About this event

Conservation Works hosted a beautiful and magical night of music, art, and healing on May 19th to celebrate and honor Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) culture and heritage in Sonoma County.

AAPI have been a part of Sonoma County since the 1850’s when Chinese laborers helped build many of the vineyards and agricultural infrastructure we enjoy today. However, at the start of 2020 and the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a steady increase in anti-Asian sentiment. The purpose of this event was to bring together members of the Sonoma County community to celebrate AAPI heritage and to stop Asian hate with healing through AAPI inspired music, art, and other performances.

Performances by:

  • Shakuhachi (Japanese flute traditionally made of bamboo) performance by Elliot "Kanshin" Kallen

  • Taiko (Japanese percussive drumming) by Sonoma County Taiko

  • Tai Chi (Chinese martial arts) demonstration by Wu Academy

  • Kulintang (Filipino gong and drum music) performance by the Kulintang Friends of the Bay Area

  • Traditional Vietnamese Fan Dance and Fashion Show by the Sonoma Vietnamese Association

  • Erhu (traditional Chinese Violin) performance by Xiaofeng Zhang

Event Activities:

  • Performances and demonstrations by local AAPI performing arts groups

  • Stories of AAPI heritage in Sonoma County

  • Recognition of Local API leaders making a difference in Sonoma County

  • Tabling, activities, and resources provided by local AAPI groups

  • Beer, wine, and light AAPI food refreshments

AAPI organizations collaborating on the event:

  • Asian American Pacific Islander Coalition of North Bay

  • Filipino American National Historical Society of Sonoma County

  • Japanese American Citizen League of Sonoma County

  • Redwood Empire Chinese Association

  • Sonoma Vietnamese Association

Thanks to our supporters:

This event is funded in part by: The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors/Sonoma County Supervisor Chris Coursey

This event is funded in part by: The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors/Sonoma County Supervisor James Gore

This event is funded in part by: The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors/Sonoma County Supervisor Lynda Hopkins

This event is funded in part by: The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors/ Sonoma County Supervisor David Rabbitt

This event is funded in part by: The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors/ Sonoma County Supervisor Susan Gorin

Silver Sponsor: Banchan’s Japanese Barbecue Sauce

Grant Awarded by: Sonoma County Vintners Foundation

Venue & Wine Donation: Paradise Ridge Winery

About Conservation Works:

Conservation Works is a 501(c)3 environmental nonprofit organization fostering sustainable communities in our North Bay. To learn more about Conservation Works, please visit: ConservationWorksNC.org