BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Oakland Asian Cultural Center - ECPv6.15.18//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://oacc.cc X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Oakland Asian Cultural Center REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/Los_Angeles BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0800 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:PDT DTSTART:20190310T100000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0800 TZNAME:PST DTSTART:20191103T090000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0800 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:PDT DTSTART:20200308T100000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0800 TZNAME:PST DTSTART:20201101T090000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0800 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:PDT DTSTART:20210314T100000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0800 TZNAME:PST DTSTART:20211107T090000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0800 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:PDT DTSTART:20220313T100000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0800 TZNAME:PST DTSTART:20221106T090000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0800 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:PDT DTSTART:20230312T100000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0800 TZNAME:PST DTSTART:20231105T090000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0800 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:PDT DTSTART:20240310T100000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0800 TZNAME:PST DTSTART:20241103T090000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0800 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:PDT DTSTART:20250309T100000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0800 TZNAME:PST DTSTART:20251102T090000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20200715T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20241231T120000 DTSTAMP:20260416T104346 CREATED:20230720T075150Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250510T202247Z UID:14537-1594814400-1735646400@oacc.cc SUMMARY:Open E.A.R.S. for Change DESCRIPTION:Saturday\, May 30\, 20267-9 pmFREE  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Celebrating the Zither: Asian American Identity and Cultural Survival invites audiences into a powerful musical journey with accomplished musicians Shirley Muramoto and Winnie Wong\, where tradition becomes resilience and heritage becomes liberation. Through the luminous sounds of the koto and guzheng\, this program explores how cultural access is not just preservation—but survival—especially in the wake of histories like Japanese American incarceration and the ongoing shaping of Asian American identity.   Though visually similar\, the koto and guzheng carry distinct cultural lineages\, each echoing stories of endurance\, adaptation\, and belonging. In this concert\, they meet in collaboration and creative reimagining—bridging past and present\, individuality and shared experience.   This is a celebration of multiplicity: of holding many worlds at once\, of honoring what makes us unique while finding connection through sound. Through new works\, cross-cultural dialogue\, and bold reinterpretations\, Celebrating the Zither offers a space where music becomes a living testament to identity\, memory\, and the freedom to define what it means to be Asian-American. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register for Free Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About Shirley Muramoto   Shirley Kazuyo Muramoto\, Koto musician\, teacher\, band leader\, filmmaker\, event producer\, has played the Japanese koto since a young child under the tutelage of her mother\, Kazuko Muramoto. She continued to study traditional Japanese koto and jiuta shamisen music with masters Chikushi Katsuko\, Kazue Kudo\, and Yoko Gates. Shirley plays the koto in various styles and genres\, expanding the repertoire of traditional music through collaborations\, arrangements\, and compositions.    Based in Oakland\, Calif.\, she received her Shihan koto teaching credential with Yushusho (highest) honors and her Dai Shihan master’s credential from the Chikushi Kai in Japan. This year is her official 50th anniversary since receiving her koto teaching certification. In 2012\, the Hokka Nichi Bei Kai inducted Shirley into the Bunka (Japanese cultural arts) Hall of Fame. In that same year\, the National Park Service’s Japanese American Confinement Sites Grant Program awarded her funding for the documentary film “Hidden Legacy: Japanese Traditional Performing Arts in the World War II Internment Camps” (2014)\, culminating her decades-long research on this little-known part of U.S. history.    In 2024\, Shirley became one of the artists awarded by the Alliance for California Traditional Arts and Mellon Foundation for the inaugural Taproot Fellowship’s recognition of traditional artists and culture bearers across the U.S. in 2024. Shirley continues to talk to students and organizations about the history of music in the WWII camps\, and the importance of keeping cultural heritage practices in our lives. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About Winnie Wong   Winnie Wong is a Hong Kong–born\, San Francisco–raised guzheng artist who began training at age four under virtuoso Weishan Liu and debuted publicly at five. Deeply rooted in her Chinese heritage\, she uses the guzheng not only to preserve tradition but to foster cultural connection and diversity within her community.   Over four decades\, Wong has built a distinctive artistic voice that blends Chinese classical and traditional music with jazz\, world music\, and improvisation. She is the founder of China’s Spirit Music Ensemble\, creating a nurturing space for students to develop both technical skill and cultural understanding. Expanding beyond tradition\, she performs as principal guzheng soloist with The Ultra World X-tet and collaborates in cross-cultural projects such as the Irish-Chinese duo Willow Stream and Asian zither collaborations.   Wong’s work is defined by storytelling through sound—her compositions weave imagery\, emotion\, and global influences into immersive musical experiences. Her career reflects a lifelong commitment to bridging cultures\, inspiring new generations\, and redefining the guzheng as a dynamic\, contemporary instrument. She was honored with the “Musician of the Heart” award in 2016 for her cultural impact and artistic dedication.   URL:https://oacc.cc/event/open-ears-for-change/ LOCATION:CA CATEGORIES:Ongoing Programs ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://oacc.cc/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Screenshot-2023-07-05-at-6.10-2.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20231011T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240122T170000 DTSTAMP:20260416T104346 CREATED:20231118T084415Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240321T200858Z UID:16549-1697029200-1705942800@oacc.cc SUMMARY:Elder Voices: Chinatown Legacy Businesses Exhibition DESCRIPTION:Saturday\, May 30\, 20267-9 pmFREE  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Celebrating the Zither: Asian American Identity and Cultural Survival invites audiences into a powerful musical journey with accomplished musicians Shirley Muramoto and Winnie Wong\, where tradition becomes resilience and heritage becomes liberation. Through the luminous sounds of the koto and guzheng\, this program explores how cultural access is not just preservation—but survival—especially in the wake of histories like Japanese American incarceration and the ongoing shaping of Asian American identity.   Though visually similar\, the koto and guzheng carry distinct cultural lineages\, each echoing stories of endurance\, adaptation\, and belonging. In this concert\, they meet in collaboration and creative reimagining—bridging past and present\, individuality and shared experience.   This is a celebration of multiplicity: of holding many worlds at once\, of honoring what makes us unique while finding connection through sound. Through new works\, cross-cultural dialogue\, and bold reinterpretations\, Celebrating the Zither offers a space where music becomes a living testament to identity\, memory\, and the freedom to define what it means to be Asian-American. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register for Free Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About Shirley Muramoto   Shirley Kazuyo Muramoto\, Koto musician\, teacher\, band leader\, filmmaker\, event producer\, has played the Japanese koto since a young child under the tutelage of her mother\, Kazuko Muramoto. She continued to study traditional Japanese koto and jiuta shamisen music with masters Chikushi Katsuko\, Kazue Kudo\, and Yoko Gates. Shirley plays the koto in various styles and genres\, expanding the repertoire of traditional music through collaborations\, arrangements\, and compositions.    Based in Oakland\, Calif.\, she received her Shihan koto teaching credential with Yushusho (highest) honors and her Dai Shihan master’s credential from the Chikushi Kai in Japan. This year is her official 50th anniversary since receiving her koto teaching certification. In 2012\, the Hokka Nichi Bei Kai inducted Shirley into the Bunka (Japanese cultural arts) Hall of Fame. In that same year\, the National Park Service’s Japanese American Confinement Sites Grant Program awarded her funding for the documentary film “Hidden Legacy: Japanese Traditional Performing Arts in the World War II Internment Camps” (2014)\, culminating her decades-long research on this little-known part of U.S. history.    