Kollaboration hits it big with #9!!

When I photographed the non-profit organization event Kollaboration Acoustic 2 last year, I couldn’t wait for the next show to begin. Finally, after a huge organizational effort on the Kollaboration staff and with tons of big name celebrities signed up to attend, the day had arrived. I packed up my photography equipment and headed up to the Shrine Auditorium and Expo to see how big this event was really going to get. When I arrived, they were still setting up, but 4 hours before the show was to start, a line of at least 100 people stood outside patiently waiting. With four new Hyundai Genesis coupes and a dance group setting up a breakdancing area in the middle, I could tell this night was going to be amazing.

As time passed, thousands of people started to show up. The line continued to get bigger, as celebrities started to arrive at the red carpet entrance. Tonight’s show had at least 30 actor’s and celebrities attending, performances by 3 amazing MTV America’s Best Dance Crews, comedian Jo Koy, Magician Norman Ng, and celebrity judges like Heroes James Kyson Lee, James Ryu, Welly Yang, Teddy Zee, and Printz Board. This was big! And to top it all off, the main performance of the night was Boa, a huge Japanese/Korean pop star now performing in the United States. As the seats were quickly occupied and celebrites made their final walk into the Shrine, the performance started and soon it was announced that the show was sold out at a capacity of 6,300 people!!!

A mere 10 rows back, I sat with my girlfriend enjoying the show and all it had to offer. After each performer, applause filled the theater with confirmation on their talents and skill. Each dancer, singer, and musician showed why they were the top choices in this 9th installment of Kollaboration’s talent show. In the end, only 3 winners could be chosen and claim the cash prizes. Kenichi Ebina, Lilybeth Avardome, and Jane Lui came out the winners for the night with fans from all around cheering their victory. With amazing performances by Jo Koy, Team Millennia, Norman Ng, Fanny Pak, and Kaba Modern, the show couldn’t have been better.

Afterwards, the party gathered in the Expo where free Hite Beer and Jinro Soju was handed out all night. More performances and dancers filled the stage, while a crowd rushed the front as free Tshirts were thrown out. Ice sculptures filled the bars and entrances with dripping sponsorships. Laser lights shot into the smoked filled air in a blue and green trance. The night was just getting started as partygoers crowded the dancefloor with a second wind of enthusiastic efforts. I managed to get a few shots of the winners having a good time and enjoying many congratulations from adoring fans. After a few more drinks, my night was coming to a close.

What an amazing night at the Shrine, what an amazing show by Kollaboration!

Boo Boo Stewart on the Red Carpet