The PLU music trip to China continues (see below), despite governmental worries about Americans spreading either swine flu or political discontent on the 20th anniversary of the Tienanmen massacre.
Here's the latest from music professor Greg Youtz:

"Our concert at the Sichuan Conservatory of Music was cancelled by the
Provincial authorities due primarily to the concern that an army of 71
travelers from the United States might be bringing swine flu to Chengdu!
This, despite the fact that we have been in China for a week, show no
symptoms, and have successfully perfromed at two other venues! But, the
local authorities are taking no chances and have the stain on their
reputation of having had the first case of H1N1 flu in China here in
Sichuan. Apparently a strong suggestion also went out nationally from the
Central Government in Beijing that large-scale meetings with foreigners
were to be avoided during the three days surrounding the sensitive 20th
anniversary of the events of 1989...

However we were allowed to perform as scheduled at a temporaty village
erected for 10,000 victims of last year's earthquake in the small town of
Dujiangyan. We were welcomed there very warmly, performed on an open-air
concrete stage under a warm sun, and were a huge hit with lots of small
kids who all wanted to touch the tuba.

Our students played basketball and football with them to the immense
amusement of the parents. Back on the bus, our students decided to take up
a collection and purchased about US$200 worth of sports equipment in a
local store and returned to the village and delivered it to the community
center. We were very proud of them!

On now to Shanghai, in the hope that we will indeed perform there our
final concert at China's oldest music conservatory..."

-Greg Y

Long Le of Tacoma gives a thumbs up after learning a break dance move in a L.I.F.E. class run by Fab-5. (Photo by Lui Kit Wong)

Last April TNT arts reporter Rosemary Ponnekanti profiled the L.I.F.E. classes, run by local hip-hop organization Fab- 5.

With the L.I.F.E. classes, “we realized we could create a movement. Hip-hop has the power to move people into one positive direction,” said co-founder Jason Hulen. Along with some friends from Pacific Lutheran University, Hulen started Fab- 5 back in 2000 as an organization committed to holding positive drug- and alcohol-free hip-hop events for Tacoma youth.

The L.I.F.E. classes are aimed at helping youth achieve skills and self-expression through all hip-hop art forms: breakdancing, legal graffiti, DJing and music recording, with lunch provided. Beginning in 2005, the program has expanded with funding from major local foundations to its present 10-week format running April through June.

Now you can see what these youth have been up to at “Everyday L.I.F.E. – Fab-5’s Latest Vibes” 2 p.m.-7 p.m., Sunday, The program includes a free BBQ, live mural painting, student lead artist workshops (2 p.m. - 4 p.m.), breakdancing, graffiti, DJing, music production and performances and an art show.

The event is free but students will be accepting donations of food, clothing and money to benefit various organizations doing direct service in Pierce County.

It all takes place at The Brick City Project, 754 Pacific Ave., Tacoma.