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She Got Beats
Elaine Chao normally gets one response to her performance: surprise. A
surprised crowd at the Showtime at the Apollo exploded into cheers, a
packed house at the Asian American Film Festival goggled and applauded
in excitement. Though new to the hip hop scene, she has started to
make waves within the community as a fresh new face with original
thoughts as to the Asian American woman's role in this art form, just
as she did in the international a cappella scene. Beatboxer, vocal
percussionist, instrumental imitator - all are combined into one
dynamic international performer.
International A Cappella
Chao started in professional a cappella in 1997 as a singer/songwriter,
but quickly moved to the vocal percussionist's role with both Press Any
Key and later with Wicki 6, both based in the San Francisco Bay Area.
As a part of these two projects, she found herself performing as the
leading female vocal percussionist in the nation, including teaching
and web resources. Even now, she continues to work with a cappella
groups to in promotions.
Hip Hop
In 2001, Elaine started a collaboration with hip hop emcee and theater
artist Aya de León. After touring with her around the
United States, she launched her personal career in the hip hop
community, especially championing women's issues and Asian American
issues. She continues to teach and perform internationally.
Performances
Elaine has performed at many diverse venues, including San Francisco's
Great American Music Hall, Palace of Fine Arts, Bill Graham Civic
Auditorium, the Herbst Theater, the Buriel Clay Theater, and Cafe du
Nord. In addition, she has been a regular at La Peña Cultural
Arts Center, the Freight and Salvage, and Anna's Cafe. Outside of the
Bay Area, her performance credits include the prestigious theater space
P.S. 122 and the Apollo Theater in Harlem in New York City, and in
Southern California's UC Riverside, Los Angeles' Chinatown, and the
Claremont-McKenna colleges. She has also performed and taught in
Boston and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Other Artistic Endeavours
Beyond performing in a cappella and hip hop, Elaine continues to be a
vocalist and singer/songwriter, regularly playing piano, guitar, bass,
and drums. In addition, she writes for musical theater and is
currently working on her fourth full length work.
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