The campus community is invited to a talk with Michelle Zauner as part of the University’s commemoration of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month. The event will take place on April 7, from 7-9 p.m. in Gifford Auditorium, HBC. This is an important opportunity to learn more about AAPI Heritage Month, as well as the talented Michelle Zauner. Before you attend the presentation, here are four facts that you may not know about Michelle!
Michelle was born in South Korea
On March 29, 1989, Michelle was born in Seoul, South Korea to her mother who is Korean and her father who is Jewish-American. She later moved to Eugene, Oregon with her family where she lived until attending Bryn Mawr College in Pennsylvania.
She is best known for her music
Michelle is the lead vocalist and songwriter for indie rock band, Japanese Breakfast. Her recent album, Jubilee (2021), earned her two GRAMMY nominations for Best New Artist and Best Alternative Music Album. Be sure to check out some of her music!
She is a New York Times Bestselling Author
Her first book Crying in H Mart was voted as a New York Times Bestseller. The story unravels a personal memoir about growing up Korean-American, discovering her identity and the impact of losing her mother at a young age. The book is planned to be adapted into a feature film for MGM’s Orion Pictures. A meet and greet book signing will follow the event!
She’s a director
Michelle has had her fair share of not only directing her band, Japanese Breakfast’s music videos, but she has also directed music videos for Jay Som’s single “The Bus Song” and for Phoebe Bridges and Conor Oberst.
Mark your calendars for April 7 and come with questions! Check out the full AAPI Heritage Month calendar of events!
Written By Haley Mykytka ’22, College of Visual and Performing Arts