In 2024\, Shirley became one of the artists awarded by the Alliance for California Traditional Arts and Mellon Foundation for the inaugural Taproot Fellowship’s recognition of traditional artists and culture bearers across the U.S. in 2024. Shirley continues to talk to students and organizations about the history of music in the WWII camps\, and the importance of keeping cultural heritage practices in our lives. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About Winnie Wong   Winnie Wong is a Hong Kong–born\, San Francisco–raised guzheng artist who began training at age four under virtuoso Weishan Liu and debuted publicly at five. Deeply rooted in her Chinese heritage\, she uses the guzheng not only to preserve tradition but to foster cultural connection and diversity within her community.   Over four decades\, Wong has built a distinctive artistic voice that blends Chinese classical and traditional music with jazz\, world music\, and improvisation. She is the founder of China’s Spirit Music Ensemble\, creating a nurturing space for students to develop both technical skill and cultural understanding. Expanding beyond tradition\, she performs as principal guzheng soloist with The Ultra World X-tet and collaborates in cross-cultural projects such as the Irish-Chinese duo Willow Stream and Asian zither collaborations.   Wong’s work is defined by storytelling through sound—her compositions weave imagery\, emotion\, and global influences into immersive musical experiences. Her career reflects a lifelong commitment to bridging cultures\, inspiring new generations\, and redefining the guzheng as a dynamic\, contemporary instrument. She was honored with the “Musician of the Heart” award in 2016 for her cultural impact and artistic dedication.   URL:https://oacc.cc/event/elder-voices/ LOCATION:Oakland Asian Cultural Center\, 388 9th St. #290\, Oakland\, CA\, 94607\, United States CATEGORIES:Past Exhibitions ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://oacc.cc/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/roy-chan-exhibit-reception-thumbnail-1.png ORGANIZER;CN="Oakland Asian Cultural Center":MAILTO:programs@oacc.cc END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20231209T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20231209T150000 DTSTAMP:20260416T104346 CREATED:20231118T093621Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240206T204413Z UID:16612-1702126800-1702134000@oacc.cc SUMMARY:Elder Voices: Chinatown Legacy Businesses Exhibition Opening Reception DESCRIPTION:Saturday\, May 30\, 20267-9 pmFREE  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Celebrating the Zither: Asian American Identity and Cultural Survival invites audiences into a powerful musical journey with accomplished musicians Shirley Muramoto and Winnie Wong\, where tradition becomes resilience and heritage becomes liberation. Through the luminous sounds of the koto and guzheng\, this program explores how cultural access is not just preservation—but survival—especially in the wake of histories like Japanese American incarceration and the ongoing shaping of Asian American identity.   Though visually similar\, the koto and guzheng carry distinct cultural lineages\, each echoing stories of endurance\, adaptation\, and belonging. In this concert\, they meet in collaboration and creative reimagining—bridging past and present\, individuality and shared experience.   This is a celebration of multiplicity: of holding many worlds at once\, of honoring what makes us unique while finding connection through sound. Through new works\, cross-cultural dialogue\, and bold reinterpretations\, Celebrating the Zither offers a space where music becomes a living testament to identity\, memory\, and the freedom to define what it means to be Asian-American. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register for Free Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About Shirley Muramoto   Shirley Kazuyo Muramoto\, Koto musician\, teacher\, band leader\, filmmaker\, event producer\, has played the Japanese koto since a young child under the tutelage of her mother\, Kazuko Muramoto. She continued to study traditional Japanese koto and jiuta shamisen music with masters Chikushi Katsuko\, Kazue Kudo\, and Yoko Gates. Shirley plays the koto in various styles and genres\, expanding the repertoire of traditional music through collaborations\, arrangements\, and compositions.    Based in Oakland\, Calif.\, she received her Shihan koto teaching credential with Yushusho (highest) honors and her Dai Shihan master’s credential from the Chikushi Kai in Japan. This year is her official 50th anniversary since receiving her koto teaching certification. In 2012\, the Hokka Nichi Bei Kai inducted Shirley into the Bunka (Japanese cultural arts) Hall of Fame. In that same year\, the National Park Service’s Japanese American Confinement Sites Grant Program awarded her funding for the documentary film “Hidden Legacy: Japanese Traditional Performing Arts in the World War II Internment Camps” (2014)\, culminating her decades-long research on this little-known part of U.S. history.    In 2024\, Shirley became one of the artists awarded by the Alliance for California Traditional Arts and Mellon Foundation for the inaugural Taproot Fellowship’s recognition of traditional artists and culture bearers across the U.S. in 2024. Shirley continues to talk to students and organizations about the history of music in the WWII camps\, and the importance of keeping cultural heritage practices in our lives. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About Winnie Wong   Winnie Wong is a Hong Kong–born\, San Francisco–raised guzheng artist who began training at age four under virtuoso Weishan Liu and debuted publicly at five. Deeply rooted in her Chinese heritage\, she uses the guzheng not only to preserve tradition but to foster cultural connection and diversity within her community.   Over four decades\, Wong has built a distinctive artistic voice that blends Chinese classical and traditional music with jazz\, world music\, and improvisation. She is the founder of China’s Spirit Music Ensemble\, creating a nurturing space for students to develop both technical skill and cultural understanding. Expanding beyond tradition\, she performs as principal guzheng soloist with The Ultra World X-tet and collaborates in cross-cultural projects such as the Irish-Chinese duo Willow Stream and Asian zither collaborations.   Wong’s work is defined by storytelling through sound—her compositions weave imagery\, emotion\, and global influences into immersive musical experiences. Her career reflects a lifelong commitment to bridging cultures\, inspiring new generations\, and redefining the guzheng as a dynamic\, contemporary instrument. She was honored with the “Musician of the Heart” award in 2016 for her cultural impact and artistic dedication.   URL:https://oacc.cc/event/elder-voices-opening-reception/ LOCATION:Oakland Asian Cultural Center\, 388 9th St. #290\, Oakland\, CA\, 94607\, United States CATEGORIES:Featured,Upcoming Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://oacc.cc/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/roy-chan-exhibit-reception-thumbnail-1.png ORGANIZER;CN="Oakland Asian Cultural Center":MAILTO:programs@oacc.cc END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240126T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240302T170000 DTSTAMP:20260416T104346 CREATED:20240112T003828Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240318T214058Z UID:17315-1706270400-1709398800@oacc.cc SUMMARY:Love and Protect Mural Series DESCRIPTION:Saturday\, May 30\, 20267-9 pmFREE  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Celebrating the Zither: Asian American Identity and Cultural Survival invites audiences into a powerful musical journey with accomplished musicians Shirley Muramoto and Winnie Wong\, where tradition becomes resilience and heritage becomes liberation. Through the luminous sounds of the koto and guzheng\, this program explores how cultural access is not just preservation—but survival—especially in the wake of histories like Japanese American incarceration and the ongoing shaping of Asian American identity.   Though visually similar\, the koto and guzheng carry distinct cultural lineages\, each echoing stories of endurance\, adaptation\, and belonging. In this concert\, they meet in collaboration and creative reimagining—bridging past and present\, individuality and shared experience.   This is a celebration of multiplicity: of holding many worlds at once\, of honoring what makes us unique while finding connection through sound. Through new works\, cross-cultural dialogue\, and bold reinterpretations\, Celebrating the Zither offers a space where music becomes a living testament to identity\, memory\, and the freedom to define what it means to be Asian-American. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register for Free Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About Shirley Muramoto   Shirley Kazuyo Muramoto\, Koto musician\, teacher\, band leader\, filmmaker\, event producer\, has played the Japanese koto since a young child under the tutelage of her mother\, Kazuko Muramoto. She continued to study traditional Japanese koto and jiuta shamisen music with masters Chikushi Katsuko\, Kazue Kudo\, and Yoko Gates. Shirley plays the koto in various styles and genres\, expanding the repertoire of traditional music through collaborations\, arrangements\, and compositions.    Based in Oakland\, Calif.