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Maybe it’s a bit over-the-top to say that you can accurately judge a person’s character by the look of their myspace page. But hey, it’s the techie age and when you first log on to her page, www.myspace.com/alfa, you can definitely get a “feel” for who she is by the demure videos and pictures she’s posted of herself without all the “fancy shmancy” layout clutter. Upon entering her myspace page, you’re greeted with one of her tracks titled Wear Your Shoes along with a few clips of her performances on youtube. Armed with either a guitar or piano with a killer stage presence, she belches out her songs to the audience like it’s nobody’s business. Browse through her performance pictures and even in her still shots, you can automatically sense the passion pulsing through her veins when she’s in front of the piano. So there’s a typical reaction of “Huh? Really? Wow!” when folks find out that her various instrumental skills were self-taught and that her love for the written word (floetry) was what eventually led her to her calling as a musician. But that’s not to take away from her talent and marketability. Just a short listen and you’ll be wanting more, almost willing to plunge into her sea of music. Just a glimpse and you’ll be wondering about this cheeky performer with a whole lot of conviction. Delivered with an undeniably unique, sexy voice peppered with just enough kick to keep it spicy, it’s this conviction that pierces through your ears that keep you intrigued.

She first began her musical journey during her high school years at the age of 15, producing a self-title EP that came out of family friends’ studio in Yonkers, NY. She sold her album mainly to classmates and family friends but it was then that she got her first taste of success. She continued to hone her skills as an all-around artist and by the time she was a college student at NYU in 2004, she had already performed at a staggering number of 70+ events. Now, fast forward to 2008 and we have an artist that isn’t only ready to share what she’s got with the world but a lady who is seasoned enough to command her stage at will. Her mature lyrics and melodious versatility makes her music “just right” for any mood and if you happen to be craving a little bit of sweet-but-powerful, Alfa has just the recipe for you! Our advice? Go take a look and listen for yourself. Our words alone just doesn’t seem to cover all the refreshing qualities about this girl!

The hip hop group Karmacy joins with Southern California nonprofit group, Be the Cause for a benefit concert titled Blazin’ Hope II at the Hollywood Knitting Factory, where they will release their second album, Wooden Bling, June 27. There will be two charities that serve underprivileged youth and they will receive 100% of the ticket sale proceeds. The first, named, Peace4Kids help South LA foster kids and other at-risk youth learn life skills and creative arts such as producing and recording their own music and spoken word (at an arts educational center sponsored by the Black Eyed Peas). P4K youth artists will perform at Blazin' Hope II. The second beneficiary is Itipini Community Project, a 3,000-inhabitant squatters' camp in South Africa. In addition to running a primary health care clinic and a feeding program for children, Itipini empowers children through both a pre-school and an after-school children's program.

Karmacy is dropping Wooden Bling in charitable fashion in large part because it infuses the party scene with a rare sense of altruism. "We want our music to be more than just entertainment. We want it to actually help people," says member Swapnil Shah, who is an orthopedic surgeon by day. Be the Cause has given us the perfect opportunity to do so." Karmacy is a hip hop trio, whose debut album, The Movement, was released in 2004. Addressing the idea of cross-cultural identities that are fluid yet universally relatable, their tracks might be in any of five languages, Spanish, Hindi, Punjabi, Gujarati or English. Wanna hear what a multi-language group sounds like in harmony? Go to www.myspace.com/kramarcy and see what that’s all about!

The saga of the Ken Oak Band.
They are fresh out of college in 2001, Ken from a music school in Northern Virginia and Ed from the University of Pittsburgh. They are anticipating something bigger for themselves, envisioning a musical career but without a clear direction. Still strangers by definition, Ed and Ken meet on a Saturday night through mutual friends at the El Rey Theater on Wilshire Blvd, both checking out different bands. Their conversation flows well and Ken, having his opportunistic side kicking in, puts his CD on the stereo so that Ed can have a listen. Two months later on Halloween, Ken and Ed play their first acoustic show together at Highland Grounds in Hollywood. Ken is dressed as Waldo and Ed is Gunnar Nelson. And this is how the story unfolds for the Ken Oak Band. With Ed now on rhythm guitar, Ken dusts off his old high school cello and begins experimenting with it as a bass and lead instrument. Ed encourages him to sing and play at the same time. This proves to be rather difficult and for a few painful months, the band sucks. They keep playing. A few months later, they are decent. By fall of 2005, Ken and Ed are on their first self-booked national tour. By spring of 2006, they are playing their second one. Now, commonly billed as a ‘cello rock’ act, they consistently captivate audiences with their unique combination of cello and acoustic guitar. When they're not touring or recording, the Ken Oak Band are busy lifting the spirits of the Santa Monica locals during their regular playing sessions on Third Street Promenade. They credit their humility to the lessons street performing has taught them and are continuing their journey together as artists. Right now, our favorite is a track titled Cold of December in their Vienna to Venice album. The voice is dreamy, the lyrics are heart-felt and the melody? The perfect cherry on top to a delicious serving of tasteful music. So go check out www.myspace.com/kenoakband for your scoop and go purchase their latest album. They sure have come a long way since their first meeting, haven’t they?!!

10 –Khwabon Ki Rani Hai Album / Film: Mehbooba
9 – Kya Khata Ho Gayee Album / Film: Zindagi Tere Naam
8 – Judai Album / Film: Jannat
7 – Pyaar Ke Liye Album / Film: Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic
6 – Maari Teetri Album / Film: De Taali
5 – Phas Gaya (Never Mind) Album/Film: Aamir
4 – Talli! Album/ Film: Ugly Aur Pagli
3 – Kabhi Kabhi Aditi Zindagi Album / Film: Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na
2 – Milo Na Milo Album / Film: Love Story 2050
1 – Ishq Ada Album / Film: Ada...A Way of Life

There were two extremely important shows that took place over the last seven days: First, there was a fund raiser for China and Burma that took place in New York City featuring the performances of Kevin So, Abe Chang and more. Second, ill-Literacy was featured at the Spoken Word Summit that took place on the other coast, Oaklandm, California.

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)!

Far East Movement – Friday, June 27th, 2008
Hiro Ballroom – 363 West 16th St, NYC
Cost: Unavailable

Yen – Thursday, June 26th, 2008 7pm
Decatur Library – Auditorium, Decatur, GA
Cost: Free

Karmacy – Friday, June 27th, 2008 9pm
Blazin Hope II @ The Knitting Factory – 7021 Hollywood Blvd, LA
Cost: $20 advanced, $25 at door

Alfa – Friday, June 27th, 2008 7:30pm
The Alfexabeth Show @ Five Points – 30 Mott St, NYC
Cost: Unavailable

Ketsana – Saturday, June 28th, 2008 12pm
Centennial Park CenterStage – Nashville, TE
Cost: Not Available

Cynthia Lin – Sunday, June 29th, 2008 8pm
Waltz Astoria – 23-14 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria, NY
Cost: $5

Unisex Salon – Wednesday, June 25th, 2008 9pm
Bowery Ballroom – 6 Delancey St, NYC
Cost: $12

Sub Swara – Friday, June 27th, 2008 2pm
Remix Hotel – NYC
Cost: Unavailable

Insul Kim (Song of the Siren) – Friday, June 27th, 2008 8pm
Raleighs – 2438 Telegraph Ave @ Haste – Berkley, CA
Cost: Free

Cortez the Killer – Saturday, June 2,8th, 2008 4pm
Webster Hall – 125 E. 11th St @ 4th Ave, NYC
Cost: $20