I want to thank Prisma Dance for having me be a part of their May Showcase at Ala Moana Centerstage! I was the third, eighth, and eleventh act. In Hebrew numerals, the words that stand out to me for numbers 3, 8, and 11 are "resurrection," "new beginning" and "chaos." I always look forward to working with Prisma Dance! To think, rewind somewhere between 2005 and 2007, I met Joanna Lam of Prisma Dance at Kapiʻolani Community College's Holomua Center where I math tutored at. She took Calculus and was on point with it. Then I met Nicole Lam of Prisma Dance.

We all reunited in 2015 at church. Nicole and I met up when she shared with me her vision about the bi-annual Creation Production. She asked if I wanted to be on board as the specialty beatbox artist. I said, "yes!" 2016 came and I missed meetings with the Creation Production choreographers. At that time, I dealt with "complex trauma." Nicole was genuinely concerned and she interceded in prayer on my behalf. Prior to that, behind the scenes, I worked diligently to prepare for the Creation Production premiere eight shows. The daily chronic stressors that triggered the "complex trauma," not related to the Creation Production preparation, near cost my life when I got triggered to relive my 2004 car accident and other traumatic life events.

I am a living testimony that the Lord resurrected, redeemed, restored me to complete full health, and the Lord gave me the strength to out wrestle the chaos, torment and destructive seed of "complex trauma" to the end. Then the Lord declared to me that I am now completely set free from the chaos. Since then, I've completed an altogether total of sixteen shows for the Creation Production in 2016 and 2018. I love my savior and redeemer Jesus! My life now that I live is a new beginning! I work on my health daily by meditating on bible verses, prayer, cardiovascular exercise like walking, devotionals, rest, journaling offline, beatboxing, music, and mathematics. I want to thank all my pastors, mentors, families, and friends who continue to pray for and with me. I love you all dearly!

Jason Tom's Prisma Dance May Showcase at Ala Moana Centerstage - Third Act (1 of 3)

"High fives" at my Prisma Dance May Showcase at Ala Moana Centerstage!

Jason Tom's Prisma Dance May Showcase at Ala Moana Centerstage - Eighth Act (2 of 3)

It's a robot!! It's a didgeridoo!! Wait a minute, it's me at my Prisma Dance May Showcase at Ala Moana Centerstage!!

Jason Tom's Prisma Dance May Showcase at Ala Moana Centerstage - Eleventh Act (3 of 3)

Love Hawai'i, the 1980s and Ala Moana Center? Ala Moana Center celebrates 60 years! I remember the time when Ala Moana Center was mainly two stories high and Ala Moana Centerstage faced the other side in the 1980s. Beatboxing, popping and the moonwalk grew popular in the 1980s. Here I take us and Ala Moana Center shoppers through a "Time Machine" in my Prisma Dance May Showcase at Ala Moana Centerstage! How that mathematically possible?

I, Jason Tom, love you! What? Yes! In the world of showbiz, I've met a few superstars and divas that will show a lack of appreciation to you and your support. No matter how small or big of a beatbox star I am or am not, I want you to know I will always appreciate you! I will also continue to spend quality time to not forget to write you when I can with an update no matter how small or big of a beatbox star I was, am, and will become. Talent can take anybody far in life. It is character that can keep anybody there and take them even further in life. Come and join Prisma Dance and I (Jason Tom), Ala Moana Centerstage Showcase, Friday, May 3rd @ 7:00PM — 7:45PM.

Jason Tom judge showcase at Brown Bags to Stardom Grand Final, Hawaii Convention Center Liliu Theater!

I want to thank Hawaiʻi's human beatbox pioneers Radical Rob, Gizmo, Re-Run, and Joevon "J.B" Brown for paving the way for a Hawaiʻi beatboxer like me. And I will continue to pave the way for a local beatboxer, a beatboxer you know and people like you. I am not a stranger to the world of competition and it was an honor when Johnny Kai invited me to judge this year's Brown Bags to Stardom Grand Final. Congratulations to all Brown Bags to Stardom Grand Finalists, contestants, families, and friends! What remarkable talent! WOW!!!

As a beatboxer, I accomplished some of these accolades...