\, she received her Shihan koto teaching credential with Yushusho (highest) honors and her Dai Shihan master’s credential from the Chikushi Kai in Japan. This year is her official 50th anniversary since receiving her koto teaching certification. In 2012\, the Hokka Nichi Bei Kai inducted Shirley into the Bunka (Japanese cultural arts) Hall of Fame. In that same year\, the National Park Service’s Japanese American Confinement Sites Grant Program awarded her funding for the documentary film “Hidden Legacy: Japanese Traditional Performing Arts in the World War II Internment Camps” (2014)\, culminating her decades-long research on this little-known part of U.S. history.    In 2024\, Shirley became one of the artists awarded by the Alliance for California Traditional Arts and Mellon Foundation for the inaugural Taproot Fellowship’s recognition of traditional artists and culture bearers across the U.S. in 2024. Shirley continues to talk to students and organizations about the history of music in the WWII camps\, and the importance of keeping cultural heritage practices in our lives. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About Winnie Wong   Winnie Wong is a Hong Kong–born\, San Francisco–raised guzheng artist who began training at age four under virtuoso Weishan Liu and debuted publicly at five. Deeply rooted in her Chinese heritage\, she uses the guzheng not only to preserve tradition but to foster cultural connection and diversity within her community.   Over four decades\, Wong has built a distinctive artistic voice that blends Chinese classical and traditional music with jazz\, world music\, and improvisation. She is the founder of China’s Spirit Music Ensemble\, creating a nurturing space for students to develop both technical skill and cultural understanding. Expanding beyond tradition\, she performs as principal guzheng soloist with The Ultra World X-tet and collaborates in cross-cultural projects such as the Irish-Chinese duo Willow Stream and Asian zither collaborations.   Wong’s work is defined by storytelling through sound—her compositions weave imagery\, emotion\, and global influences into immersive musical experiences. Her career reflects a lifelong commitment to bridging cultures\, inspiring new generations\, and redefining the guzheng as a dynamic\, contemporary instrument. She was honored with the “Musician of the Heart” award in 2016 for her cultural impact and artistic dedication.   URL:https://oacc.cc/event/loveprotect/ LOCATION:CA CATEGORIES:Featured,Past Exhibitions ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://oacc.cc/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/murals-jpeg.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240126T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240126T210000 DTSTAMP:20260416T104346 CREATED:20231220T003936Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240318T211426Z UID:16907-1706295600-1706302800@oacc.cc SUMMARY:"The Six: The Untold Story of RMS Titanic’s Chinese Passengers" Film Screening & Discussion with Research Team Members DESCRIPTION:Saturday\, May 30\, 20267-9 pmFREE  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Celebrating the Zither: Asian American Identity and Cultural Survival invites audiences into a powerful musical journey with accomplished musicians Shirley Muramoto and Winnie Wong\, where tradition becomes resilience and heritage becomes liberation. Through the luminous sounds of the koto and guzheng\, this program explores how cultural access is not just preservation—but survival—especially in the wake of histories like Japanese American incarceration and the ongoing shaping of Asian American identity.   Though visually similar\, the koto and guzheng carry distinct cultural lineages\, each echoing stories of endurance\, adaptation\, and belonging. In this concert\, they meet in collaboration and creative reimagining—bridging past and present\, individuality and shared experience.   This is a celebration of multiplicity: of holding many worlds at once\, of honoring what makes us unique while finding connection through sound. Through new works\, cross-cultural dialogue\, and bold reinterpretations\, Celebrating the Zither offers a space where music becomes a living testament to identity\, memory\, and the freedom to define what it means to be Asian-American. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register for Free Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About Shirley Muramoto   Shirley Kazuyo Muramoto\, Koto musician\, teacher\, band leader\, filmmaker\, event producer\, has played the Japanese koto since a young child under the tutelage of her mother\, Kazuko Muramoto. She continued to study traditional Japanese koto and jiuta shamisen music with masters Chikushi Katsuko\, Kazue Kudo\, and Yoko Gates. Shirley plays the koto in various styles and genres\, expanding the repertoire of traditional music through collaborations\, arrangements\, and compositions.    Based in Oakland\, Calif.\, she received her Shihan koto teaching credential with Yushusho (highest) honors and her Dai Shihan master’s credential from the Chikushi Kai in Japan. This year is her official 50th anniversary since receiving her koto teaching certification. In 2012\, the Hokka Nichi Bei Kai inducted Shirley into the Bunka (Japanese cultural arts) Hall of Fame. In that same year\, the National Park Service’s Japanese American Confinement Sites Grant Program awarded her funding for the documentary film “Hidden Legacy: Japanese Traditional Performing Arts in the World War II Internment Camps” (2014)\, culminating her decades-long research on this little-known part of U.S. history.    In 2024\, Shirley became one of the artists awarded by the Alliance for California Traditional Arts and Mellon Foundation for the inaugural Taproot Fellowship’s recognition of traditional artists and culture bearers across the U.S. in 2024. Shirley continues to talk to students and organizations about the history of music in the WWII camps\, and the importance of keeping cultural heritage practices in our lives. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About Winnie Wong   Winnie Wong is a Hong Kong–born\, San Francisco–raised guzheng artist who began training at age four under virtuoso Weishan Liu and debuted publicly at five. Deeply rooted in her Chinese heritage\, she uses the guzheng not only to preserve tradition but to foster cultural connection and diversity within her community.   Over four decades\, Wong has built a distinctive artistic voice that blends Chinese classical and traditional music with jazz\, world music\, and improvisation. She is the founder of China’s Spirit Music Ensemble\, creating a nurturing space for students to develop both technical skill and cultural understanding. Expanding beyond tradition\, she performs as principal guzheng soloist with The Ultra World X-tet and collaborates in cross-cultural projects such as the Irish-Chinese duo Willow Stream and Asian zither collaborations.   Wong’s work is defined by storytelling through sound—her compositions weave imagery\, emotion\, and global influences into immersive musical experiences. Her career reflects a lifelong commitment to bridging cultures\, inspiring new generations\, and redefining the guzheng as a dynamic\, contemporary instrument. She was honored with the “Musician of the Heart” award in 2016 for her cultural impact and artistic dedication.   URL:https://oacc.cc/event/thesix/ LOCATION:Oakland Asian Cultural Center\, 388 9th St. #290\, Oakland\, CA\, 94607\, United States CATEGORIES:Featured,Past Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://oacc.cc/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/thumbnail-1.png ORGANIZER;CN="Oakland Asian Cultural Center":MAILTO:programs@oacc.cc END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240203T110000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240203T160000 DTSTAMP:20260416T104346 CREATED:20240103T205142Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240318T210731Z UID:16991-1706958000-1706976000@oacc.cc SUMMARY:Lunar New Year x Black History Month 2024: Celebrating Asian & African-American Solidarity DESCRIPTION:Saturday\, May 30\, 20267-9 pmFREE  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Celebrating the Zither: Asian American Identity and Cultural Survival invites audiences into a powerful musical journey with accomplished musicians Shirley Muramoto and Winnie Wong\, where tradition becomes resilience and heritage becomes liberation. Through the luminous sounds of the koto and guzheng\, this program explores how cultural access is not just preservation—but survival—especially in the wake of histories like Japanese American incarceration and the ongoing shaping of Asian American identity.   Though visually similar\, the koto and guzheng carry distinct cultural lineages\, each echoing stories of endurance\, adaptation\, and belonging. In this concert\, they meet in collaboration and creative reimagining—bridging past and present\, individuality and shared experience.   This is a celebration of multiplicity: of holding many worlds at once\, of honoring what makes us unique while finding connection through sound. Through new works\, cross-cultural dialogue\, and bold reinterpretations\, Celebrating the Zither offers a space where music becomes a living testament to identity\, memory\, and the freedom to define what it means to be Asian-American. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register for Free Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About Shirley Muramoto   Shirley Kazuyo Muramoto\, Koto musician\, teacher\, band leader\, filmmaker\, event producer\, has played the Japanese koto since a young child under the tutelage of her mother\, Kazuko Muramoto. She continued to study traditional Japanese koto and jiuta shamisen music with masters Chikushi Katsuko\, Kazue Kudo\, and Yoko Gates. Shirley plays the koto in various styles and genres\, expanding the repertoire of traditional music through collaborations\, arrangements\, and compositions.    Based in Oakland\, Calif.\, she received her Shihan koto teaching credential with Yushusho (highest) honors and her Dai Shihan master’s credential from the Chikushi Kai in Japan. This year is her official 50th anniversary since receiving her koto teaching certification. In 2012\, the Hokka Nichi Bei Kai inducted Shirley into the Bunka (Japanese cultural arts) Hall of Fame. In that same year\, the National Park Service’s Japanese American Confinement Sites Grant Program awarded her funding for the documentary film “Hidden Legacy: Japanese Traditional Performing Arts in the World War II Internment Camps” (2014)\, culminating her decades-long research on this little-known part of U.S. history.    In 2024\, Shirley became one of the artists awarded by the Alliance for California Traditional Arts and Mellon Foundation for the inaugural Taproot Fellowship’s recognition of traditional artists and culture bearers across the U.S. in 2024. Shirley continues to talk to students and organizations about the history of music in the WWII camps\, and the importance of keeping cultural heritage practices in our lives. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About Winnie Wong   Winnie Wong is a Hong Kong–born\, San Francisco–raised guzheng artist who began training at age four under virtuoso Weishan Liu and debuted publicly at five. Deeply rooted in her Chinese heritage\, she uses the guzheng not only to preserve tradition but to foster cultural connection and diversity within her community.   Over four decades\, Wong has built a distinctive artistic voice that blends Chinese classical and traditional music with jazz\, world music\, and improvisation. She is the founder of China’s Spirit Music Ensemble\, creating a nurturing space for students to develop both technical skill and cultural understanding. Expanding beyond tradition\, she performs as principal guzheng soloist with The Ultra World X-tet and collaborates in cross-cultural projects such as the Irish-Chinese duo Willow Stream and Asian zither collaborations.   Wong’s work is defined by storytelling through sound—her compositions weave imagery\, emotion\, and global influences into immersive musical experiences. Her career reflects a lifelong commitment to bridging cultures\, inspiring new generations\, and redefining the guzheng as a dynamic\, contemporary instrument. She was honored with the “Musician of the Heart” award in 2016 for her cultural impact and artistic dedication.   URL:https://oacc.cc/event/lnybhm2024/ LOCATION:Oakland Asian Cultural Center\, 388 9th St. #290\, Oakland\, CA\, 94607\, United States CATEGORIES:Featured,Past Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://oacc.cc/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Screen-Shot-2023-12-19-at-12.17.04-PM-1-1022x1024-1.png ORGANIZER;CN="Oakland Asian Cultural Center":MAILTO:programs@oacc.cc END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240215T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240215T203000 DTSTAMP:20260416T104346 CREATED:20240103T201419Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240318T210038Z UID:16970-1708023600-1708029000@oacc.cc SUMMARY:ALTERNATIVE FACTS: The Lies of Executive Order 9066 DESCRIPTION:Saturday\, May 30\, 20267-9 pmFREE  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Celebrating the Zither: Asian American Identity and Cultural Survival invites audiences into a powerful musical journey with accomplished musicians Shirley Muramoto and Winnie Wong\, where tradition becomes resilience and heritage becomes liberation. Through the luminous sounds of the koto and guzheng\, this program explores how cultural access is not just preservation—but survival—especially in the wake of histories like Japanese American incarceration and the ongoing shaping of Asian American identity.   Though visually similar\, the koto and guzheng carry distinct cultural lineages\, each echoing stories of endurance\, adaptation\, and belonging. In this concert\, they meet in collaboration and creative reimagining—bridging past and present\, individuality and shared experience.   This is a celebration of multiplicity: of holding many worlds at once\, of honoring what makes us unique while finding connection through sound. Through new works\, cross-cultural dialogue\, and bold reinterpretations\, Celebrating the Zither offers a space where music becomes a living testament to identity\, memory\, and the freedom to define what it means to be Asian-American. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register for Free Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About Shirley Muramoto   Shirley Kazuyo Muramoto\, Koto musician\, teacher\, band leader\, filmmaker\, event producer\, has played the Japanese koto since a young child under the tutelage of her mother\, Kazuko Muramoto. She continued to study traditional Japanese koto and jiuta shamisen music with masters Chikushi Katsuko\, Kazue Kudo\, and Yoko Gates. Shirley plays the koto in various styles and genres\, expanding the repertoire of traditional music through collaborations\, arrangements\, and compositions.    Based in Oakland\, Calif.\, she received her Shihan koto teaching credential with Yushusho (highest) honors and her Dai Shihan master’s credential from the Chikushi Kai in Japan. This year is her official 50th anniversary since receiving her koto teaching certification. In 2012\, the Hokka Nichi Bei Kai inducted Shirley into the Bunka (Japanese cultural arts) Hall of Fame. In that same year\, the National Park Service’s Japanese American Confinement Sites Grant Program awarded her funding for the documentary film “Hidden Legacy: Japanese Traditional Performing Arts in the World War II Internment Camps” (2014)\, culminating her decades-long research on this little-known part of U.S. history.    In 2024\, Shirley became one of the artists awarded by the Alliance for California Traditional Arts and Mellon Foundation for the inaugural Taproot Fellowship’s recognition of traditional artists and culture bearers across the U.S. in 2024. Shirley continues to talk to students and organizations about the history of music in the WWII camps\, and the importance of keeping cultural heritage practices in our lives. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About Winnie Wong   Winnie Wong is a Hong Kong–born\, San Francisco–raised guzheng artist who began training at age four under virtuoso Weishan Liu and debuted publicly at five. Deeply rooted in her Chinese heritage\, she uses the guzheng not only to preserve tradition but to foster cultural connection and diversity within her community.   Over four decades\, Wong has built a distinctive artistic voice that blends Chinese classical and traditional music with jazz\, world music\, and improvisation. She is the founder of China’s Spirit Music Ensemble\, creating a nurturing space for students to develop both technical skill and cultural understanding. Expanding beyond tradition\, she performs as principal guzheng soloist with The Ultra World X-tet and collaborates in cross-cultural projects such as the Irish-Chinese duo Willow Stream and Asian zither collaborations.   Wong’s work is defined by storytelling through sound—her compositions weave imagery\, emotion\, and global influences into immersive musical experiences. Her career reflects a lifelong commitment to bridging cultures\, inspiring new generations\, and redefining the guzheng as a dynamic\, contemporary instrument. She was honored with the “Musician of the Heart” award in 2016 for her cultural impact and artistic dedication.   URL:https://oacc.cc/event/alternative-facts/ LOCATION:Oakland Asian Cultural Center\, 388 9th St. #290\, Oakland\, CA\, 94607\, United States CATEGORIES:Featured,Past Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://oacc.cc/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/alternative-facts.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Oakland Asian Cultural Center":MAILTO:programs@oacc.cc END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240229T160000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240229T190000 DTSTAMP:20260416T104346 CREATED:20240209T225744Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240318T213955Z UID:17865-1709222400-1709233200@oacc.cc SUMMARY:"Love & Protect" Mural Series Closing Reception and AR Workshop DESCRIPTION:Saturday\, May 30\, 20267-9 pmFREE  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Celebrating the Zither: Asian American Identity and Cultural Survival invites audiences into a powerful musical journey with accomplished musicians Shirley Muramoto and Winnie Wong\, where tradition becomes resilience and heritage becomes liberation. Through the luminous sounds of the koto and guzheng\, this program explores how cultural access is not just preservation—but survival—especially in the wake of histories like Japanese American incarceration and the ongoing shaping of Asian American identity.   Though visually similar\, the koto and guzheng carry distinct cultural lineages\, each echoing stories of endurance\, adaptation\, and belonging. In this concert\, they meet in collaboration and creative reimagining—bridging past and present\, individuality and shared experience.   