Visions Of America, China

We were around and about over the weekend and we had the chance to attend the world premiere of a new musical work performed by Peter Nero and The Philly Pops at the beautiful Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts.

Completed to coincide with the Inauguration of America's 44th President, this new musical/visual symphony entitled "Visions of America" featured the photographs of Joseph Sohm along with the members of the Pops and vocals by Patti Austin. Along with Nero, Roger Kellaway performed on the piano. Kellaway also wrote the music for "Visions" and related lyrics were written by Alan and Marilyn Bergman. The entire production was narrated by Clint Eastwood.

"Visions" featured Sohm's photographs of America and Americans projected onto a huge screen along with occasional photo movement and animation. The live music was beautifully timed to the visions on the screen (no small feat) and the music and lyrics were melodic and inspiring.

But the photos may have contained too many visions of national shrines and not enough of real, ordinary American faces. Regrettably, the piece was hopelessly politically-correct and about three-quarters of the way through it became preachy. This really wasn't necessary as the very astute and intelligent audience at The Kimmel didn't need to be told how to approach national problems or what to think about them

Still, all involved deserve credit for beautiful sounds and images and haunting reminders of why we are so proud to call ourselves "Americans."

And yes, one of the great strengths of our nation is its diversity.

Since it is Chinese New Year and since we happen to live in a very diverse community, we celebrated the New Year at Sakura Spring restaurant complete with a multi-course Chinese New Year's Dinner and traditional Chinese dragons. The big, colorful dragons wove their way through the restaurant batting their giant eyelashes and charming guests.

Chinese New Year or Spring Festival is the most important of the traditional Chinese holidays. It is often called the Lunar New Year, especially by people in mainland China and Taiwan. The festival traditionally begins on the first day of the first month (Chinese: 正月; pinyin: zhēng yuè) in the Chinese calendar and ends on the 15th; this day is called Lantern Festival. Chinese New Year's Eve is known as Chúxī. It literally means "Year-pass Eve".
Celebrated in areas with large populations of ethnic Chinese, Chinese New Year is considered a major holiday for the Chinese and has had influence on the new year celebrations of its geographic neighbours, as well as cultures with whom the Chinese have had extensive interaction.

This year is designated The Year of the Ox and, depending on how you calculate it, this is Chinese year 4707, 4706, or 4646.

BTW: We always highly recommend Sakura Spring for the best Chinese, Japanese and sushi bar in the region!

Best Asian/Chinese

If you're looking for the best, freshest Asian/Chinese food in a really fine, comfortable, tranquil atmosphere try Sakura Spring on Route 70 in Cherry Hill.
I've been going to Sakura Spring for years and have never, ever had a bad meal.
The chicken, pork, beef, shrimp and vegetables are so fresh and fragrant that even a simple dish here becomes a total delight. Everything is prepared just right. Nothing is ever overcooked. Every plate is beautifully presented. And the service is friendly and attentive without being intrusive.
The decor at Sakura is also a cut above most Chinese restaurants. There's a real sense of place with lovely tables, chairs and booths and a harmonizing atmosphere that is very soothing.
Sakura also has a bountiful Chinese New Year celebration every year complete with many special dishes and a colorful dancing dragon. And there are special dishes for each season as well as delicious sushi all year round.
BTW: Sakura means "cherry blossom" which is fitting since Cherry Hill is home to some of the most beautiful cherry blossom trees in the area.