• HawaiiSlam's First Thursdays Top 12 Grand Slam Finalist (2019)
• University of Hawaiʻi Foundation - Freeman Foundation Scholarship Feature (2019)
• Specialty beatbox artist for the Creation production by Prisma Dance (2018)
• Featured in Uplift And Renew at Ala Moana Centerstage (2018)
• University of Hawaiʻi News Feature (2018)
• Headlined the 25th Hawai‘i Children And Youth Day at the Hawai‘i State Capitol Rotunda Main Stage (2018)
• Opened for 10th KS EdTech DisRupt Conference (2018)
• Opened for Uplift at Ala Moana Centerstage (2017)
• Specialty beatbox artist for the Creation production by Prisma Dance (2016)
• McDonald's of Hawaiʻi NextNext Top 3 Musician (2016)
• HawaiiSlam's First Thursdays Top 12 Grand Slam Finalist (2016)
• Nominated as a Top 150 Vocal Percussion Artist for the men's solo contest at the Beatbox Battle World Championship (2015)
• HawaiiSlam's First Thursdays Top 12 Grand Slam Finalist (2015)
• Headlined Art After Dark at Honolulu Museum of Art (2014)
• Beatbox Battle TV Feature (2014)
• KITV News Feature Oahu Beatboxer Jason Tom performs Interview with Jill Kuramoto (2013)
• KITV News Feature Local beatboxer shares his sounds Interview with Jill Kuramoto (2013)
• Headlined the 20th Hawai‘i Children And Youth Day at the Hawai‘i State Capitol Rotunda Main Stage (2013)
• Honolulu Night Market: Artrageous + Interview with Olena Heu (2013)
• RAW artists Feature (2012)
• HawaiiSlam's First Thursdays Top 9 Grand Slam Finalist (2012)
• Recipient of the TEDx Honolulu "It's About Time" Presenter Award (2011)
• Recipient of the Hawaiʻi Scene Choice "Best Performer" Award (2011)
• Opened for Apex (2011)
• Opened for Apex (2010)
• Opened for Mighty4 Honolulu (2010)
• Featured musician on Faioso's 2010 Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award nominated album (2010)
• Interview with Angela Keen at TEDx Honolulu "Shift" Conference (2009)
• Featured entertainer at TEDx Honolulu "Shift" Conference (2009)
• Pipeline's Got Talent (dubbed Hawaiʻi's Got Talent) Top 4 Grand Finalist (2009)
• Pipeline's Got Talent (dubbed Hawaiʻi's Got Talent) 1st Place Winner (2009)
• Voted as the Best of Honolulu Weekly's Local Musician Deserving of a Wider Audience (2009)
• Word of Life Emerge Talent Show 1st Place Runner Up Grand Finalist (2009)
• Word of Life Emerge Talent Show 1st Place Winner (2008)
• Kapiʻolani Community College Talent Show Top 4 Finalist (Fall 2007)
• Kapiʻolani Community College Talent Show Top 4 Finalist (Spring 2007)
• Kapiʻolani Community College Talent Show Top 5 Finalist (Fall 2006)
• Kapiʻolani Community College Talent Show Top 3 Finalist (Spring 2006)

Photo Credit: Germaine Barsatan

Jason Tom Brown Bags to Stardom Judge Biography narrated by Johnny Kai!

Jason Tom is HawaiiSlam's First Thursdays 16th Anniversary Grand Slam Finalist at Hawaiian Brian's Crossroads Concert Hall. Show hosted by Hawai`i Poet Laureate Kealoha with DJ Toki of Sisters in Sound and live painter Alicia Soder. 

Video Credit: Sáshily Kling

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Jason Tom opened for the 10th Kamehameha Schools Education Technology Conference: Disrupt!

I am an entertainer who advocates for education, because I've experienced first hand "invaluable" tools we can develop through education. In 2017, a struggling university math student contacted me online. I offered to math tutor and coach that female student on the "how to" turn her academic journey around.

She then flipped the script, and finished strong with multiple 4.0 grade point average (gpa) semesters.

In 2018, that student earned her bachelor of arts degree in Early Childhood Education.

My own reflection process on the life tools I've engineered to "dig deep," "persevere," "turn the tables," and "endure" through what I've accomplished in my academic adventure aided to the success in life, my academic coaching, and beatboxing.

When we go through a crossroad... it's important we keep a memory bank on our roots in the "how" we overcame adversity in order to move forward in life.

President William McKinley High School alumnus Jason Tom beatboxing on the Music With A Message Tour.

I am most grateful that I failed early and multiple times later in life! Yes! The failures taught me how to bounce back  discouragement and that developed my character.

I flunked the first grade at Kaimukī's Liholiho Elementary. My fondest memory at Liholiho Elementary was when our teacher played the classic video cassette of 1989's Moonwalker.

At that time, I was six-years-young, and I began my luxurious amateur beatboxing days by recording my "beatboxing" on audio cassettes. I performed my "inward k snare" with my tongue, and I scat sung the synthesizer of "Badder." "Badder" is the kid version of the Michael Jackson song "Bad" featured in Moonwalker's VHS. I still have all of the recordings of me "beatboxing" from 1989 through the 1990s.

Jason Tom beatboxing on the Music With A Message "Not On Tobacco" Tour at McKinley High School.

