Introducing the inaugural edition of ARC WORLD! Formerly known as the CCYAA, ARC (Asian Roots Collective) are celebrating Asian Excellence with this one-day Festival highlighted by Hoops, Food, Drink, and Talks. A market was set-up also, showcasing local Asian-Canadian-owned businesses.
The Festival, co-founded by Clement Chu, culminated in a celebrity basketball tournament at Toronto Metropolitan University with longtime partner and supporter Simu Liu making a huge enrtance, backflipping onto the floor!
Many notables were in attendance this year, including: Jeremy Lin, Jason Williams, Jamaal Magliore, Matt Bonner, Alex Porat, Baron Davis, Leenda Dong, and MC Jin! The latter two were spotted enjoying Omakase offerings at Sushi Yugen, while other celebrity guests enjoyed their nigiri at an event reception, catered also by the likes of Trevor Lui.
asianrootscollective.org for more.
(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)
Funnyman Jimmy O. Yang got a huge Toronto welcome, selling-out three shows at Meridian Hall as part of his YANG BIG & TALL TOUR! Yang, known best for his work on Silicon Valley, Crazy Rich Asians, Space Force, 2 Broke Girls, and more recently Interior Chinatown, has built a very loyal fanbase over the past decade spannding Stand Up Comedy, Film and Television.
The Los Angeles-based star received a bit of support on the Toronto leg of his tour, seeing friends Ronny Chieng, Leslie Liao, and MC Jin come out to join him on stage, before leaving the audience in stitches with his hour long set.
Some very special guests also were in the audience Friday night, including Chinese Pop sensation G.E.M., who brings her I AM GLORIA Tour to Coca-Cola Coliseum next week. She is widely regarded as one of the top Artists in Asia. Above that, I am a huge fan of the Songbird, who also happens to be a talented Multi-instrumentalist and Songwriter.
We are thrilled to have met O. Yang, his father Richard, MC Jin and G.E.M. This truly is a who’s who of Asian talent! O. Yang is such a class act, so kind to take time out for a snap, along with his dad whom he has been enjoying Toronto with, including some Dim Sum at Moon Palace and late night bites at New Ho King! The two even made time for fun in to Niagara Falls, in an action-packed visit!
Some quick highlights:
O. Yang heads next to Sacramento.
(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)
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