Article by David Yu
Photo credit Niko
On November 23rd, from 6 to 10pm, the Taiwan Center in Flushing, Queens was the location for the 4th Annual Hello Taiwan Concert, hosted by AsianInNY. The night featured amazing musical talents, delicious Taiwanese food, variety of drinks, and good people. All proceeds from the concert went to the Typhoon Haiyan relief fund.
Typhoon Haiyan was the deadliest typhoon on record in Philippines, and it resulted in grave proportion of massive destruction and loss of life. To date, it is estimated that the total population of 9.8 million is affected. Specifically, the typhoon struck the costal provinces of Leyte and Samar, which created a disaster that left the population to struggle to survive without food, shelter or clean drinking water.
The event began with a few words from Deputy Consul General of Philippines Consulate General Zaldy B. Patron, and VIP guests New York Comptroller John Liu, Assemblyman Ron Kim, and Office Director of Councilmember Peter Koo’s office Thomas Chen. They each personally attended the event to thank everyone for coming out for their support. In addition, Ben Hedges was the event’s emcee. The YouTube star is a charismatic journalist fluent in both Chinese and English was born in Hong Kong and currently hosts NTD Television’s show “Lao Wai Kan Zhongguo”.
On to the entertainment of the night, the 4th Hello Taiwan Concert featured four live bands including Feiwu, Torpid May, Bikini Carwash and Underground Channel, plus a special guest performer Izzy.
Feiwu is the hard-rocking band that wrote and performed the classic “我愛台灣啤酒” (“I Love Taiwan Beer”) and other original songs at Spring Scream and various venues around the island from 1997 to 2001. Feiwu is well known as one of the core bands that pioneered the Taiwan independent music scene of the ’90′s along with Mayday (五月天), Cthonic (閃靈), 1976, The Chairman (董事長), and Quarterback (四分衛). They have played at clubs like Vibe and Underworld and made numerous appearances at festivals. The four members in the band are Andrew Watson (Vocal/Lead Guitar), Ian Lamont (Vocal/Rhythm Guitar), Bob Hsiung (Vocal/Bass), and Steve Tsai (Vocal/Drums).
Torpid May is a very unique band that creates a brand of melodic rock that can arouse the crowds intensely. They produce progressive ambient collages that are delicate and coarse, somber and affecting, dreamy and stern. Packed with suspense and twists, they create a brand of melodic rock that unravels tired assumptions for unexpected sonic musings. The band is coming off an active year appearing at the 2013 MEANY Festival, Keep Taiwan Free concert at Time Square, and Passport to Taiwan at Union Square Park. The band consists of three members named Frank Chen (Vocal/Guitar/Bass), David Jiang (Vocal/Guitar/Bass), and Jackie Jack(Drums).
Special guest performer is 2013 Kollaboration NY winner, IZZY. The Filipino American rapper hails from Queens, New York and is a rapper, producer, photographer, videographer, and businessman. He is making his name known all over and has performed at the Roots Picnic 2013 warming up the crowd for Macklemore and Ryan Lewis and Naughty By Nature. He also recently opened up for singing sensations Clara C and Aijia. Furthermore, IZZY is the Co-founder and Creative Director of DynastyStyle.
Brooklyn-based band Underground Channel unique takes on classic rock and modern renditions of good old foot stomping, adrenaline pumping riffs is both refreshing and exciting. Owing to the variety in their individual tastes and backgrounds the band’s music has distinct elements of punk, grunge, and progressive rock. Underground Channel is a hybrid new age classic rock band that will keep your ears interested and your feet rocking. The four band members are Steven Lin (Vocals/Guitar), Albert Huang (Vocals/Guitar), Sameer Ashell (Drums), and Sam Rekaibi (Bass).
Last but not least, Bikini Carwash. Bikini Carwash is a hybrid band of rock, pop, and punk from Brooklyn New York. They specialize in joyful bursts of jewel-toned, punky pop goodness that make audiences smile and shake their booties. As life is hard enough—if you’re going to make and perform music, why not have the most fun possible? As for the name, “Three of us are genuinely nice, good people.
Two of us dislike showering. One of us can’t seem to keep her top on.” The members of Bikini Carwash are Lizzie Steelheart (Vocals), Carrie Kamikaze (Drums), Andy Shaw (Bass), and Matt Brewster (Guitar).
4th Hello Taiwan Concert Appreciation Party
The 4th Annual Hello Taiwan concert was coupled with Taiwan Night Market to present different varieties of delectable authentic Taiwanese food, beers, teas, and snacks. The night was full of crowds enjoying the music while fueling on the delicious Taiwanese food and drinks. All the delicious food was from 101 Taiwanese Cuisine, famous Taiwan bubble tea from Shiny Tea, beers and alcohol from Taiwan Beer, Singha Beer, and Ty Ku.
At the end of the night, the concert was indeed successful. It raised 5,000 dollars for the Typhoon Haiyan Relief Fund. This particular night was very significant in showing the love, and care from the small communities in Flushing to the affected populations of Philippines. At the same time, it brought friends and families together to enjoy the energizing music and culture of Taiwan.
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