NATE CALIMA, CHERYL K, KATHERINE HO, SEAN AFABLE AT INTERCREW FOR AAPI MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS

Nate Calima, Cheryl K (Crazy Rich Asians – Money, that’s what I want), Katherine Ho (Crazy Rich Asians – Yellow Coldplay Cover), Sean Afable (Lionsgate – Akeelah and the Bee), and Patrick Gil pose for the red carpet at Intercrew LA.

Mind & Melody was an AAPI mental health awareness concert held at Intercrew LA by Minnie Nguyen WDA Entertainment & Operation USA. Performances included Cheryl K, Katherine Ho, Veealwayshere, Boyu, Matt Sky, Ron Velvet, Jeena Chong, & Brittney Quach.

The purpose of the event was after the recent tragic shooting incidents in Monterey Park & Half Moon Bay, California – which took the lives of 18 people (16 of whom were Asian- Americans), they felt the need to target one of the least talked- about issues in the Asian culture and community: mental wellness. They came together to organize this fundraising concert with the goal to aid Asian-American mental health programs in Monterey Park and the surrounding areas with hopes to further mental health awareness, access, and to encourage individuals in the community to seek out professional mental help when needed. Their motto is “better to prevent, than to react.”

Paintings by Gilda Garza, Joanne Chew, & Rachel Berkowitz were also raffled off. Gilda Garza is a celebrity-favorite artist known as “the most influential artist in Mexico” according to Forbes. Born and raised in Mexico, Garza’s works strives to convey her unique, multi-cultural perspective of the human experience. Her work has been seen via the works of Roberto Cavalli, Playboy, New York Fashion Week, and the Phoenix Suns.

Intercrew is set in a historic 1920s building in Koreatown and encompasses the stylish Art Deco architecture of old Hollywood glamour. Intercrew LA is a space for local Koreatown residents and Los Angelenos at large to dine and unwind, Intercrew immerses their customers in a complete dining and nightlife experience.

From the team’s culinary training – Erik Sun (Italian), Johnny Tran (French), and Richard Nam (Korean) – Intercrew offers a menu that is familiar yet distinctive. Intercrew also showcases Julian Cox’s unique mixology in cocktails and Far East Movement’s curation of entertainment and has been featured in numerous publications for their ambiance and curated dishes.

Joanne Chew is an abstract artist based in Los Angeles and she specializes in bold, vibrant colors and draws inspiration from her life experiences and through all the interesting people she gets to meet. Her work was most recently seen at Art Share Los Angeles in the “CANCEPTUAL” exhibit, curated by renowned street artist, Man One. Her work has also been exhibited with “Love Los Angeles Style” curated by Eddie Donaldson and Sugar Press Art at The Last Bookstore in Downtown Los Angeles and for several years at CASA of Los Angeles Wine & Art, and Chocolate and Art Show at the Vortex. She especially enjoys using her art to help further philanthropic and activism initiatives.

Rachel Berkowitz is a London and Los Angeles based artist who specialized in abstract painting and photography. She was published three Fine Art photography books in America and is currently working on her fourth. She has exhibited her works in various Fine Art Shows such as: LA Art Show and International Artist events in Los Angeles, London, and Japan. Her works are well known in the fine arts community as well as holding first place in numerous international fine art competitions.

100% ticket sales profit & donations and a portion of food and drink profits will go toward Operation USA to fund mental health programs for the Asian American communities in Monterey Park and the Los Angeles Area and is another step forward in shining a light on mental health in the Asian- American community.