This month, the American Archive of Public Broadcasting commemorates Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month by honoring the rich history, culture, and perspectives of these communities.
FirstWorks, (the arts nonprofit that Rainy works for) is producing an amazing show in March. Small Island Big Song is a multimedia concert by indigenous musicians confronting climate change, taking place at The Strand Ballroom and Theatre in Providence on Friday, March 15, 7:30 PM.
ABOUT SMALL ISLAND BIG SONG
Experience a transcendent musical journey combining song, spoken word and cinematic visuals filmed over a three-year voyage across 16 island nations.
The musicians in Small Island Big Song would tell you that the ocean does not divide their island homes — it connects them. In this inspiring multimedia concert confronting climate change, renowned First Nation artists from across the Pacific and Indian Oceans unite to blend traditions and create music celebrating the ways we are all connected. From irresistible oceanic grooves to soulful island ballads, the result is a breathtakingly beautiful sound made by those who sing for the seas.
Beautiful cinematography and incredible music … one coherent, jaw-dropping piece.’’
I do not have Pacific Islander ancestry myself, but I have been practicing the Samoan art of Siva Afi (fireknife dancing) for 12 years. I worked with world-champion fireknife dancers, Samoan speakers, and a Samoan artist to create a card game about it: