Community Performance
Program Categories
From the Curating Team
“Am I in the wrong place? Why isn’t it Taiwanese on stage?”
“Live performances by Vietnamese musicians, stand-up comedies by Czech actors, what does this have to do with Taiwan?”
“Hong Kong people singing Cantonese songs is not Taiwanese culture, is it?”
Cross-ethnic curation has created such an “incomprehensible TAIWANfest”.
In fact, the curatorial process is like painting a self-portrait, the eyes move back and forth between the self in the mirror and the self in the painting, and sometimes the more you paint, the more confused you are. We keep asking: What is Taiwanese culture? What does our event bring as a Canadian festival?
TAIWANfest aims to make Canada’s diverse society more mature, and we aspire to create opportunities to discuss issues that we all care about with different communities and break down ethnic barriers. We actively invite other communities to dialogue with Taiwanese culture through art, and call on Taiwanese communities to echo the curatorial theme through performances.
Handwash, who used to live in Taiwan, is a new immigrant in Vancouver. He uses hip-hop to express how the Hong Kong people diaspora overseas see themselves in the diverse environment of Taiwan and Canada. This year’s comedy show features actors from Czech, Chilean, and Chinese backgrounds, recreating the everyday landscape of Canada’s wonderful mix of Eastern and Western cultures. Taiwanese violinist Tom Su echoes the stories of many self-portraits with Taiwanese folk songs.
So we ask you:
Does TAIWANfest reflect the Canada you know?
A land that truly embraces our diversity.
Programs
Tom Su, Mark Jackson, Oliver Kabalisa, & Deely
Walking Melodies
“Why can’t music walk into the crowd?”
This is the question in the mind of Tom, who studies classical music.
This summer, Tom invites three musicians Deely, Mark, and Oliver to bring rich melodies and rhythms to the streets. How will four artists from different cultural backgrounds tell their stories through music?
She is the only woman among the members, always able to show her talent confidently in the music hall. What courage, to step outside and play violin on the streets for the first time!
He is usually a railway manager, but once the strings are struck, the notes are as clear as the beautiful scenery outside the window.
He came to Canada seeking refuge and had to give up his love for music on the way, but he firmly believed that his new home would become a fortress to protect his beloved family.
He inherited the caring and loving spirit from his parents in Taiwan. Under the name “Walking Melodies”, he uses music to soothe the hearts of those who yearn to be accepted.
The gathering of four musicians is like the epitome of our diverse city, how all cultures can thrive together. Music breaks down barriers. As the melody flows into our hearts, let’s live life on the bright side.
Tom immigrated to Canada from Taiwan in 2003 and is currently a violinist of West Coast Symphony and Harmonia String Ensemble in Vancouver. Inspired by the infectious power of music, he often thinks on the question: “Does the audience need to go to the concert hall to enjoy performances?”
A few years ago, he became a volunteer at Burnaby Hospital. He comforts family members and patients with “moving melodies” accompanied by violin. His repertoire is chosen with care, such as songs from the 1940s to the 1970s for nursing home patients, Disney cartoon songs to cheer up children in the Montreal Children’s Hospice, and relevant music in mourning for the victims of Indian Residential Schools. Through these music performances, Tom used the magical power of music to inspire people’s physical and mental healing, and at the same time uplift people’s inner strength and potential for growth.
Studying music as a minor at Wilfrid Laurier University, Mark Jackson currently is the President and principal violist of the Vancouver Philharmonic Orchestra, a member of Vancouver Harmonia, and sits on the board and is a member of the West Coast Symphony Orchestra. Mark plays on a 2009 viola made by world renowned luthier Hiroshi Iizuka. For work, Mark is a manager with the rail industry.
Oliver Kabalisa, known by his alias Kablis, is an independent artist whose soulful melodies and intricate guitar-playing create a profound musical experience. Born and raised in Libya, Kablis found solace in music at a young age, channelling his emotions through the strings of his guitar. With a penchant for crafting chill music, Kablis weaves a tapestry of hidden emotions into each composition, inviting listeners on a cathartic journey of self-discovery and introspection.
His music serves as a safe haven for those seeking solace in the depths of their hearts, resonating with individuals who cherish vulnerability and authenticity in art. Drawing inspiration from life’s nuanced moments, Kablis’s heartfelt lyrics and soul-stirring melodies capture the essence of human experiences, transcending language and cultural boundaries. As an independent artist, Kablis takes full creative control, allowing his music to evolve organically, uninhibited by external pressures. He cherishes the freedom to express his deepest thoughts and emotions authentically, creating a genuine and intimate connection with his audience.
In her twenties, Deely embarked on a journey from Taiwan to start a new chapter of her life. She is now happily wedded to a talented cellist/pianist. Together, they contribute their musical prowess as esteemed members of both the West Coast Symphony Orchestra and the Harmonia String Ensemble. Over the past few years, they have become integral participants in the vibrant Vancouver TaiwanFest. Beyond her orchestral commitments, Deely’s deep passion for chamber music shines through, reflecting her profound appreciation for a diverse range of musical genres.
Sept 3rd
Granville 700
12:00 PM - 12:30 PM
1:30 PM - 2:00 PM
3:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Sept 4th
Granville 700
11:00 AM - 11:30 AM
12:30 PM - 1:00 PM
2:00 PM - 2:30 PM
Tom Su & Mat Holmstrom
Colours and Melodies
Canadian painter Mat is good at finding art inspiration from nature. He listens to the whispers of mountains, flowers, birds, and animals, and transforms them into colours on on canvas, or creating shapes on clay. A self-portrait opens up his story and conveys his mysterious connection with nature.
Violinist Tom has been exposed to classical music since he was in his mother’s womb. Kindness is his armour against any setbacks. Having grown up in Taiwan, he will always miss his hometown, despite Canada being the place of nourishment for his love of life and society.
When Taiwanese folk songs meet the freehand scenery of Canada, a myriad of emotions arise. Let’s find comfort in these infinite colours and melodies of our summer afternoons.
The creations of these two artists incorporate the essence of multiculturalism, making people feel inspired and beautiful from nature and different cultures. Their works and music have become a bridge of cultural exchange, allowing us to swim in the ocean of art and respect, and appreciate values and viewpoints from all over the world.
Through these music performances, Tom uses the magical power of music to inspire people’s physical and mental recovery and transformation, and at the same time inspire everyone’s inner strength and growth potential.
Tom immigrated to Canada from Taiwan in 2003 and is currently a violinist of West Coast Symphony and Harmonia String Ensemble in Vancouver. Inspired by the infectious power of music, he often thinks on the question: “Does the audience need to go to the concert hall to enjoy performances?”
A few years ago, he became a volunteer at Burnaby Hospital. He comforts family members and patients with “moving melodies” accompanied by violin. His repertoire is chosen with care, such as songs from the 1940s to the 1970s for nursing home patients, Disney cartoon songs to cheer up children in the Montreal Children’s Hospice, and relevant music in mourning for the victims of Indian Residential Schools. During the pandemic, Tom created a project called “A Letter to Covid”: paintings created by 60 elders who were quarantined at home was paired with a violin soundtrack.
Through these music performances, Tom used the magical power of music to inspire people’s physical and mental healing, and at the same time uplift people’s inner strength and potential for growth.
Mat Holmstrom is an artist based in Vancouver, British Columbia.
Born in Banff, and growing up in the small French community of Beaumont, Alberta, Holmstrom’s interest in art and culture grew after having the opportunity to travel to major art hubs such as New York, London, Paris, and San Francisco. Artists such as David Hockney, Jack Shadbolt, Gordon Smith, Marc Chagall, Pablo Picasso, and many more have all inspired Holmstrom’s prolific creativity.
Holmstrom’s work explores a diverse range of subject matter including history, nature, popular culture, symbolism, the human condition, and abstract thought. Rich colour palettes and expressive layering of shape and texture lend to the dynamic nature of his work. Ceramic sculpture, carved pottery, and painting are the primary mediums used. He has participated in many group and solo exhibitions across British Columbia, with pieces in private collections throughout North America.
After attending the Alberta College of Art & Design and MacEwan University – where he studied both traditional and contemporary art and design – he relocated to Vancouver to continue his commitment to developing personal art philosophies and practices. He currently operates an art studio that is open to visitors, instructs kids and adults at the Shadbolt Centre for the Arts, and sat on the board of the East Side Arts Society for several years where he helped coordinate Studio 101 – a program dedicated to supporting diverse and engaging artistic experiences for Vancouver’s inner-city youth.
