Past Events
2010 | 2009 | 2008
MATCHA 2010
June 3 : The Shanghai Dress
The qipao is a stylish, sophisticated form-fitting dress that emerged in 1920s Shanghai. Meet Jane Zhu: she’s studied qipao patternmaking and construction from master tailors. Celebrated in Shanghai and New York for her contemporary, made-to-order luxury qipao, Zhu’s been featured in Vogue, Elle China, Harper's Bazaar China, Newsweek, and more. She will share her qipao designs and give a talk on the history and craftsmanship of these iconic, versatile dresses.
Make your own traditional Chinese button, design your own ready-to-wear pinback button, chat with a docent in the Shanghai galleries, hang out with friends over cocktails and music by DJ Quantum, and revel in the pleasure of fashion, design, and Asian art.
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Please click here to see photos from the event
April 1 : Shanghai Jazz
Dubbed “the boy Billie Holiday,” Coco Zhao will perform an intimate set of original works and Shanghai jazz favorites in conjunction with special exhibition Shanghai. Jazz thrived in Shanghai’s colorful cabarets and dance halls during the ‘20s and ’30s. Suppressed during the Cultural Revolution, it’s enjoyed a renaissance thanks to a new generation of young jazz musicians. Zhao cross-pollinates Mandarin vocals with the distinct sounds of contemporary American jazz; a unique heritage (both parents were in traditional Chinese opera) is infused his with youthful interpretations. Zhao’s distinctive style transcends cultures, as evidenced by his sensational reception at the 2007 Montreal Jazz Festival and his performance at the Kennedy Center.
There will also be art activities (make your own print), cash bar specials, and docent conversations in special exhibition Shanghai. Don't miss a talk on the birth of jazz in Asia by Cory Combs, Director of Education at SF Jazz.
Click below to hear a Coco Zhao song.
Please click here for details.
Click here to see photos from the event.
February 18: Eye of the Tiger
2010 is the Year of the Tiger! MATCHA kicks off the Lunar New Year and special exhibition Shanghai with dynamic tiger-style kung fu (martial art) demonstrated by Shaolin Temple USA monks. Each mode of Shaolin kung fu is associated with an animal, and in Chinese culture, the tiger is king and symbolizes bravery. Its kung fu style involves footwork, acrobatic kicks, and unique fist positions, relying solely on internal power, simplicity, and explosive force.
The evening also includes art activities (make your own good luck poster), Shanghai dumplings available for purchase in the museum cafe, cash bars, music by DJ Friendly Traveler, docent conversations, gallery tours of Shanghai, and mingling and merriment with friends!
Please click here for details.
Click here to see photos from the event.
MATCHA 2009
June 18: Kampai! Sake + Tea
Quench your summer thirst with all things sake and tea. Savor a sake tasting and multi-media presentation by Kirsten Shilakes, art history lecturer with an expertise in the visual history of the culinary arts. Sip, learn, and chat with Miwa Wang, sake sommelier and manager of True Sake, about the nuanced tastes and bouquets of sake. Stroll the galleries, see Lords of the Samurai, discover a Japanese tea ceremony showcasing matcha, a powdered green tea and namesake of our program. Observe its meticulous preparation and whisk your own. Dip into a talk on tea ceremony and warrior culture, join a docent conversation, or relax with a sake-tini, friends, and DJ-spun music.
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Check out photos from the June 18 MATCHA
August 27: Way of the Sword
Hailing from the sword techniques of Japanese samurai, Iaido (ee-ay-doe) is a martial art from battle and warfare preserved for 450 years. The iaidoka (practitioner) wields a sword not to control the opponent but himself. His mind is peaceful, harmonious, and active, ready to react. MATCHA is honored to present a rare appearance of Esaka Sensei, one of Japan's finest iaidoka with a prestigious background of impressive achievements. He will give a talk on this martial art. Drop in on a movement workshop, watch a riveting demo, or cool down with an art activity, docent chat on Lords of the Samurai, or by the DJ booth.
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Check out photos from the August 27 MATCHA
October 29: Thai River Festival
Thailand’s Loi Krathong festival is held on the full moon night of the twelfth lunar month (usually in November) and involves floating offerings along waterways. A banana-leaf cup drifting down the stream carries away ill-fortune and honors the River Goddess. The ritual is believed to have strong ties to Buddhism. You can’t go to Thailand, but you can still celebrate this peaceful tradition at MATCHA with live music and dance by Thai Cultural Center. Sample Burmese Tea Leaf Salad, marvel at the puppet mastery of the Mandalay Marionette Theatre, create your own river offering, and partake in docent conversations in the luminous exhibition, Emerald Cities.
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Check out photos from the October 29 MATCHA
