This kind of stuff blows my mind. If you want to talk about pioneers in Asian American entertainment... Arthur Dong's new book, Forbidden City, USA: Chinese American Nightclubs, 1936-1970, is a fascinating look at the Chinese American nightclub scene, which peaked in San Francisco during World War II.
With previously unpublished personal stories, and a treasure trove of vintage images and rare artifacts, the book is an insightful chronicle of this little-known era of Asian American nightclubs and performers, circa 1930s and 40s, who defied multiple barriers to pursue their showbiz dreams.
