Let’s be honest: in a world saturated with digital noise, it would be easy to let seventy issues of a small local arts publication go unnoticed. Even on a dreary rain-soaked night, San Jose City Hall’s Rotunda was a lively hub of local talent and community engagement. Pick-Up Party 17.2, “Connect,” hosted a diverse roster of talent while celebrating Content’s seventieth issue and honoring the contributions of Vietnamese American creatives living and working in the South Bay.

Attendees were treated to performances that spanned the artistic spectrum. New Ballet SJ provided a graceful display of classical and contemporary dance, while LOLAH, with her rock and roll sound, injected an energy into the room that most wouldn’t expect from a single musician. Dad Bod Rap Pod opened the evening with a cultural exchange presentation that outlined their journey to Saigon before they transitioned straight into DJ sets, proving that even a city hall has some rhythm.

Displays Vĩ Sơn Trịnh added a layer to the celebration, showcasing the breadth of talent featured in the magazine. Food and drink were, as expected, present, with the first 150 Content members snagging the complimentary perks—a classic move to incentivize loyalty.

The magazine itself highlighted the contributions of Vietnamese American artists and creatives, offering a glimpse into the diverse creative landscape of the South Bay. Creatives from Binh Danh, Vanessa Vân-Ánh Võ, and Viet Thanh Nguyen to Vampy, Vinh G. Nyguyen, and Hết Sẩy Food Truck illustrated a wide range and various forms of self-expression. 

Even if the outside weather was trying its best to dampen the mood, our community came together to party and celebrate indoors. It’s a testament that despite living in a world saturated with digital noise, nothing compares to the physical–Meeting in person, live music, and print. It was great to celebrate this herculean 70th issue, and we are looking forward to celebrating each future issue from our 71st to the 80th and beyond.

Join us on Friday, May 16, 2025, at West Valley College in Saratoga for Pick-Up Party 17.3. There will be performances and displays from creatives featured in previous magazines and from our upcoming Issue 17.3, “Perform.” This party will continue our annual collaboration with The Cilker School of Art & Design EXPO–an exhibition featuring current and graduating student work across the Architecture, Design, Visual, and Performing Art programs. Save the Date.

Pre-order issue 17.3 before May 3rd for free shipping.