"Can you hear the sound of your dreams coming true?" reads the engraving on my iPod, the one that houses all of my music, K-pop and not.  And I ponder each musician, once a dreamer who only really wanted to share their music.  When I think of this, I remember that it's quite the same road for everyone even in the glitzy and fast world of K-pop.  Behind the neon lights and colorful costumes and elegant stages are dreamers.  

In K-pop, there is a trend with audition stars rising to the top.  Rigged or not, Busker Busker's recent dynamite showing in the chart is due in part to their having participated in an audition show, wherein once they obeyed albeit allegedly blindly, just because they will do anything that will get them closer to their dreams.  Once they were also dreamers.

Right under our noses here in the USA, a yearly audition show has continued to sweep through many cities bringing in the most talented Asian American dreamers from all across the country.  Kollaboration Star, the audition and talent show is back for its second year.  This year it will be held on Saturday, November 16th at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium (home to the Emmys).  As we have access to some pre-sale tix goodies, I wanted to make the case for why, even though it may not feature the hottest names in the K-pop world, Kollaboration Star is a must-see.

Reason #1:  The authenticity of Kollaboration Star is grounding.  

With the winners really coming from raw backgrounds, honing their talents the best way they only know how, Kollaboration Star presents an air of authenticity that's refreshing. It is not 'The Voice' or 'Superstar K' or 'Kpop Star'. Kollaboration Star has remained true to its grassroots feel, cultivating artists for any talent they want to bring to the table.  And this kind of honesty, and authenticity is grounding. 

Reason # 2:  Drunken Tiger and Yoon Mirae and Bizzy will be performing in a one-hour set for the show.

For some of us who only really can be enticed when big names are dropped, then I shall drop the names that are highly recognized in Korean-American circles and Korean hip hop.  With 'The Cure' topping charts and selling records like hotcakes, Drunken Tiger (and Yoon Mirae and Bizzy) have earned stratospheric respect even from the K-pop crowd.  Their performance in an US event will be a rare sighting, and Kollaboration Star is a way for you to get front row seats. 

Reason # 3: Who you see here may be the next superstar.

Although some of the artists are simply just that, dreamers and artists and some of them even don't know anything about K-pop, it is not impossible that from this pool you can get the next Busker Busker or maybe the next Akdong Musician.  From last year's show, when winner Mike Izon got a chance to be a part of the prestigious MNET Asian Music Awards in Hong Kong, we knew they mean business.   As we look at the current and even former finalists, we see how Kollaboration Star has tried to maintain the superstar in each of them by letting stay true to their creative craft.  Seeing Asian American art be represented in this way, minus the pressure of fame and only the promise of inspiration, is definitely a nice break from the dizzying pace we see in K-pop.  

We hope these reasons, however few, are compelling enough.  Sometimes we don't need 10, when 3 can be more than sufficient.  

As mentioned, KpopStarz has access to some ticket pre-sale deals.  So, here's the scoop:
Tickets officially go on sale October 10th, but by using our code KPZSTAR on the website --  www.kollaboration.org/presale on October 7th and 8th, you can purchase the following types of tickets below.  I'm sure Super Junior Siwon will be jealous of some of you (He's a big Drunken Tiger fan!)

Note: Due to changes from organizer plans, please be aware of the new info in the ticketing information. 

Ultimate Fan Package*

• Priority Seating Before VIPs and Premium Tickets
•  Backstage Meet & Greet with the Kollaboration Guest Performers, Including Tiger JK, Yoon Mi Rae, Bizzy, PK, David So, Mike Song, and KRNFX
• VIP Afterparty with Drunken Tiger Access
• Exclusive Merch Pack: 
• Drunken Tiger "The Cure" 살자 Album  + Kollaboration Star 2013 Poster  +  Glowstick 

VIP Package*

• Priority Seating Before Premium Tickets
• VIP Afterparty with Drunken Tiger Access
• Exclusive Merch Pack:  Drunken Tiger "The Cure" 살자 Album +  Kollaboration Star 2013 Poster  + Glowstick

Premium Tickets

§  Priority Seating Before All General Sale Tickets