goodasiandrivers
The Good Asian Drivers broke into the national spotlight in 2008 when transgender slam poet Kit Yan and lesbian songwriter Melissa Li launched an unforgettable cross-country tour, playing in over 30 states in 12 weeks. Together, this performance powerhouse emerged from their breakthrough debut as one of the most electrifying artists of their generation. This year they completed another national tour including appearances on the San Francisco Pride Mainstage, Toronto Pride, Phasefest, and the Decibelle Music Festival. Their recently released debut album, "Drive Away Home" has been receiving non-stop media attention will be featured in an upcoming Curve Magazine as an Editor's Pick. Their blend of pop, rock, folk, and spokenword is in a genre of its own with lyrics that push the audience to groove and listen simultaneously.
The Good Asian Drivers celebrates diversity and celebrates communities that have felt marginalized for so long. Our work explores the notion of identity and addresses queer and transgender issues, feminist and lesbian empowerment, and Asian-American struggles as they relate to our lives as artists and activists. We educate different communities by sharing by sharing a cultural dialogue on race, gender, and sexuality.We entertain while addressing serious issues. Our performance is a hilarious, moving, dynamic, and interactive blend of music and spoken word.We inspire folks to use their voices to create change. Our performance fits well as part of any campus community programming.We'd be perfect for: National Coming Out Day and Diversity month in October, Trans Awareness month in November, Women's History month in March, National Poetry month in April, Asian American Heritage month in April/May, GLBT pride in April/May/June, and Concert series.
Melissa Li's music, an irresistibly catchy blend of folk, rock, and pop, has been heralded for its honest lyrics and bold sound. A seasoned songwriter, Li's distinctive delivery is packed with charm and emotional nuances few of her contemporaries parallel. Melissa started her career performing in Boston at the tender age of 16. In 2007, she received a Jonathan Larson grant for her talent in music composition. Her most notable appearances include Boston Pride, The Somerville Theater, and numerous colleges and universities across the nation. Her highly-anticipated debut album, "2 Seconds Away" released in 2008 to enthusiastic reviews.
Kit Yan's spoken word tackles race and gender with candor, eloquence, and humor. Hailed by the press as "a slam force to be reckoned with," Yan's resolute delivery packs a mighty punch, leaving his audience completely transfixed. Wittily crafted and genuinely passionate, his pieces are rare treasures amongst a new generation of slam poets. Accomplished beyond his years, Yan started competing in Boston with professionals twice his age when he was just a college student. Before the age of 21, he landed a coveted spot in the Lizard Lounge National Slam Team, competed in the Individual World Poetry Slam, and won the world's largest slam.
Their newest addition is veteran drummer/percussionist, Ashley Baier, who has over 15 years performance experience and a Masters of Music from Mannes College at the New School in NYC. Skilled in all styles of performance, Baier is part of the experimental rock project Just Puppets, and formerly part of Changing Modes, a Brooklyn-based art rock band.
" (Good Asian Drivers) is a crafty inventory that addresses cultural mythology and negative stereotypes .
"Groundbreaking...I these two performers have some very serious messages to spread, Yan and Li maintain a wonderful sense of humor and a positive outlook that is evident in their work. .
"...is very, very gay. If you are into songs about gender, feminism and sexuality, you will love what Good Asian Drivers have for you.