About Us

Who we are.

Named after Sulu of Star Trek (the first Asian American character in space) and a remote island in the Philippines, Sulu DC is an underground network and home for emerging and established Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) artists. Sulu DC produces The Sulu Series, a monthly  performance showcase of AAPI artists in poetry/spoken word, music, theater, comedy, film, and multidisciplinary performances.

Our Mission.

Sulu DC nurtures artistic growth and builds community through the arts within AAPI communities, local and regionally.

A little bit of history.

Inspired by the former Sulu Series in New York City, Sulu DC emerged from a need for visibility and a supportive community for AAPI artists in the greater Washington, D.C. area. Started in November 2009, Sulu DC was borne of a merging of the fabulous fivesome, Regie Cabico (co-founder of the Sulu Series in New York, Artistic Director of Sol y Soul and spoken word pioneer), Simone Jacobson (poet, dancer and independent curator), Jenny C. Lares (spoken word poet), Brian Wang (co-chair of DC’s Young and Powerful) and Alex Cena (hip hop/spoken word artist and youth organizer with AALEAD). Since then, Sulu DC has now expanded into the Sulu Star System, a committee of dedicated, awesome individuals–all stars themselves.

Volunteer staff.

Jenny C. Lares, Executive Director & Producer [email]
Regie Cabico, Artistic Director & Advisor
Jackie Branscomb, Finance Director
Alex Cena, Community Engagement Co-Director
Peter DeCrescenzo, Community Engagement Co-Director
Megan Pagado, Communications Co-Director
Thu-Huong Ngyuen, Community Engagement Co-Director
Joyce Yin, Communications Co-Director