California Migration Museum: Launch & Listening Party

Join the California Migration Museum for a listening party to celebrate the public launch of our immersive San Francisco histories! Our multisensory experiences invite locals and visitors to step into history and uncover stories about exclusion, displacement and welcome as audiences walk through the California neighborhoods where these stories unfold.

We’ll explore highlights from our newly relaunched neighborhood experiences in San Francisco that take visitors through Chinatown, Japantown and the Fillmore; hear from SF chefs and restaurateurs featured in our Melting Spots food map of immigrant eats; and learn more about why the California Migration Museum’s creative work in telling California’s story is especially critical right now — at a time when immigrant history is at risk of being erased and many museums are struggling to stay open.   

The listening party will also feature a live performance by musician Alex Wong, narrator of the California Migration Museum’s Chinatown experience.

The California Migration Museum is a museum without walls, creating immersive experiences and exhibits that tell the stories of immigrants and refugees in California.

Through personal narratives, augmented reality and dramatic archives, the California Migration Museum invites you to step into the hidden histories of California. Explore free and self-guided immersive walks in San Francisco and Downtown LA. More at CALMIGRATION.ORG

Alex Wong is a Latin GRAMMY-nominated artist, producer and activist who creates music to empower everyone, especially those on the margins, to take up space with their stories.

In 2021 Alex established The Quiet Voice non-profit, and in 2024 he received a Cultural Week of Action grant to create the Show Yourself Festival, activating marginalized communities to fight for change within and outside of the political system and normalizing BIPOC artist visibility to Nashville audiences.  The Quiet Voice has raised over $27,000 for APA charities.

In 2023 he launched The Permission Parties, a multi-sensory experience where each track from his upcoming album Permission is paired with a Chinese-inspired dish that shares a common emotion. His spring tour kicks off at this event.

Melting Spots Limited Edition Map - Add On

Join the California Migration Museum on a bite-sized journey across San Francisco’s food scene. From Gold Rush saloons to Instagram popups, and Rice-a- Roni to Mission burritos, here are 38 stories exploring how immigrants have shaped the city and fed its residents since 1849. Support the podcast by getting a limited edition map, signed & numbered by artist Alex Foster as an add-on to your ticket!

There is a $10 - $20 sliding scale suggested donation for this event. Nobody will be turned away for lack of funds.

Please become a KALW member today and receive your first drink on us at all 220 Montgomery events.

📍 220 Montgomery St., San Francisco, 2 blocks from BART/MUNI
🚪 Reception doors open at 6:00
🗣️ Program begins at 6:30
🆓 The event is free with an RSVP — and you are welcome to donate what you want

Please note:

• The event space is just to the left of the main entrance to the Mills Building at 220 Montgomery Street
• We recommend taking BART/MUNI, exiting at Montgomery, and walking two blocks north
• Ride-shares can drop off and pick up directly in front of the venue
• If you drive, there are several garages within two blocks of the event location

Host or Publisher KALW Public Media