Join Konnectpop on the 12th for an Annual ‘Turn It Up’ Showcase!
“A Colorado-based Kpop Fan Community dedicated to bringing together K-pop fans in real, meaningful ways.”
Looking for a place where Colorado K-pop fans gather to watch amazing performances and share their passion for K-pop? Join Konnectpop’s ‘Turn It Up 2022’ on Friday the 12th at the Tivoli Turnhalle, Auraria Campus at 5pm! ‘Konnectpop’ is a group of passionate leaders of K-pop fans based in Colorado that hosts showcases by introducing many talented Coloradans who wish to share their interest and love for K-pop. They not only introduce performers but also gather people to freely interact with each other by listening to K-pop and share their passion.
According to Marta – one of the founders of Konnectpop – stated that ‘Turn It Up’ is focused on celebrating anyone in our community who wants to show their performance art. So do not hesitate and feel free to purchase tickets at www.eventbrite.com/e/turn-it-up-2022-tickets-418237137537. The address of the venue is Tivoli Turnhalle, located on 900 Auraria Parkway, Denver, CO 80204. For specific information about the event and Konnectpop, anyone can visit their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/konnectpop/.
Since one of their biggest annual events is coming up on the 12th, Colorado Times met Marta for an interview to introduce what Konnectpop is all about, their motivation, fans and supporters, and most importantly their ‘Turn It Up 2022’ event to our readers.
Q #1. Could you please briefly introduce your team ‘Konnectpop’ to our readers? When did you start hosting these events and who are the main members involved (including yourself)?
Konnectpop right now is 4 people; Aeseret, Aspen, Jaia and myself. Unofficially we started in 2016 as just random Colorado Kpop fans who hosted events, since then the Colorado Kpop Fan page on Facebook has grown tremendously. We made Konnectpop in 2017 to host larger events such as the showcase and Skate City nights. Konnectpop predominantly holds Korean culture related events but this past year we have expanded to Japanese culture as well.
Q #2. I have visited your facebook page and it’s amazing! What is your upcoming ‘Turn It Up 2022’ event about and who are performing? Are performers related to the Kpop genre?
‘Turn It Up’ is a Kpop/Jpop Showcase that includes dancing and singing performances. It is held every year for Kpop/Jpop fans that live in Colorado and surrounding states to showcase their love for the group songs through learning and covering their songs. This year we have 120 performers that span from 4 different states. All of the performers we have are coverists and performers because they love it, but we would definitely welcome Korean artists or songwriters if they are interested.
Q #3. How many times have you hosted ‘Turn it Up’ showcases until now and what were the reactions after the event? Can anyone interested in Kpop participate if they purchase tickets?
We started ‘Turn It Up’ in 2017 so this is our 5th year hosting it, even through the pandemic. Since it has been a reoccurring event the anticipation gets bigger and bigger, we love seeing returning performers and welcome new performers with open arms. When you purchase a ticket it is just to watch the show, but we open up ‘Turn It Up’ sign ups in August so performers have until October to join.
Q #4. You have many sponsors including Sister Cities Aurora and diverse Korean businesses in the city of Aurora. How was this possible and do you expect many Koreans to join this year’s showcase as well?
We’ve been incredibly lucky to have met such great partners! We’ve been able to make these connections through working with multiple local businesses to host events. We love working with Aurora Sister Cities, helping with events and giving back to the community, they are a big reason on why we started Konnectpop.
Korean people are always welcome to participate! ‘Turn It Up’ is focused on celebrating anyone in our community who wants to show their performance art! So we don’t have any people specifically highlighted.
Q #5. Please briefly introduce your future plans. Are there more events coming for anyone who loves Kpop until the end of this year?
There are so many plans we have in the works, as Konnectpop events but also collaborations with Bonfire, Aurora Sister Cities and other local community members. On November 19th, we will have a girl group appreciation event at ‘Milkroll’ in Aurora and on the 22nd we have our first Anime/Jpop Night at ‘Skate City Aurora.’ We will also be hosting a holiday dinner sometime in December but definitely look forward to our 2023 Kickoff event and the Valentine’s Day event next year, we will have updates on our social media.
