Residents Enjoy a Unique Cultural Experience with Formosan Groove
Nicki Chen Shines on Stage with Her Performance of ‘Spring Breeze’
FG Members Take a Memorable Photo with Residents
FASCA Volunteers Present Interactive Taiwanese Cultural Booths
Audiences gathered at the Promenade Tower in Bethesda, Maryland, on March 15 for “Formosan Groove,” a concert that blended the elegance of classic jazz with elements of Taiwanese musical heritage, presenting a cross-cultural dialogue through music.
Led by producer and pianist Shinyi Lee and featuring vocalist Sam Jackson, the program introduced the concept of “Taiwan Fusion,” pairing Taiwanese Hokkien melodies with selections associated with American jazz singer Nat King Cole. The repertoire was curated to highlight similarities in emotional expression and historical context between the two musical traditions.
Lee said Taiwanese songs are widely recognized for their strong emotional narratives, adding that the production aimed to preserve that quality while incorporating rhythm, groove, and a more contemporary sound.
Jackson noted that both Taiwanese and African American musical traditions are rooted in storytelling shaped by historical experiences. He said the works of artists such as Nat King Cole emerged during a period marked by the struggle for civil rights, and that such music continues to carry cultural and historical significance.
“The connection between Taiwanese music and African American music lies in their shared emotional depth and historical background,” Jackson said.
The program featured alternating performances of jazz standards and reinterpreted Taiwanese pieces, offering audiences a comparative listening experience that bridged Eastern and Western musical styles. One audience member, Larry, described the concert as "one of the best performances" he had attended at the venue.
The event also attracted members of the Taiwanese overseas community. David Yeh, a member of the community, said he was deeply moved upon hearing the Taiwanese song “Spring Breeze” performed on the erhu in a mainstream setting, adding that the experience nearly brought him to tears.
In addition to the concert, student members of the DC Formosa Association of Student Cultural Ambassadors (FASCA) organized cultural booths at the venue. Activities included calligraphy and a Taiwanese-style “yes and no” divination game, allowing attendees to engage with Taiwanese culture beyond the musical performance.
The event brought together local residents and music enthusiasts, highlighting cultural exchange through both live performances and interactive cultural activities.
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