ImaginAsian Radio has the latest in celebrity interviews, news from Asia, music events, live radio performances, Bhangra, hip hop, punk rock, acoustic songwriters, Bollywood countdowns, and the very best in Asian American music!

Hear it live right now on www.ImaginAsianRadio.com.

ImaginAsian Radio has a new MySpace page at www.myspace.com/ImaginAsianRadio.

Add us as your friend!

Widely known as the first lady of Indian Soul, our Center Stage starlet for the week takes form as a lovely songstress with an impressive resume. Could that resume really be if she didn’t deliver with talent? I think not! It couldn’t have been just her good looks that got us jumping. Log on to www.myspace.com/miraveda to have a listen or to www.mirasmusic.com to sample the song that took us to our happy place this morning, the Tell Me remix. Working with many, widely known and popular artists like Karsh Kale and Cheb i Sabbah, it’s her debut album Infinite Love that has made a splash into the music world and has made her name a staple in the South Asian community. And her popularity is moving through the spectrum of listeners as she has performed for Senator Hillary Clinton and even in Michael Jackson’s own Neverland. Featured on BBC, ZTV, XM Satellite Radio, major newspapers, magazines and online publications, Mira works tirelessly to elevate the status of South Asians in music.

Along with her passion for music, Mira Veda also has a heart for philanthropy. She is currently working with Renee Wilson from the movie Ray, on a social profit venture called LittleMuse, which hosts events that educate women and children in need through music, art and film. She is also a member of the advisory council for Artwallah, a Los Angeles based organization whose mission is to cultivate, empower and provide platforms for new and established artists of the South Asian culture through festivals that showcase new Indian art and films. Wow! If that doesn’t put her on the chart, I don’t know what will! Right now, she’s in the middle of producing her second album which will incorporate more of the ethnic sounds her mom used to play when she was growing up. So make sure you pay close attention to what she’s up to. She’s getting to the top and she’s getting there fast so don’t miss out on the journey that’s taking her there!

Scott Tang - He is a pianist singer-songwriter whose journey has spanned many musical genres and taken him to the other side of the world and back. He’s been reading, writing and breathing music since his itty bitty years and copyrighted his first piece at the tender age of 9. Scott's debut solo album, Late Night Drives, was released independently in July of 2005. ChopBlock.com gave it four stars, recognizing that "there's something overtly genuine about these songs, emanating the kind of enduring soul that many pop artists wish for just a small fraction of”. The album is full-fledged piano pop, and features Vietnamese pop sensation Trish Trang on background vocals, as well as a production team that has collectively worked with such artists as Fiona Apple, Black Eyed Peas, Rod Stewart, Madonna and Chaka Khan.

Now he’s back and lately, his new album Radiant, has been getting recognized by the “new generation” way by means of YouTube. His latest music video, Sublingual, has been getting an overwhelmingly enthusiastic response from fans and critics alike and has even landed a spot on AngryAsianMan.com, AliveNotDead.com and channelAPA.com. You can see what the rave is all about HERE and also check out his new album at www.scottang.com.

Abe Chang, Brian Bruno & Kevin So - Why do you see the three of them in one line? That’s because they are! Performing in the same line up that is! It’s been a while since our very own Abe Chang has been in the spotlight and now he’s back for a super spectacular but equally urgent cause.

As you all may know, two major disasters have occurred in the month of May, the tropical cyclone in Myanmar, Burma and the massive earthquake in Sichuan, China. The number of deaths, people missing, and the homeless in need of food, shelter, and medical help are unimaginable. Many of the photos and video we see on TV of the disasters are incredibly disturbing. These two countries could really use the help. This is exactly the reason why these three awesome artists have come together for the upcoming event on Thursday, June 12th at the Nightingale Lounge in NYC (details listed below under EVENTS section). They will sing, speak and play their music with heart and soul for our brothers and sisters across sea while all donations will be given for the cause (50% to the China Earthquake and 50% to the Burma Cyclone Disaster). Staying home and feeling sorry for the ones in need won’t do much so make sure to bring your fabulous self and your friends to an event that will be sure to leave you feeling good inside and out!