This is a celebration of multiplicity: of holding many worlds at once\, of honoring what makes us unique while finding connection through sound. Through new works\, cross-cultural dialogue\, and bold reinterpretations\, Celebrating the Zither offers a space where music becomes a living testament to identity\, memory\, and the freedom to define what it means to be Asian-American. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register for Free Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About Shirley Muramoto   Shirley Kazuyo Muramoto\, Koto musician\, teacher\, band leader\, filmmaker\, event producer\, has played the Japanese koto since a young child under the tutelage of her mother\, Kazuko Muramoto. She continued to study traditional Japanese koto and jiuta shamisen music with masters Chikushi Katsuko\, Kazue Kudo\, and Yoko Gates. Shirley plays the koto in various styles and genres\, expanding the repertoire of traditional music through collaborations\, arrangements\, and compositions.    Based in Oakland\, Calif.\, she received her Shihan koto teaching credential with Yushusho (highest) honors and her Dai Shihan master’s credential from the Chikushi Kai in Japan. This year is her official 50th anniversary since receiving her koto teaching certification. In 2012\, the Hokka Nichi Bei Kai inducted Shirley into the Bunka (Japanese cultural arts) Hall of Fame. In that same year\, the National Park Service’s Japanese American Confinement Sites Grant Program awarded her funding for the documentary film “Hidden Legacy: Japanese Traditional Performing Arts in the World War II Internment Camps” (2014)\, culminating her decades-long research on this little-known part of U.S. history.    In 2024\, Shirley became one of the artists awarded by the Alliance for California Traditional Arts and Mellon Foundation for the inaugural Taproot Fellowship’s recognition of traditional artists and culture bearers across the U.S. in 2024. Shirley continues to talk to students and organizations about the history of music in the WWII camps\, and the importance of keeping cultural heritage practices in our lives. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About Winnie Wong   Winnie Wong is a Hong Kong–born\, San Francisco–raised guzheng artist who began training at age four under virtuoso Weishan Liu and debuted publicly at five. Deeply rooted in her Chinese heritage\, she uses the guzheng not only to preserve tradition but to foster cultural connection and diversity within her community.   Over four decades\, Wong has built a distinctive artistic voice that blends Chinese classical and traditional music with jazz\, world music\, and improvisation. She is the founder of China’s Spirit Music Ensemble\, creating a nurturing space for students to develop both technical skill and cultural understanding. Expanding beyond tradition\, she performs as principal guzheng soloist with The Ultra World X-tet and collaborates in cross-cultural projects such as the Irish-Chinese duo Willow Stream and Asian zither collaborations.   Wong’s work is defined by storytelling through sound—her compositions weave imagery\, emotion\, and global influences into immersive musical experiences. Her career reflects a lifelong commitment to bridging cultures\, inspiring new generations\, and redefining the guzheng as a dynamic\, contemporary instrument. She was honored with the “Musician of the Heart” award in 2016 for her cultural impact and artistic dedication.   URL:https://oacc.cc/event/loveprotectclosingreception/ LOCATION:Oakland Asian Cultural Center\, 388 9th St. #290\, Oakland\, CA\, 94607\, United States CATEGORIES:Featured,Past Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://oacc.cc/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/reception.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Oakland Asian Cultural Center":MAILTO:programs@oacc.cc END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240301T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240301T203000 DTSTAMP:20260416T104346 CREATED:20240123T233427Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240318T205738Z UID:17390-1709319600-1709325000@oacc.cc SUMMARY:"Method Sampling: How to Build the Future Together" Documentary Film Premiere Screening & Discussion with Ensemble Mik Nawooj DESCRIPTION:Saturday\, May 30\, 20267-9 pmFREE  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Celebrating the Zither: Asian American Identity and Cultural Survival invites audiences into a powerful musical journey with accomplished musicians Shirley Muramoto and Winnie Wong\, where tradition becomes resilience and heritage becomes liberation. Through the luminous sounds of the koto and guzheng\, this program explores how cultural access is not just preservation—but survival—especially in the wake of histories like Japanese American incarceration and the ongoing shaping of Asian American identity.   Though visually similar\, the koto and guzheng carry distinct cultural lineages\, each echoing stories of endurance\, adaptation\, and belonging. In this concert\, they meet in collaboration and creative reimagining—bridging past and present\, individuality and shared experience.   This is a celebration of multiplicity: of holding many worlds at once\, of honoring what makes us unique while finding connection through sound. Through new works\, cross-cultural dialogue\, and bold reinterpretations\, Celebrating the Zither offers a space where music becomes a living testament to identity\, memory\, and the freedom to define what it means to be Asian-American. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register for Free Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About Shirley Muramoto   Shirley Kazuyo Muramoto\, Koto musician\, teacher\, band leader\, filmmaker\, event producer\, has played the Japanese koto since a young child under the tutelage of her mother\, Kazuko Muramoto. She continued to study traditional Japanese koto and jiuta shamisen music with masters Chikushi Katsuko\, Kazue Kudo\, and Yoko Gates. Shirley plays the koto in various styles and genres\, expanding the repertoire of traditional music through collaborations\, arrangements\, and compositions.    Based in Oakland\, Calif.\, she received her Shihan koto teaching credential with Yushusho (highest) honors and her Dai Shihan master’s credential from the Chikushi Kai in Japan. This year is her official 50th anniversary since receiving her koto teaching certification. In 2012\, the Hokka Nichi Bei Kai inducted Shirley into the Bunka (Japanese cultural arts) Hall of Fame. In that same year\, the National Park Service’s Japanese American Confinement Sites Grant Program awarded her funding for the documentary film “Hidden Legacy: Japanese Traditional Performing Arts in the World War II Internment Camps” (2014)\, culminating her decades-long research on this little-known part of U.S. history.    In 2024\, Shirley became one of the artists awarded by the Alliance for California Traditional Arts and Mellon Foundation for the inaugural Taproot Fellowship’s recognition of traditional artists and culture bearers across the U.S. in 2024. Shirley continues to talk to students and organizations about the history of music in the WWII camps\, and the importance of keeping cultural heritage practices in our lives. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About Winnie Wong   Winnie Wong is a Hong Kong–born\, San Francisco–raised guzheng artist who began training at age four under virtuoso Weishan Liu and debuted publicly at five. Deeply rooted in her Chinese heritage\, she uses the guzheng not only to preserve tradition but to foster cultural connection and diversity within her community.   Over four decades\, Wong has built a distinctive artistic voice that blends Chinese classical and traditional music with jazz\, world music\, and improvisation. She is the founder of China’s Spirit Music Ensemble\, creating a nurturing space for students to develop both technical skill and cultural understanding. Expanding beyond tradition\, she performs as principal guzheng soloist with The Ultra World X-tet and collaborates in cross-cultural projects such as the Irish-Chinese duo Willow Stream and Asian zither collaborations.   Wong’s work is defined by storytelling through sound—her compositions weave imagery\, emotion\, and global influences into immersive musical experiences. Her career reflects a lifelong commitment to bridging cultures\, inspiring new generations\, and redefining the guzheng as a dynamic\, contemporary instrument. She was honored with the “Musician of the Heart” award in 2016 for her cultural impact and artistic dedication.   URL:https://oacc.cc/event/methodsampling/ LOCATION:Oakland Asian Cultural Center\, 388 9th St. #290\, Oakland\, CA\, 94607\, United States CATEGORIES:Featured,Past Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://oacc.cc/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/method-sampling-jpeg.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Oakland Asian Cultural Center":MAILTO:programs@oacc.cc END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240306T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240324T170000 DTSTAMP:20260416T104346 CREATED:20240214T214248Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240318T234601Z UID:18007-1709726400-1711299600@oacc.cc SUMMARY:Passage: A Dancing Moons Festival Art Exhibition DESCRIPTION:Saturday\, May 30\, 20267-9 pmFREE  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Celebrating the Zither: Asian American Identity and Cultural Survival invites audiences into a powerful musical journey with accomplished musicians Shirley Muramoto and Winnie Wong\, where tradition becomes resilience and heritage becomes liberation. Through the luminous sounds of the koto and guzheng\, this program explores how cultural access is not just preservation—but survival—especially in the wake of histories like Japanese American incarceration and the ongoing shaping of Asian American identity.   