My second attempt at first grade took place at Liliha's Kauluwela Elementary. I then attended Nuʻuanu's Kawananakoa Middle School and Downtown Honolulu's President William McKinley High School. I was one of the 1.0 to 2.0 gpa students. I worked diligently to graduate from high school on time. I barely made it. I did not let up.

I attended summer school in Kailua's Kaleheo High School to make up missed high school credits.

A US mainland teacher snail mailed me my "correspondence" assignments for other missed credits, and I'd snail mailed those assignments back for it to be graded.

I lettered in varsity soccer and judo to encourage myself to maintain a 2.0 plus gpa. I peaked at two point something.

May 2001, I graduated from McKinley High School.

McKinley High School alumnus Jason Tom lettered in varsity soccer and judo.

Jason Tom is the McKinley High School boys soccer "Mr. Hustle" Award recipient in 2001.

As a first generation college student in my family household, I failed yet again in my academic journey my fall 2001 semester at the University of Hawaiʻi at Kapiʻolani Community College (KCC) when I got placed on academic probation. I earned a B, D, D, and F. Wow!

Spring 2002, I was placed on academic suspension when I earned my D for a 1 credit elective course.

My first two semesters of college, I earned not a single "A."

Discouraged, I took a college school break and I vowed not to return until I know I will be "serious" about college.

From 2002 to 2004, I trained and competed in local judo tournaments in Northern California and Hawaiʻi.

I left judo gradually after I used my judo to save my life when I was hit by a car while I walked the crosswalk on a green light near Shobukan Judo Club and Liliha Bakery in 2004. I would learn much later I would be unknowingly triggered multiple times from the "trauma" of that 2004 car impact.

Jason Tom 2000, 2001, 2002 judo medals, and ribbon; (2004 judo trophy not pictured)

Fall 2004, I came back to KCC, and I earned my first 4.0 gpa. My game plan was to not settle, and to put in the responsibility to earn A's.

I honed time management, punctuality, perfect attendance, reading ahead, note taking.

I avoided distractions like TV, procrastination, and I often started on my college assignments early, not late.

I also decided in 2004 to go into that transition from being an amateur beatboxer to turning into the pro beatboxer people have grown up watching live and on videos today.

My two D's, and one F in 2001? I retook the classes, and through due diligence, I redeemed them all with A's.

Summer 2006, I completed the Freeman Foundation Study Abroad Scholarship Intensive Mandarin Chinese program at Beijing Foreign Studies University.

In fall 2007, I earned my associates of arts degree in Liberal Arts at KCC.

Beijing Foreign Studies University

Jason Tom's associates of arts degree in Liberal Arts at KCC

Kauluwela Elementary gifts for Jason Tom performing at their Back to School Assembly!

Jason Tom beatboxing at Kapiʻolani Community College's Fall 2007 Talent Show with Tiny Tadani and George Higa.

Jason Tom - Kapiʻolani Community College Class of 2007 Alumni Profile!

Jason Tom Kapiʻolani Community College class of 2007 alumnus congratulated by KCC chancellor Leon Richards!

Freeman Foundation Scholarship - Jason Tom - Beijing Foreign Studies University!

Jason Tom's academic journey at Kapiʻolani Community College and beyond... 
Fall 2001: 3.0 gpa / 12 credits
*amateur beatboxer

Spring 2002: 1.0 gpa / 1 credit 
*amateur beatboxer; took a two-year college school break, moved in East Bay, Northern California while I got hired for clerical office work at a furniture warehouse, and I competed in judo tournaments before returning to Honolulu.

Fall 2004 - 4.0 gpa / 6 credits 
*professional beatboxer 

Spring 2005: 4.0 gpa / 11 credits 
*KCC Math Supplemental Instruction (SI) Leader (Peer Mentor), Holomua Center math tutor, pro beatboxer 

Fall 2005: 3.75 gpa / 12 credits 
*Freeman Foundation Scholarship, Math SI Leader & math tutor, pro beatboxer 

Spring 2006: 4.0 gpa / 12 credits 
*Freeman Foundation Scholar, pro beatboxer, dormed at Tokai University 

Summer 2006: 4.0 gpa / 12 credits 
*Freeman Foundation Scholar, pro beatboxer, studied abroad at Beijing Foreign Studies University 

Fall 2006: 1.75 gpa/ 12 credits 
*Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, Math SI Leader & math tutor, pro beatboxer 

Spring 2007: 2.0 gpa/ 6 credits 
*Math SI Leader & math tutor, TRIO Math notetaker, pro beatboxer 

Fall 2007: 4.0 gpa / 10 credits 
*Math SI Leader & math tutor, notetaker, pro beatboxer, enrolled in 3 credits at Belmont University's Mike Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business (CEMB), & Honolulu Community College (HCC). . 
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Spring 2008: 2.0 gpa/ 3 credits 
*KCC commencement, pro beatboxer, enrolled in 9 credits at CEMB, & HCC 

Fall 2008: not enrolled at KCC; enrolled in 3 credits at CEMB, & HCC, pro beatboxer 

Spring 2009 - 2.0 gpa/ 6 credits 
*pro beatboxer, enrolled in 3 credits at CEMB, and HCC

Jason Tom pictured on the Kapiʻolani Community College Fall 2007 Talent Show poster!

Kapiʻolani Community College Spring 2008 Commencement Ceremony!

Kapiʻolani Community College chancellor Leon Richards with KCC class of 2007 alumnus Jason Tom!

University of Hawai‘i Foundation launched my experience with the Freeman Foundation Scholarship. I completed that Chinese immersion program in 2006 at Beijing Foreign Studies University. Check it out here: https://www.uhfoundation.org/news/video/freeman-foundation-scholarship-jason-tom

Also, my KCC Alumni profile here and here.
https://www.hawaii.edu/news/2018/12/13/kapiolani-cc-human-beatbox/
https://uhalumni.org/news/story/hawaiis-human-beatbox

Come and join me in checking out the "Creation" production presented by Prisma Dance at the Paliku Theatre this Thanksgiving opening weekend! 

Yes! I've reunited and I am rehearsing with the "Creation" cast again for this bi-annual production. And I am excited to share with you that I will be beatboxing in all eight shows with an incredible cast. "Creation" is an artistic collaboration of dance, music and acrobatics that presents the beauty of God's creation. 
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Here are the dates and times to the eight shows of "Creation" at Paliku Theatre: 
Friday, November 23, 7pm (dress rehearsal)
 
Saturday, November 24, 2pm (matinee) & 6pm 

Sunday, November 25, 2pm (matinee) & 6pm 

Friday, November 30, 7pm 

Saturday, December 1, 2pm (matinee) & 6pm 

Tickets & more info visit: https://www.showtix4u.com/events/prismadance, prismadance.com and jasontom.com/events

University of Hawaii Foundation
University of Hawaii Alumni Relations Production 
Kapi‘olani Community College Alumnus Profile - Jason Tom

Hawai‘i’s Human Beatbox 

Most people have heard of beatboxing—a form of vocal percussion that uses the mouth and voice to create sounds and rhythms similar to percussion instruments. But for Kapi‘olani Community College alumnus Jason Tom (AA ’07), beatboxing is much more than that. Now known as Hawai‘i’s Human Beatbox, he’s using beatboxing to uplift and encourage others to perservere.

The University of Hawaii Foundation, a nonprofit organization, raises private funds to support the University of Hawaii System. Our mission is to unite our donor's passions with the University of Hawaii's aspirations to benefit the people of Hawaii and beyond. We do this by raising private philanthropic support, managing private investments and nurturing donor and alumni relationships. Please see https://uhalumni.org/news/story/hawaiis-human-beatbox https://www.uhfoundation.org

Kodak moment with Jason Tom beatboxing for Uplift & Renew at Ala Moana Centerstage!

"Watched Hawaii's Human Beatbox Jason Tom perform on Saturday along with the Uplift Dancers from First Assembly Of God and I was blown away by Jason's performance. If you've only seen him beatbox on video and not live on stage you wouldn't know how much of a difference it makes in how it sounds live. There's no comparison, the audio on video doesn't even come close to how it really sounds. Auuuuuright!" -Nathan Izumi

Kodak moment with Jason Tom beatboxing for Uplift & Renew at Ala Moana Centerstage!

The Lord promised me that what the devil has stolen from me must return more than one-hundred-thousand fold. The devil attempted to take my life multiple occasions, relentlessly tormented me and failed. How? Jesus supernaturally and relentlessly stepped in and said, "no more satan! Get your hands off my child and do not return!" I am unashamed that Jesus Christ is my redeemer. This first Men of Conquest Encounter venue at the Emalani Ballroom of the Hawaii Convention Center is the same venue I performed at for the first TEDx Honolulu Shift Conference.

Men of Conquest Encounter and Women's Devoted Encounter Celebration: Me, my Men's Life Group disciple Nate's mother Hazel and my math Life Group student Gale with our eyes on Jesus and God dreaming, with Nate Jesus-focused ahead for our G12 Hawaii Conference: Your Kingdom Come.

Women's Devoted And Men of Conquest Encounter Celebration: Nate, Ernest (uncle of one of my best and closest of friends Duke), me, John Lum, Tutamo.
 

Pastor Wally with Bella, Math Life Group students Moriah, Micaiah and Gale (far right), me (Product of New York), and Nate (Wolverine)

Pastor Wally, me and Branson Silva.

My Mighty Men's Life Group disciple Nate said he did his best to match the joy of the Lord is my strength in me via Men of Conquest Encounter celebration.