As a testament to PK's passion and perseverance and the drive of partner Roy Choi (CEO of Mars Entertainment), the last Kollaboration in LA sold out over 6300 seats at the historical and iconic Shrine Auditorium (former home of the Academy Awards) and featured performances by Kaba Modern, Fanny Pack (both of MTV's ABDC) and international pop star BoA.

The Kollaboration movement has quickly spread beyond the west coast to places like Chicago, Toronto, Atlanta, Philadelphia and New York, wherever there's an abundance of Asian American talent just looking for a stage and an audience and continues to spread every year!

The New York show hopes to take the inspiration of the Kollaboration story and give it a distinctive NYC flavor... stay tuned for more on KollabNY and our performer spotlights in the coming days! But for now, enjoy the videos below!!

*Word to the wise... VIP tickets are SOLD OUT! Tickets will NOT be sold at the door, so be sure to purchase your tickets today!!