Join us for an evening of mesmerizing music

at the Lake Forest Performing Arts Center! Virtuoso guzheng performer Bei Bei Monter will showcase her incredible talent on this traditional Chinese instrument. Be prepared to be transported to another world as she performs original works that beautifully blend traditional and modern influences.

The program will feature well-known Chinese music pieces such as “Butterfly Lovers” and over 10 of Bei Bei's original compositions, including pieces for guzheng solo, guzheng with fusion band, guzheng with electronic music, guzheng ensemble, vocal, and othertraditional Chinese instruments. Audiences will be treated to her well-known works such as "Dance of the Blue Lotus," "Water and FireRhapsody," "Year of the Funky," and "The Blue Grotto," as well as exciting new pieces like "Two Moons" and "Mountain Song."

This in-person event is a rare opportunity to witness Bei Bei's artistry up close. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable evening of music!

Date and Time:  January 18, 2025 7:30pm-9pm

Venue: Lake Forest Performing Arts Center

Address: 100 Civic Center Dr. Lake Forest, CA 92630, USA

Parking: free

Ticket Price: $30/$40/$50/$100/$120

Performers:

Bei Bei Monter (guzheng)

Lotus Bud Guzheng Ensemble

Bei Bei's Fusion Band: Jon Monter (electric guitar), Sam Halterman (Drums) Khris Kempis (Electric Bass)

Guest Tenor: Zhentao Li

Guest Guitarist: Jon Monter

Guest Pianist: Yaqi Vera Mackay

Guest Erhu player: Yang Liu

Guest Pipa player: Celia Yu Liu

MC: Yan Liang

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Date and Time：Saturday Sep 7, 2024  2:00–4:30pm 

Location：Portola Springs Community Center 

                   900 Tomato Springs, Irvine, CA 92618

Content

• Sharing of cross-cultural life and career experiences from studying abroad to settling in the United States
• Comparison of differences in education systems and learning content between China and the United States
• What qualities  do American universities' undergrad admissions  look for during the admission process
• Path analysis of education planning for new immigrants
• How to plan the best education plan for second-generation immigrant children
• How to better integrate into mainstream American society

Main Speakers:

Beibei Monter - Founder of East West Cultural Associaion of America

Tina Sheng - Master of Education, Stanford University, former US high school teacher and college counselor, Founder of PalmDrive USA  Undergraduate Application

Xinyi Zhang - Master degree, Columnbia Univerity, former US high school college counselor,  Lead conselor of PalmDrive USA Undergraduate Application

"Night of Tenors" concert featuring two world-class tenors from China - Chi Liming and Li Zhentao (Tom Li) with three time Grammy-nominated musical group José Hernández and Mariachi Sol de México®, Organized by the East West Cultural Association of America 

Join us for a spectacular "Night of Tenors," headlined by two renowned Chinese tenors Chi Liming and Li Zhentao, and joined by the renowned José Hernández and Mariachi Sol de México®. 

This evening promises vibrant, authentic mariachi music at its finest, delivered by these world-class performers. The night will showcase a diverse selection of beloved classics. Experience the exceptional talent and captivating magic of Li Zhentao, Chi Liming and José Hernández as well as his mariachi ensemble, making this an unforgettable evening of musical brilliance. Don't miss this unique opportunity to witness these extraordinary artists live.

Li Zhentao (Tom Li) is a celebrated tenor soloist with the China National Opera and Dance Theater, recognized as a national first-class actor. He has earned numerous awards, including the Silver Award at the 11th CCTV Young Singer Grand Prix and the "Wenhua Award" at the National Vocal Competition. Internationally, he received the Tenor Special Award at the Mantua International Vocal Competition and was named "Excellent Actor" by the Ministry of Culture. Tom Li has performed leading roles in operas like "La Traviata" and has been praised by Italian vocal master Bergonzi as having a voice "so beautiful that he can become a world-class tenor.

Tenor Chi Liming is one of China's most distinguished opera singers, acclaimed for his roles in leading opera houses worldwide. Known for his versatility in Italian and Chinese repertoires, Chi has been praised as "the most promising tenor in the world" and "a real Italian singer." His notable roles include La Gioconda, Han Xin, Carmen, and Cavalleria Rusticana, with performances at prestigious venues globally. Chi's extensive collaborations with renowned conductors and his numerous recordings highlight his exceptional talent and contribution to opera. 
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José Hernández and Mariachi Sol de México® have transformed mariachi music since 1981, blending traditional sounds with various genres. Renowned globally, they've performed for five U.S. presidents and collaborated with artists like The Beach Boys and Vicente Fernández. With twelve Grammy nominations, their passion for mariachi is evident in both their performances and their mentorship of future musicians through the Mariachi Heritage Society.‍

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How to become a working Hollywood Actor for Kids and Adults?

A workshop by Paul Kwo

Date/Time: May 11, 2024 Saturday 2:30pm-4:00pm

Location: Portola Springs Community Center in Irvine, CA

Address: 900 Tomato Springs, Irvine, CA 92618

Description:

Veteran actor and coach Paul Kwo (God's Not Dead Franchise, Kung Fu Panda 4, Turning Red, and more), and owner of PopRock Academy in the San Gabriel Valley, will share his knowledge on how to get an agent, book commercial, TV, Films, Voice Over jobs, and break into Hollywood. His students have been on countless commercials, guest starred on CBS's Young Sheldon, and voiced lead roles for Pixar's Elemental and Netflix's Squid Game's Red Light Green Light doll. The workshop will include a Q&A segment where your questions will be answered by Paul Kwo in this rare opportunity here in the OC.

FREE ADMISSION. RSVP REQUIRED

In this class, we will introduce kids to the magical journey of learning music with the guzheng, a traditional Chinese instrument, and the piano, a classical Western instrument. Experience the best of both worlds in one exciting class!

• Fun and Interactive Lessons: Our group classes are designed to be fun, interactive, and engaging, ensuring that kids not only learn but also love the process of making music.
• No Experience Necessary: Perfect for beginners! No prior musical knowledge is required. We’ll start from the basics, making it easy and fun to follow along.
• Cultural Journey Through Music: Explore the rich histories of both Eastern and Western music. It’s not just about notes and keys; it’s a cultural journey that broadens horizons and enriches minds.
• Build Confidence and Creativity: Our classes encourage students to express themselves, building confidence and creativity through performance and collaboration.
• Small Class Size: 3-5 students per group. Maximize teacher to student attention.

Cost: $560/8 classes

Schedule: Saturday 11am-12:30pm, Sunday 10am - 11:30am

- Saturday April 20 - June 15 (Class A, For kids 6-8 years old)

- Sunday April 21 - June 16 (Class B, For 9-15 years old)

Address: 17620 Fitch, Irvine, CA (OC Music and Dance)

Join us for an epic evening of pipe organ music featuring a full 100 piece orchestra and choir. Every selection of the evening will feature the massive, historical, and restored 1926 pipe organ, played by a variety of professional organists including Christoph Bull and our resident organist, Dr. Adam Gilberti. Produced in collaboration with the Game Music Ensemble, the East West Cultural Association of America, and First Baptist Church of Glendale, our program will extend across genres and eras, highlighting the best organ music from the classical repertoire, video game and film music, and new commissions made exclusively for this space. Program Highlights the world premieres of:Bei Bei Monter : Rhapsody of Water & Fire, for Guzheng, Organ & OrchestraSpencer Bambrick: Stained Glass WindowAdam Gilberti: Tahoma (Mt. Rainier) from National Parks SymphonyWith:Christoph Bull, Organ, Bei Bei Monter, Guzheng, David Erick Ramos, Ocarina