Sept 2nd
Pancouver Stage -
šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énk Square
North of the Vancouver Art Gallery
4:30 PM - 5:30 PM
handwash
Past Controls Future
“What is Canadian culture but a mix of roots?”
Canada and Taiwan are two places that have always had a multicultural and diverse society. On the bus, on the streets, it’s not unusual to hear multiple languages spoken at once. In music, too, these languages hold emotional power that reminds us of who we are, no matter how far we travel. In collaboration with Jade Music Fest, we welcome a multilingual artist to the TAIWANfest stage.
Through multiple languages and original songs, handwash shares his story of migration, diaspora, and finding community. From his home in Hong Kong, where his visions of a future has become obscured, to his new home in Vancouver, where identity is an everyday struggle. Listen as handwash and band continues to reach for their dreams.
This program is presented in collaboration with Jade Music Fest.
Hon Lam Chan was born and raised in Hong Kong, and is currently based and actively engaged in Vancouver’s music scene, including but not limited to community shows, festivals, and local pubs. His work often explores themes of masculinity, Asian identity as a Hong Kong diaspora, and topics surrounding how meditation serves his personal growth and creative practice.
handwash is Chan’s stage name. He took the name from washing instruction labels, noting the interpersonal parallel between garments and music. The attention to detail in his “clothes” focuses on the listeners’ relatability, providing a different lane to the individualistic side of hip-hop.
handwash draws sonic inspiration from everywhere, from dance to ambience, like many of his favourite contemporary hip hop and r&b artists. His roots, language, and identity makes him unique.
Sept 2nd
Pancouver Stage -
šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énk Square
North of the Vancouver Art Gallery
1:30 PM - 2:15 PM
Kamui
Kamui
This program is presented with the support of Nikkei National Museum and Cultural Centre.
When the Dutch occupied Taiwan, they conducted trade with many different peoples—the Japanese included. One of the main trade products at that time was deer skin. The Japanese would use the deer skin as the inner layer within the armour that their samurai warriors wore.
These historical relationships continue to have an impact on us today. As globalization opens up more trading options, so does it create opportunities for us to share our cultures with each other. In our Dialogue with Japan in 2017, we realized that Japan and Taiwan share not only tremendous connections in the past but also the passion and love for democracy. We appreciate the continued friendship with the Japanese community.
This year, TAIWANfest welcomes a group of samurai artists to our stage. Let’s take a step back into the past, and trace our way through history to how culture shapes us today.
Coming all the way from Japan, prepared to be wowed by this group of Samurai artists. With their experience in sharing the breathtaking art form of martial arts, acting, and samurai culture, this is a performance that takes you into another world.
Kamui is a troupe of “SAMURAI Artists” who merged a beauty of form, acting, and martial arts. They have been performing mainly overseas at venues such as Kennedy Center in the U.S.A., Pergola Theater and Vecchio Palace in Florence (Italy) in Europe, Hermitage Museum (Russia), Armani Hotel Dubai (UAE), Blue Note, and others.
Kamui established its own SAMURAI Method “KENGIDO” in 2012, offering Dojo experiences to teach sword techniques in Japan and other countries such as Italy, Poland, Czechia, Lithuania, Belarus, and the U.S.A. Kamui has also been involved in creating a short movie “Diamond Route Japan” in 2017 which is designed to promote the revitalization of Fukushima.
In recent years, Kamui worked with overseas public figures such as former soccer player Mr. Ronaldinho and French actor Mr. Gérard Depardieu, instructing them with SAMURAI techniques.
The leader, Shimaguchi, is the first Asian artist to have won the Consonanze Award in Florence, Italy, in October of 2018. In October 2019, he was appointed as a tourism ambassador for Aizu Wakamatsu City and Fukushima Prefecture. He choreographed the sword-fighting scenes and instructed actors in Quentin Tarantinoʼs movie “KILL BILL Vol. 1” (he also appeared in the movie as Crazy 88ʼs “MIKI”). Shimaguchi founded GENERAL INCORPORATED ASSOCIATION “CODE OF THE SAMURAI” and worked with various enterprises using four philosophies: cultural exchange, promotion of art, human resources development, and regional revitalization.
KAMUI is the only troupe of “SAMURAI Artists” in Japan to be disseminating Japanese “SAMURAI” culture as a form of art to the world.
Sept 4th
Pancouver Stage -
šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énk Square
North of the Vancouver Art Gallery
2:30 PM - 3:15 PM
Juolin Lee
Luna
Sometimes when life gets intense and overwhelming, I find my mind wandering while I try to accomplish the mundane, everyday tasks…
Luna is a dance about, for, and with my matcha green Tatung Rice Cooker – a piece of traditional Taiwanese kitchenware. It is one of the first things we received from a distant relative after arriving in Canada over ten years ago. Tatung Rice Cooker sits in every Taiwanese household. It is a very practical and important helper in the kitchen, and a symbol of home, familiarity and comforting warm dishes.
Special thank you from Juolin Lee:
Thank you to TAIWANfest for this beautiful opportunity.
I want to acknowledge Luna’s journey over the past year and all the support from friends and mentors who helped Luna shape shift and evolve. Thank you to Allie Shiff, Kate Franklin, Samantha Krystal, Jarin Schexnider, and Anne Cheng for supporting me in dreaming of the initial version of Luna in WhatLab in October of 2022.
Thank you to Dumb Instrument Dance, Ahmm (Asian Heritage Month at Morrow) for supporting and presenting Luna in May 2023. Luna found a new life through this recreation. And thank you to Ziyian Kwan, Lee Su-Feh, and Allie Shiff for supporting me through that process.
Juolin Lee is a Taiwanese-Canadian emerging dance artist who is fascinated by the transformative power of dance. She feels fortunate to live, learn and create on the unceded territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations.
Juolin completed her training in Modus Operandi Contemporary Dance program in June 2021. She has a deep love and respect for the dance community she’s immersed in. She has the pleasure to work with Natalie TY Gan, Ziyian Kwan, Sammy Chien, Arash Khakpour, Emmalena Fredriksson and Zahra Shahab.
Dance to Juolin is a portal to indescribable emotions and complex, swerving stories. Through openness and curiosity she wishes to continuously unpack her idea of self and her relationship with the world.
Sept 3rd
Pancouver Stage -
šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énk Square
North of the Vancouver Art Gallery
12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
Flying Dance Studio
Flying Dance Journey
In 2021, TAIWANfest dialogued with South Korea. The K-wave that has taken over the world in recent years shows no sign of stopping. Kpop not only bridges the gap between languages through catchy songs, stunning visuals, and fun choreography, it shows us the influential power of transformative culture.
Flying Dance Studios returns to the TAIWANfest stage this year to showcase their talent through a variety of dance styles. Dance along to your favourite Kpop songs, learn a fresh move or two with Cpop choreography, and be mesmerized by the Chinese-style dance presentation. Through music and dance, let’s enjoy cultural tango unfolding on stage!
Flying Dance Studio was founded in 2007 by choreographer and instructor YingYing who has been dedicated to dance education for over 16 years. Flying Dance Studios is the first dance school in Vancouver to teach Kpop and Cpop. The studio’s main curriculum includes various street dance and diversified styles such as Kpop, hiphop, Cpop, Popping, Contemporary dance, Ballet, etc.
Flying Dance Studios’ social media platforms track multi-million views, and their students and alumni have went on to become trainees in Asia, successfully debuting as idols. The studio and team members have achieved 1st place in many competitions, garnering numerous awards from local to world levels.
Ms. YingYing is an accomplished dance choreographer. She choreographed for many artists, and in 2019, she produced and debuted the first ever Chinese-Canadian girl group. Their original MV was choreographed by YingYing.
Sept 3rd
Pancouver Stage -
šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énk Square
North of the Vancouver Art Gallery
3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Kapa Arkieh
Austronesian Taiwanese Indigenous journey to the west
This program is presented in collaboration with Jade Music Fest.
Embark on an awe-inspiring adventure alongside Kapa Arkieh, the spirited son of the Amis tribe, as he sets out on a breathtaking quest to unveil the captivating connection between the West and his cherished Village. Prepare to be enthralled by the rhythmic cadence of traditional Taiwanese Aboriginal dances, as they come alive with a vibrant energy that reverberates through your very soul. Let the enchanting melodies sung in Kapa’s native tongue transport you to a realm of spellbinding harmony.
But this is no ordinary journey! Brace yourself for a rollercoaster of exhilarating encounters as Kapa ventures into uncharted territories. With every step, the kaleidoscope of cultures unfolds before your eyes, dazzling your senses and igniting an insatiable curiosity within. Witness the rich tapestry of humanity woven together, as Kapa’s path intertwines with diverse traditions, customs, and wonders from the far corners of the globe.
Kapa Arkieh is an Austronesian from the Amis tribe born in Taiwan. At a young age, his family immigrated to Vancouver, Canada where he honed his musical talents. He’s won the best new artist award from See Music Shanghai in 2018, 2 Leo awards for his work on “Dead Man Switch,” and Best Performance award at VAFF. He continues to raise awareness for his indigenous culture through his music & artworks.
Sept 3rd
Pancouver Stage -
šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énk Square
North of the Vancouver Art Gallery
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Theatre As A Second Language (TSL)
Storytelling from Taiwan
Discover the Magic of Storytelling: Unleash the Power Within You!
Have you ever experienced a moment when hearing or sharing a single story changed your life forever?
How can ordinary people find valuable stories within themselves? How can they become exceptional storytellers?
The Flame Storytelling is a storytelling style that focus on “true stroy, about you, in a few (minutes)”, which is developed by the renowned Canadian actor, playwright, and director, Deborah Williams. This method has empowered countless individuals since 2009 allowing people to create and perform their own compelling narratives.
In 2019, the Theatre As A Second Language Society (TSL) started to introduce this method to non-native English speakers in Vancouver, leading to several multilingual storytelling performances, one of which is the FLAME: TAIWANfest Edition 2019. Fast forward to early 2023, and a joint venture between TSL, NTHU Malaysia Volunteer Team from Taiwan and the popular “Aunty’s Talk Podcast” led to a series of online storytelling workshops, introducing this Canadian-inspired technique to students and artists in Taiwan.
In this transformative workshop, a treasure trove of captivating stories emerged. These remarkable narratives will grace this year’s TAIWANfest.
Experience firsthand the principles and methods of FLAME Storytelling, as talented creators from Vancouver and Taiwan take the stage, both in-person and virtually, to share their true experiences in short stories（Mandarin）.
Remember, no story is too big or too small; every moment has the potential to become a great story!
Are you ready to unlock the secrets of storytelling? Join us on this thrilling journey! Perhaps, after hearing these stories, the seed of your very own remarkable story will sprout!
NTHU Malaysia Volunteer Team
Podcast Aunty’s Talk
Theatre As A Second Language (TSL)
Sept 4th
ANNEX
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Andy Canete, Greta Lin, & Lukas Purm
Who’s Joking? Comedy Night @ TAIWANfest
Migration and identity are to Canada what jokes and humor are to comedy: integral elements.
Who’s Joking? Comedy Night @ TAIWANfest presents three Canadian comedians with global imprint for an hour of live, engaging entertainment merging tales of personal growth and rich traditions experiencing a new perspective.
Relax with us and celebrate these unique voices that are honest AND hilarious, discussing heritage and family dynamics to show laughter is more than the best medicine: it’s a universal language.
Chilean-born Andy Canete is an accomplished comedian and actor known for his appearances on JFL Northwest, and Sirius XM. His critically acclaimed, award winning one-man show about his upbringing toured North America extensively, establishing Canete as a hilariously honest story teller. You may have seen him on screen in Deadpool 2, Babysitters Club, and much much more.
Greta Lin is a Chinese Canadian comedian based in Vancouver. Her comedy draws inspiration from a strict Chinese upbringing and her cultural insight as an immigrant. A rising voice in the comedy scene, Greta recently featured at the 2023 Just For Laughs Vancouver Festival and the second season of YVR Funny.
Host Lukas Purm is the younger of two brothers from a Czech family raised according to medieval discipline and Eastern philosophy. He engages audiences with bright humor and curiosity on human nature, winning praise for his solo shows on the mainstages of the Paris and Vancouver Fringe Festivals, winning @StoryStoryLie in 2022, on top of an ongoing role a producer; host of Live Stand Up Comedy at the Improv Centre on Granville Island.