Though visually similar\, the koto and guzheng carry distinct cultural lineages\, each echoing stories of endurance\, adaptation\, and belonging. In this concert\, they meet in collaboration and creative reimagining—bridging past and present\, individuality and shared experience.   This is a celebration of multiplicity: of holding many worlds at once\, of honoring what makes us unique while finding connection through sound. Through new works\, cross-cultural dialogue\, and bold reinterpretations\, Celebrating the Zither offers a space where music becomes a living testament to identity\, memory\, and the freedom to define what it means to be Asian-American. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register for Free Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About Shirley Muramoto   Shirley Kazuyo Muramoto\, Koto musician\, teacher\, band leader\, filmmaker\, event producer\, has played the Japanese koto since a young child under the tutelage of her mother\, Kazuko Muramoto. She continued to study traditional Japanese koto and jiuta shamisen music with masters Chikushi Katsuko\, Kazue Kudo\, and Yoko Gates. Shirley plays the koto in various styles and genres\, expanding the repertoire of traditional music through collaborations\, arrangements\, and compositions.    Based in Oakland\, Calif.\, she received her Shihan koto teaching credential with Yushusho (highest) honors and her Dai Shihan master’s credential from the Chikushi Kai in Japan. This year is her official 50th anniversary since receiving her koto teaching certification. In 2012\, the Hokka Nichi Bei Kai inducted Shirley into the Bunka (Japanese cultural arts) Hall of Fame. In that same year\, the National Park Service’s Japanese American Confinement Sites Grant Program awarded her funding for the documentary film “Hidden Legacy: Japanese Traditional Performing Arts in the World War II Internment Camps” (2014)\, culminating her decades-long research on this little-known part of U.S. history.    In 2024\, Shirley became one of the artists awarded by the Alliance for California Traditional Arts and Mellon Foundation for the inaugural Taproot Fellowship’s recognition of traditional artists and culture bearers across the U.S. in 2024. Shirley continues to talk to students and organizations about the history of music in the WWII camps\, and the importance of keeping cultural heritage practices in our lives. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About Winnie Wong   Winnie Wong is a Hong Kong–born\, San Francisco–raised guzheng artist who began training at age four under virtuoso Weishan Liu and debuted publicly at five. Deeply rooted in her Chinese heritage\, she uses the guzheng not only to preserve tradition but to foster cultural connection and diversity within her community.   Over four decades\, Wong has built a distinctive artistic voice that blends Chinese classical and traditional music with jazz\, world music\, and improvisation. She is the founder of China’s Spirit Music Ensemble\, creating a nurturing space for students to develop both technical skill and cultural understanding. Expanding beyond tradition\, she performs as principal guzheng soloist with The Ultra World X-tet and collaborates in cross-cultural projects such as the Irish-Chinese duo Willow Stream and Asian zither collaborations.   Wong’s work is defined by storytelling through sound—her compositions weave imagery\, emotion\, and global influences into immersive musical experiences. Her career reflects a lifelong commitment to bridging cultures\, inspiring new generations\, and redefining the guzheng as a dynamic\, contemporary instrument. She was honored with the “Musician of the Heart” award in 2016 for her cultural impact and artistic dedication.   URL:https://oacc.cc/event/passageexhibit/ LOCATION:Oakland Asian Cultural Center\, 388 9th St. #290\, Oakland\, CA\, 94607\, United States CATEGORIES:Current Exhibitions ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://oacc.cc/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/oakland-ballet-exhibition.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Oakland Asian Cultural Center":MAILTO:programs@oacc.cc END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240314T193000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240316T193000 DTSTAMP:20260416T104346 CREATED:20240201T201236Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240318T172836Z UID:17678-1710444600-1710617400@oacc.cc SUMMARY:Dancing Moons Festival 2024 DESCRIPTION:Saturday\, May 30\, 20267-9 pmFREE  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Celebrating the Zither: Asian American Identity and Cultural Survival invites audiences into a powerful musical journey with accomplished musicians Shirley Muramoto and Winnie Wong\, where tradition becomes resilience and heritage becomes liberation. Through the luminous sounds of the koto and guzheng\, this program explores how cultural access is not just preservation—but survival—especially in the wake of histories like Japanese American incarceration and the ongoing shaping of Asian American identity.   Though visually similar\, the koto and guzheng carry distinct cultural lineages\, each echoing stories of endurance\, adaptation\, and belonging. In this concert\, they meet in collaboration and creative reimagining—bridging past and present\, individuality and shared experience.   This is a celebration of multiplicity: of holding many worlds at once\, of honoring what makes us unique while finding connection through sound. Through new works\, cross-cultural dialogue\, and bold reinterpretations\, Celebrating the Zither offers a space where music becomes a living testament to identity\, memory\, and the freedom to define what it means to be Asian-American. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register for Free Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About Shirley Muramoto   Shirley Kazuyo Muramoto\, Koto musician\, teacher\, band leader\, filmmaker\, event producer\, has played the Japanese koto since a young child under the tutelage of her mother\, Kazuko Muramoto. She continued to study traditional Japanese koto and jiuta shamisen music with masters Chikushi Katsuko\, Kazue Kudo\, and Yoko Gates. Shirley plays the koto in various styles and genres\, expanding the repertoire of traditional music through collaborations\, arrangements\, and compositions.    Based in Oakland\, Calif.\, she received her Shihan koto teaching credential with Yushusho (highest) honors and her Dai Shihan master’s credential from the Chikushi Kai in Japan. This year is her official 50th anniversary since receiving her koto teaching certification. In 2012\, the Hokka Nichi Bei Kai inducted Shirley into the Bunka (Japanese cultural arts) Hall of Fame. In that same year\, the National Park Service’s Japanese American Confinement Sites Grant Program awarded her funding for the documentary film “Hidden Legacy: Japanese Traditional Performing Arts in the World War II Internment Camps” (2014)\, culminating her decades-long research on this little-known part of U.S. history.    In 2024\, Shirley became one of the artists awarded by the Alliance for California Traditional Arts and Mellon Foundation for the inaugural Taproot Fellowship’s recognition of traditional artists and culture bearers across the U.S. in 2024. Shirley continues to talk to students and organizations about the history of music in the WWII camps\, and the importance of keeping cultural heritage practices in our lives. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About Winnie Wong   Winnie Wong is a Hong Kong–born\, San Francisco–raised guzheng artist who began training at age four under virtuoso Weishan Liu and debuted publicly at five. Deeply rooted in her Chinese heritage\, she uses the guzheng not only to preserve tradition but to foster cultural connection and diversity within her community.   Over four decades\, Wong has built a distinctive artistic voice that blends Chinese classical and traditional music with jazz\, world music\, and improvisation. She is the founder of China’s Spirit Music Ensemble\, creating a nurturing space for students to develop both technical skill and cultural understanding. Expanding beyond tradition\, she performs as principal guzheng soloist with The Ultra World X-tet and collaborates in cross-cultural projects such as the Irish-Chinese duo Willow Stream and Asian zither collaborations.   Wong’s work is defined by storytelling through sound—her compositions weave imagery\, emotion\, and global influences into immersive musical experiences. Her career reflects a lifelong commitment to bridging cultures\, inspiring new generations\, and redefining the guzheng as a dynamic\, contemporary instrument. She was honored with the “Musician of the Heart” award in 2016 for her cultural impact and artistic dedication.   URL:https://oacc.cc/event/dancingmoons2024/ LOCATION:Oakland Asian Cultural Center\, 388 9th St. #290\, Oakland\, CA\, 94607\, United States CATEGORIES:Featured,Past Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://oacc.cc/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/dancing-moons-jpeg.