Cambodian American artist Bochan Huy will present a powerful live performance along with pianist Arlen Hart Ginsburg at OACC. Following the performance Bochan and Arlen will lead an interactive workshop exploring the healing power of music. We will examine how rhythm, melody, and lyrics all work together to heal our bodies, provide mental clarity, and capture our shared emotions and experiences. We will also explore the various aspects of what makes music music. From the pentatonic scale exercise to turning noise and sound into a melodic rhythm, to the composition of lyrics and melodies, together we will experience the birth of a song and art of performance.
Bochan Huy has dedicated her life to spearheading and continuing to sow the seeds of the Neo-Cambodian musical breakout movement. By collaborating with adept pianist and producer, Arlen Hart Ginsburg, Bochan effortlessly bridges the East-West gap with an inimitable, soulful yet sweet indie-pop vibe. She authentically draws on her dual country upbringing, combining influences from the ultra-urban Oakland scene, coupled with her deep-rooted Cambodian inspiration and fellowship, to create her infectious new sound. With 2 albums and 3 official music videos under her belt, from NPR to being a guest panelist for the Society of American Music, Bochan’s music has been featured globally in an array of music festivals, venues, media, films, and conferences. Bochan continues to guest speak at national conferences and has received accolades for her work in the community from various organizations to the State Senate of California in her home state.
Arlen Hart Ginsburg has been playing music since he was six years old and pursuing it professionally for 15 years. He has played and toured with several bands with the following genres: jazz, hip hop, funk, and soul, all the while continuing his independent pursuit of folk, meditation, and cinematic music. The pandemic has propelled him to focus deeper on how he wants to connect with the world and his ancestry through music. He is currently releasing a series of songs that were written and evolved throughout 2020-22, reflecting the changing world we are experiencing. You can follow Arlen on Spotify, Instagram and all other platforms.
About the Series
“Celebrating Our HeART-filled Heritage” champions local Asian and Asian Pacific Islander performing artists, with the goal of providing a platform for accomplished local performing artists and exposing our diverse community in the East Bay to compelling, culturally relevant artists and performances that inspire intergenerational and cross-cultural exchange. The performing arts series is supported in part by the Walter and Elise Haas Fund.
Donations are appreciated and no one will be turned away for lack of funds.