Sept 3rd
Pancouver Stage -
šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énk Square
North of the Vancouver Art Gallery
6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Diederik van Dijk (Dutch cellist) with Sammy Chien (VJ)
Ritual-Spect: Transnational Sounds
This program is presented in partnership with the Dutch Cultural Association of BC.
Dutch-Canadian cellist, Diederik van Dijk, and Taiwanese-Canadian video artist, Sammy Chien, will be performing together at TAIWANfest.
A coming together of culture, music, and visual arts! Diederik’s musical background and rich experience lends him to a brilliant presence on the stage. Paired with local multimedia artist Sammy Chien, this show will be a treat for your senses.
Diederik van Dijk is a versatile cellist with a playing practice that covers a broad spectrum of music history. He plays both baroque and modern cello and in a not very distant past, also the electric guitar. He is now mainly active as a cellist. Recently he has played with the Orchestra of the 18th Century, Les Muffatti, Insomnio, the Nieuwe Philharmonie Utrecht, the Metropole Orkest, Amsterdam Baroque Orchestra, and in Holland Opera productions.
Sammy Chien 簡上翔 is a Taiwanese-Canadian immigrant and queer artist-of-colour, who’s an award-winning interdisciplinary artist, director, performer, researcher and mentor in film, sound art, new media, performance, movement and spiritual practice. With over 500 collaborative projects, his work has been exhibited across Canada, Western Europe, and Asia including Centre Pompidou (Paris) and the National Centre for the Performing Arts (Beijing), worked with pioneers of digital performance: Troika Ranch and Wong Kar Wai’s Cinematographer Christopher Doyle, and active in projects engaging various underrepresented communities. Sammy has been featured on magazines, TV and commercials such as Discorder, Keedan, CBC Arts and BenQ.
Sammy is currently leading a dance research project “We Were One” and media arts project “Ritual-Spective 迴融”, both funded by Canada Council for the Arts and BC Arts Council. Sammy is the official instructor of Isadora, Member/Council of MotionDAO and Artistic Director of Chimerik似不像, an award winning interdisciplinary arts collective/design team.
Sept 2nd
Pancouver Stage -
šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énk Square
North of the Vancouver Art Gallery
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Khac Chi Bamboo Music
The harmony of a diverse range of cultures is at the heart of both Taiwan and Canada. Building on the relationships we formed during our Dialogue with Asia series, we invite these performers to the stage once more. In dance, in music, culture is easy to understand. No translation needed!
The musicians solo and harmonize more than nine unique musical instruments that are made of bamboo. The colourful dances of Southeast Asia will be performed by the Southeast Asian Culture Heritage Society’s (SEACHS) dancers with live music from Khac Chi Bamboo Music.
Khac Chi Bamboo Music is a gathering of Vietnamese musicians. They have traveled the world and performed in Taiwan, Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia, Finland, Belgium, and the USA.
Sept 4th
Pancouver Stage -
šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énk Square
North of the Vancouver Art Gallery
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Vancouver Okinawa Taiko
Eisa & Ryukyu buyo
Since our Dialogue with Japan, TAIWANfest has cultivated a deep friendship with the local Japanese community. Taiwan and Canada both are very diverse societies, constantly changing and learning how to live together. Here on the festival stage, we can see the wonders of cultures coming together.
Bringing unlimited energy and a perfect amount of grace, be sure to come out for this group of local performers. Sing and dance along to the traditional drums of Okinawa. They will perform Eisa (Okinawan drum-dancing), and Ryukyu buyo (traditional Ryukyu buyo). Make some noise with Vancouver Okinawa Taiko!
Vancouver Okinawa Taiko has been performing in numerous festivals, charity functions and anniversary events for just about two decades. The group’s aim is to promote and preserve Okinawan style drum-dancing Eisa, and to share Okinawan cultural heritage. The membership consists of a mixed generation to reflect the presentation of grassroots folk art. We hope to deliver the Okinawan spirit through the beat of our drums and harmonies of our dance.
Sept 2nd
Pancouver Stage -
šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énk Square
North of the Vancouver Art Gallery
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Live To The Fullest: Daniel Lew featuring Caroline Ding
This program is presented in collaboration with Jade Music Fest.
“Allowing every voice to coexist, different languages and cultures converge here, learning from each other, creating a unique Canadian landscape.”