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Oakland Asian Cultural Center":MAILTO:programs@oacc.cc END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240324T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240324T140000 DTSTAMP:20260416T104346 CREATED:20240129T232544Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240405T012530Z UID:17635-1711285200-1711288800@oacc.cc SUMMARY:"Sons of Chinatown: A Memoir Rooted in China and America" Book Release Reading with William Gee Wong DESCRIPTION:Saturday\, May 30\, 20267-9 pmFREE  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Celebrating the Zither: Asian American Identity and Cultural Survival invites audiences into a powerful musical journey with accomplished musicians Shirley Muramoto and Winnie Wong\, where tradition becomes resilience and heritage becomes liberation. Through the luminous sounds of the koto and guzheng\, this program explores how cultural access is not just preservation—but survival—especially in the wake of histories like Japanese American incarceration and the ongoing shaping of Asian American identity.   Though visually similar\, the koto and guzheng carry distinct cultural lineages\, each echoing stories of endurance\, adaptation\, and belonging. In this concert\, they meet in collaboration and creative reimagining—bridging past and present\, individuality and shared experience.   This is a celebration of multiplicity: of holding many worlds at once\, of honoring what makes us unique while finding connection through sound. Through new works\, cross-cultural dialogue\, and bold reinterpretations\, Celebrating the Zither offers a space where music becomes a living testament to identity\, memory\, and the freedom to define what it means to be Asian-American. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register for Free Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About Shirley Muramoto   Shirley Kazuyo Muramoto\, Koto musician\, teacher\, band leader\, filmmaker\, event producer\, has played the Japanese koto since a young child under the tutelage of her mother\, Kazuko Muramoto. She continued to study traditional Japanese koto and jiuta shamisen music with masters Chikushi Katsuko\, Kazue Kudo\, and Yoko Gates. Shirley plays the koto in various styles and genres\, expanding the repertoire of traditional music through collaborations\, arrangements\, and compositions.    Based in Oakland\, Calif.\, she received her Shihan koto teaching credential with Yushusho (highest) honors and her Dai Shihan master’s credential from the Chikushi Kai in Japan. This year is her official 50th anniversary since receiving her koto teaching certification. In 2012\, the Hokka Nichi Bei Kai inducted Shirley into the Bunka (Japanese cultural arts) Hall of Fame. In that same year\, the National Park Service’s Japanese American Confinement Sites Grant Program awarded her funding for the documentary film “Hidden Legacy: Japanese Traditional Performing Arts in the World War II Internment Camps” (2014)\, culminating her decades-long research on this little-known part of U.S. history.    In 2024\, Shirley became one of the artists awarded by the Alliance for California Traditional Arts and Mellon Foundation for the inaugural Taproot Fellowship’s recognition of traditional artists and culture bearers across the U.S. in 2024. Shirley continues to talk to students and organizations about the history of music in the WWII camps\, and the importance of keeping cultural heritage practices in our lives. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About Winnie Wong   Winnie Wong is a Hong Kong–born\, San Francisco–raised guzheng artist who began training at age four under virtuoso Weishan Liu and debuted publicly at five. Deeply rooted in her Chinese heritage\, she uses the guzheng not only to preserve tradition but to foster cultural connection and diversity within her community.   Over four decades\, Wong has built a distinctive artistic voice that blends Chinese classical and traditional music with jazz\, world music\, and improvisation. She is the founder of China’s Spirit Music Ensemble\, creating a nurturing space for students to develop both technical skill and cultural understanding. Expanding beyond tradition\, she performs as principal guzheng soloist with The Ultra World X-tet and collaborates in cross-cultural projects such as the Irish-Chinese duo Willow Stream and Asian zither collaborations.   Wong’s work is defined by storytelling through sound—her compositions weave imagery\, emotion\, and global influences into immersive musical experiences. Her career reflects a lifelong commitment to bridging cultures\, inspiring new generations\, and redefining the guzheng as a dynamic\, contemporary instrument. She was honored with the “Musician of the Heart” award in 2016 for her cultural impact and artistic dedication.   URL:https://oacc.cc/event/sonsofchinatown/ LOCATION:Oakland Asian Cultural Center\, 388 9th St. #290\, Oakland\, CA\, 94607\, United States CATEGORIES:Featured,Past Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://oacc.cc/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/bill-wong-event-500-x-500-px.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Oakland Asian Cultural Center":MAILTO:programs@oacc.cc END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240329T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240608T170000 DTSTAMP:20260416T104346 CREATED:20240207T213246Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240523T221035Z UID:17812-1711713600-1717866000@oacc.cc SUMMARY:"Dalit Dreamlands: Toward an Anti-Caste Future" Exhibition and Opening Reception DESCRIPTION:Saturday\, May 30\, 20267-9 pmFREE  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Celebrating the Zither: Asian American Identity and Cultural Survival invites audiences into a powerful musical journey with accomplished musicians Shirley Muramoto and Winnie Wong\, where tradition becomes resilience and heritage becomes liberation. Through the luminous sounds of the koto and guzheng\, this program explores how cultural access is not just preservation—but survival—especially in the wake of histories like Japanese American incarceration and the ongoing shaping of Asian American identity.   Though visually similar\, the koto and guzheng carry distinct cultural lineages\, each echoing stories of endurance\, adaptation\, and belonging. In this concert\, they meet in collaboration and creative reimagining—bridging past and present\, individuality and shared experience.   This is a celebration of multiplicity: of holding many worlds at once\, of honoring what makes us unique while finding connection through sound. Through new works\, cross-cultural dialogue\, and bold reinterpretations\, Celebrating the Zither offers a space where music becomes a living testament to identity\, memory\, and the freedom to define what it means to be Asian-American. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register for Free Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About Shirley Muramoto   Shirley Kazuyo Muramoto\, Koto musician\, teacher\, band leader\, filmmaker\, event producer\, has played the Japanese koto since a young child under the tutelage of her mother\, Kazuko Muramoto. She continued to study traditional Japanese koto and jiuta shamisen music with masters Chikushi Katsuko\, Kazue Kudo\, and Yoko Gates. Shirley plays the koto in various styles and genres\, expanding the repertoire of traditional music through collaborations\, arrangements\, and compositions.    Based in Oakland\, Calif.\, she received her Shihan koto teaching credential with Yushusho (highest) honors and her Dai Shihan master’s credential from the Chikushi Kai in Japan. This year is her official 50th anniversary since receiving her koto teaching certification. In 2012\, the Hokka Nichi Bei Kai inducted Shirley into the Bunka (Japanese cultural arts) Hall of Fame. In that same year\, the National Park Service’s Japanese American Confinement Sites Grant Program awarded her funding for the documentary film “Hidden Legacy: Japanese Traditional Performing Arts in the World War II Internment Camps” (2014)\, culminating her decades-long research on this little-known part of U.S. history.    In 2024\, Shirley became one of the artists awarded by the Alliance for California Traditional Arts and Mellon Foundation for the inaugural Taproot Fellowship’s recognition of traditional artists and culture bearers across the U.S. in 2024. Shirley continues to talk to students and organizations about the history of music in the WWII camps\, and the importance of keeping cultural heritage practices in our lives. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About Winnie Wong   Winnie Wong is a Hong Kong–born\, San Francisco–raised guzheng artist who began training at age four under virtuoso Weishan Liu and debuted publicly at five. Deeply rooted in her Chinese heritage\, she uses the guzheng not only to preserve tradition but to foster cultural connection and diversity within her community.   Over four decades\, Wong has built a distinctive artistic voice that blends Chinese classical and traditional music with jazz\, world music\, and improvisation. She is the founder of China’s Spirit Music Ensemble\, creating a nurturing space for students to develop both technical skill and cultural understanding. Expanding beyond tradition\, she performs as principal guzheng soloist with The Ultra World X-tet and collaborates in cross-cultural projects such as the Irish-Chinese duo Willow Stream and Asian zither collaborations.   Wong’s work is defined by storytelling through sound—her compositions weave imagery\, emotion\, and global influences into immersive musical experiences. Her career reflects a lifelong commitment to bridging cultures\, inspiring new generations\, and redefining the guzheng as a dynamic\, contemporary instrument. She was honored with the “Musician of the Heart” award in 2016 for her cultural impact and artistic dedication.   