ILL-Literacy - So what’s been going on with one of ImaginAsian Radio's favorite spoken word/soul-hip-hop-funk group since they’ve last hit our Center Stage in May? Two syllables. A LOT! For one thing, they’ve been on tour for the past few weeks but because they love what they do, they’re already planning their next tour for their fans on the East Coast. But what really brings them back to our newsletter this week is their heart and passion for spoken word. Not only will Ill-literacy will be a part of a huge event, the APIA Spoken Word & Poetry Summit next year in the summer of ’09 but they are also helping with the fundraising for the event. Talk about dedication! For those of you who want to know what this summit is all about, their mission statements says it all: 1 - To establish a national network of progressive artists involved in the APIA community, 2 - To challenge the often peripheral and passive roles the artist is branded within the APIA community and the arts community at-large, and 3 - To acknowledge the arts as a critical, elemental component in building, empowering and transforming our community and our selves.

It’s events like these that help groups like ILL-Literacy speak their message so it’s no wonder they’re already gearing up to help make this summit mind blowing event. And they’re extending this invitation to all the fans so if you’re one of the many who love listening to matters of the heart in musical poetry, go join them at their first fundraising event at the Eastside Cultural Center in Oakland, CA THIS Sunday (details listed below in EVENTS section). All the artists are working hard to make this stage possible and it’s through them we often find the courage to pursue our own visions so go and show them your appreciative side. Partying up with ILL-Literacy while helping with a cause definitely sounds like it’ll be good times already!

10 – Mukundha Mukundha Album / Film: Dashavtar
9 – Pyaar Ke Liye Album / Film: Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic
8 – Kyon Hai Mujhe Album / Film: Khushbloo
7 – Bheegi Bheegi Teri Sulfein Album / Film: Hastey Hastey
6 – Khwaja Mere Khwaja Album / Film: Jodhaa - Akbar
5 – Dil Haara Album/Film: Tashan
4 – Kabhi Kabhi Aditi Zindagi Album/ Film: Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na
3 – Kyun Album / Film: Woodstock Villa
2 – Ishq Ada Album / Film: Ada…A Way of Life
1 – Judai Album / Film: Jannat

This past week HALCALI was in the ImaginAsian Radio studios for an interview all the way from Japan following their performance at the Second Annual Japan Day in NYC’s Central Park. Also, Ms. Marie Digby played a slew of shows that we reported. We hope that you were able to catch the sensation that started on the internet.

Hip Hop with Nuz 'n' Nak: Monday-Friday, 3-4pm EST, Online Only They're more fun than a suitcase full of spider monkeys. You must check out their new hip hop grooves!

NiteLife Radio: Wed, 8-10pm EST, Online Only What's new, hot, and very debatable? Hear it on this show!

Fill in the conversation bubble and we'll select the best answer. The lucky winner will receive an ever-intriguing mystery gift bag! Want to find out what secrets lie hidden inside? Then send your answers to radio@iatv.tv with 'Caption Contest' in the subject line.

Send us your poetry, spoken word, short skits, and spoofs. The best one of the week will be produced and wired on ImaginAsian Radio! You will also win a set of CDs and t-shirts (another nice little goodie bag)!

ILL-Literacy – Sunday June 15th, 2008
Eastside Cultural Center – 2277 International Blvd., Oakland, CA.
Doors open at 6pm
Cost: $10 - $20

Abe Chang, Brian Bruno & Kevin So – Thursday, June 12th, 2008
Nightingale Lounge – 213 2nd Ave., New York, NY
Suggested Donation: $15

Far East Movement – Saturday , June 14th, 2008
Orisue BBQ – 1580 N. Batavia St. Unit 4, Orange, CA.
From 2pm onwards and Free Food, Drinks & Music!

Native Elements – Friday, June 13th, 2008
El Ricon – 2700 16th Street @ Harrison St, SF, CA.
Cost: $10

Ken Oak Band – Thursday, June 12th, 2008
Hotel Café - 1623 1/2 N Cahuenga Blvd., Los Angeles, CA.
Cost: $10

Kevin So – Saturday, June 21st, 2008
Clearwater Music Festival - Croton Point Park, Westchester County, New York
Cost: Not Available

DJ QBert - Saturday, July 19th, 2008
Electromind Festival - Espace Grammond - 3400 Montpellier, France
Cost: Not Available

DJ Boo – Friday, June 20th, 2008
White Rabbit - 145 East Houston Street, New York City
Cost: Not Available

DJ Shy – Saturday, June 14th, 2008
Velvet Palm Night Club - 84-245 Indio Springs Parkway, Indio, CA.
Cost: Not Available

Emm Gryner – Friday, June 13th, 2008
National Film Board - 150 John St., Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Cost: Not Available