Jade Music Fest, a festival for Canadian musicians with a Chinese-language background, builds a resilient artistic community. A platform for mutual support on their journey of reconnecting with their mother tongues. In collaboration with TAIWANfest, multiple Chinese-language musicians are presented, echoing the theme of self-portraits, encouraging immigrant communities to take pride in their unique identities.
Daniel Lew and Caroline Ding are a duo that creates folk-pop songs in Chinese and English. A tribute to classic M-pop, enjoy the hybridity of their performance! A true showcase of the versatility of Chinese-language music artists and the talent found right here in BC.
Daniel Lew is a musician with a mission to uplift the world. 10 years ago, he suddenly lost 90% of hearing in his left ear. This trauma caused him to devote his life to music. His voice is fierce yet delicate, and his songwriting blends the heart of John Lennon, the cleverness of John Mayer, and the courage of Bob Dylan. He has self-produced 3 albums, and has approximately 200 performances under his belt. His new song “Alive (The Ocean Song)” was recently featured by Daily Hive Vancouver and accumulated 181,000 views.
Caroline Ding
Sept 4th
Pancouver Stage -
šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énk Square
North of the Vancouver Art Gallery
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
dj_tobias
dank house music & cosmic techno
DJ culture is an ever-growing and ever-innovating presence in the Netherlands. Echoing through the underground to rising up across the international music scene, the electronic music scene is ever-evolving and always open to new interpretations.
DJ Tobias kicks it back old school at TAIWANfest! Have a listen and vibe along to an all-vinyl DJ set from a veteran Dutch Vancouver turntablist and technoculture curator.
dj_tobias, aka tobias c. van Veen, explores sonic futures of resistance & riddim through performance and installation as a sound artist and techno-turntablist. DJing vinyl since 1993, tobias’ style is marked by the cut-up & non-linear mixing styles of future techno and house, from the Afrofuturist sounds of Detroit to 21st century minimal, electro, and dub.
Hailing from the West Coast of Turtle Island, tobias is founding electronic music curator of New Forms Festival, former curator at the Society for Arts and Technology (SAT) in Montréal, and an early instigator of underground techno events combining performance and media arts. A pivotal figure in Canada’s evolving technoculture, he has collaborated and played with Tim Hecker, dub gnostic, Cobblestone Jazz, Sutekh, Kit Clayton, and Loscil, among others, and has held residencies at Laïka, SAT, and with Colin the Mole and DJ Fishead.
Tobias has released six albums of experimental electronic music, working with Tomas Phillips, Katherine Kline, Martijn Comes, Matthijs Vincent Kouw, and Richard Chartier, and he is the offworld director of label IO SOUND [iosound.ca]. He currently DJs on Twitch at twitch.tv/pandemixDJs as part of DARKViBE THERAPY and the Birdcage Radio crew, including live tag teams with @djproBEN in Los Angeles, and serves on the Board for Garden City Electronic Music Society [gcems.ca]. tobias holds doctorates in Philosophy and Communication Studies from McGill University, and he is series editor of Afrofuturist Studies & Speculative Arts at Lexington Books [afrofuturiststudies.org].
Sept 3rd
Pancouver Stage -
šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énk Square
North of the Vancouver Art Gallery
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Sarah McLachlan School of Music
SoM Jazz Band
Featuring students from The Sarah McLachlan School of Music (aka SoM), the SoM Jazz Band has youth in grades 10,11, & 12 playing the groove-oriented music of Herbie Hancock, Freddie Hubbard, and Dr. John, as well as original compositions and arrangements from the band members.
Sarah McLachlan School of Music (SoM) is a non-profit community music school that provides free music education to over 1000 underserved youth through campuses in Vancouver, Surrey, and Edmonton. All students who attend SoM attend programs at zero cost due to financial and social-emotional need.
Sept 2nd
Pancouver Stage -
šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énk Square
North of the Vancouver Art Gallery
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
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TAIWANfest Vancouver is grateful to be held on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territories of the Coast Salish peoples of the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam Indian Band), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish Nation), and Səl̓ílwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation). We acknowledge our privilege to be gathered here, and commit to work with and be respectful to the Indigenous peoples of this land while we engage in meaningful conversations of culture and reconciliation.
