Connect 17.2 (Spring '25)

NO SHIPPING FEE WHEN ORDERED BEFORE FEB. 27th 11pm.

I am going to boast a little. This is our 70th issue, and it represents a significant accomplishment and a reflection on the talented people who have contributed their skills to keep Content alive. Many of those individuals are listed above, though there have been others over the 13 years. I want to congratulate all contributors; you have made Content a valued record of the creative scene in the South Bay. Thank you for caring about the arts in Santa Clara County. We could not, and cannot, do this without your involvement, and I appreciate all the contributors. Great job! Let’s continue this project, which is already the longest-running arts-focused publication in the history of our region!

In this issue, we exclusively feature local Vietnamese American creatives, which is timely not only because it marks the 50th year of the diaspora following the American War in Vietnam but also because we, as a nation, continue to struggle to act with justice as we assist immigrants and refugees. Ironically, this is not a new topic. Ancient wisdom has long instructed us, “You shall not mistreat or oppress a stranger, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt” (Exodus 22:21). Therefore, I am honored, as a second-generation immigrant American, to amplify the journeys of those who have experienced great sacrifice, trauma, and triumph in this issue. The beauty and complexities of life reveal that many aspects of a situation are not merely contrasts or opposites but paradoxes—a dynamic. This is demonstrated in the unity of our humanity and the diversity of our individuality. So, even though this issue has a specific focus, it aligns with my hope for all 70 issues: for us to connect.

Enjoy,
Daniel Garcia
THE CULTIVATOR

FEATURING:
Expressions of the Vietnamese American Experience, Dr. Hien Do | Cultural Exchange with Dad Bod Rap Pod, Nate LeBlanc, David Ma, & Demone Carter | Cosplayer, Linda ‘Vampy” Le | Director, Actor, Playwright, and Educator, Vinh G. Nguyen | Ballerina, Naomi Le | Author and Professor, Viet Thanh Nguyen | Filmmaker, Anh Le | Photographic Artist and Professor, Binh Danh | Artist, Curator, Educator, Vĩ Sơn Trinh | Painter, Minhquang Nguyen | Chef/Owners Hết Sẩy, DuyAn & Hieu Le | Musician and Composer, Vân-Ánh Vo | LOLAH, Ha Nguyen