URL:https://oacc.cc/event/dalitdreamlands/ LOCATION:Oakland Asian Cultural Center\, 388 9th St. #290\, Oakland\, CA\, 94607\, United States CATEGORIES:Current Exhibitions ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://oacc.cc/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Square-with-text.png ORGANIZER;CN="Oakland Asian Cultural Center":MAILTO:programs@oacc.cc END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240420T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240420T150000 DTSTAMP:20260416T104346 CREATED:20240319T220527Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240508T202700Z UID:18090-1713614400-1713625200@oacc.cc SUMMARY:Southeast Asian New Year Celebration DESCRIPTION:Saturday\, May 30\, 20267-9 pmFREE  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Celebrating the Zither: Asian American Identity and Cultural Survival invites audiences into a powerful musical journey with accomplished musicians Shirley Muramoto and Winnie Wong\, where tradition becomes resilience and heritage becomes liberation. Through the luminous sounds of the koto and guzheng\, this program explores how cultural access is not just preservation—but survival—especially in the wake of histories like Japanese American incarceration and the ongoing shaping of Asian American identity.   Though visually similar\, the koto and guzheng carry distinct cultural lineages\, each echoing stories of endurance\, adaptation\, and belonging. In this concert\, they meet in collaboration and creative reimagining—bridging past and present\, individuality and shared experience.   This is a celebration of multiplicity: of holding many worlds at once\, of honoring what makes us unique while finding connection through sound. Through new works\, cross-cultural dialogue\, and bold reinterpretations\, Celebrating the Zither offers a space where music becomes a living testament to identity\, memory\, and the freedom to define what it means to be Asian-American. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register for Free Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About Shirley Muramoto   Shirley Kazuyo Muramoto\, Koto musician\, teacher\, band leader\, filmmaker\, event producer\, has played the Japanese koto since a young child under the tutelage of her mother\, Kazuko Muramoto. She continued to study traditional Japanese koto and jiuta shamisen music with masters Chikushi Katsuko\, Kazue Kudo\, and Yoko Gates. Shirley plays the koto in various styles and genres\, expanding the repertoire of traditional music through collaborations\, arrangements\, and compositions.    Based in Oakland\, Calif.\, she received her Shihan koto teaching credential with Yushusho (highest) honors and her Dai Shihan master’s credential from the Chikushi Kai in Japan. This year is her official 50th anniversary since receiving her koto teaching certification. In 2012\, the Hokka Nichi Bei Kai inducted Shirley into the Bunka (Japanese cultural arts) Hall of Fame. In that same year\, the National Park Service’s Japanese American Confinement Sites Grant Program awarded her funding for the documentary film “Hidden Legacy: Japanese Traditional Performing Arts in the World War II Internment Camps” (2014)\, culminating her decades-long research on this little-known part of U.S. history.    In 2024\, Shirley became one of the artists awarded by the Alliance for California Traditional Arts and Mellon Foundation for the inaugural Taproot Fellowship’s recognition of traditional artists and culture bearers across the U.S. in 2024. Shirley continues to talk to students and organizations about the history of music in the WWII camps\, and the importance of keeping cultural heritage practices in our lives. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About Winnie Wong   Winnie Wong is a Hong Kong–born\, San Francisco–raised guzheng artist who began training at age four under virtuoso Weishan Liu and debuted publicly at five. Deeply rooted in her Chinese heritage\, she uses the guzheng not only to preserve tradition but to foster cultural connection and diversity within her community.   Over four decades\, Wong has built a distinctive artistic voice that blends Chinese classical and traditional music with jazz\, world music\, and improvisation. She is the founder of China’s Spirit Music Ensemble\, creating a nurturing space for students to develop both technical skill and cultural understanding. Expanding beyond tradition\, she performs as principal guzheng soloist with The Ultra World X-tet and collaborates in cross-cultural projects such as the Irish-Chinese duo Willow Stream and Asian zither collaborations.   Wong’s work is defined by storytelling through sound—her compositions weave imagery\, emotion\, and global influences into immersive musical experiences. Her career reflects a lifelong commitment to bridging cultures\, inspiring new generations\, and redefining the guzheng as a dynamic\, contemporary instrument. She was honored with the “Musician of the Heart” award in 2016 for her cultural impact and artistic dedication.   URL:https://oacc.cc/event/southeastasianny/ LOCATION:Oakland Asian Cultural Center\, 388 9th St. #290\, Oakland\, CA\, 94607\, United States CATEGORIES:Featured,Past Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://oacc.cc/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Event-flyer.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Oakland Asian Cultural Center":MAILTO:programs@oacc.cc END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240427T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240427T160000 DTSTAMP:20260416T104346 CREATED:20240412T013856Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240508T202556Z UID:18430-1714222800-1714233600@oacc.cc SUMMARY:Philippine Master Culture Bearers of T’boli\, Yakan\, Kalinga People: Weaving Workshop DESCRIPTION:Saturday\, May 30\, 20267-9 pmFREE  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Celebrating the Zither: Asian American Identity and Cultural Survival invites audiences into a powerful musical journey with accomplished musicians Shirley Muramoto and Winnie Wong\, where tradition becomes resilience and heritage becomes liberation. Through the luminous sounds of the koto and guzheng\, this program explores how cultural access is not just preservation—but survival—especially in the wake of histories like Japanese American incarceration and the ongoing shaping of Asian American identity.   Though visually similar\, the koto and guzheng carry distinct cultural lineages\, each echoing stories of endurance\, adaptation\, and belonging. In this concert\, they meet in collaboration and creative reimagining—bridging past and present\, individuality and shared experience.   This is a celebration of multiplicity: of holding many worlds at once\, of honoring what makes us unique while finding connection through sound. Through new works\, cross-cultural dialogue\, and bold reinterpretations\, Celebrating the Zither offers a space where music becomes a living testament to identity\, memory\, and the freedom to define what it means to be Asian-American. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register for Free Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About Shirley Muramoto   Shirley Kazuyo Muramoto\, Koto musician\, teacher\, band leader\, filmmaker\, event producer\, has played the Japanese koto since a young child under the tutelage of her mother\, Kazuko Muramoto. She continued to study traditional Japanese koto and jiuta shamisen music with masters Chikushi Katsuko\, Kazue Kudo\, and Yoko Gates. Shirley plays the koto in various styles and genres\, expanding the repertoire of traditional music through collaborations\, arrangements\, and compositions.    Based in Oakland\, Calif.\, she received her Shihan koto teaching credential with Yushusho (highest) honors and her Dai Shihan master’s credential from the Chikushi Kai in Japan. This year is her official 50th anniversary since receiving her koto teaching certification. In 2012\, the Hokka Nichi Bei Kai inducted Shirley into the Bunka (Japanese cultural arts) Hall of Fame. In that same year\, the National Park Service’s Japanese American Confinement Sites Grant Program awarded her funding for the documentary film “Hidden Legacy: Japanese Traditional Performing Arts in the World War II Internment Camps” (2014)\, culminating her decades-long research on this little-known part of U.S. history.    In 2024\, Shirley became one of the artists awarded by the Alliance for California Traditional Arts and Mellon Foundation for the inaugural Taproot Fellowship’s recognition of traditional artists and culture bearers across the U.S. in 2024. Shirley continues to talk to students and organizations about the history of music in the WWII camps\, and the importance of keeping cultural heritage practices in our lives. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About Winnie Wong   Winnie Wong is a Hong Kong–born\, San Francisco–raised guzheng artist who began training at age four under virtuoso Weishan Liu and debuted publicly at five. Deeply rooted in her Chinese heritage\, she uses the guzheng not only to preserve tradition but to foster cultural connection and diversity within her community.   Over four decades\, Wong has built a distinctive artistic voice that blends Chinese classical and traditional music with jazz\, world music\, and improvisation. She is the founder of China’s Spirit Music Ensemble\, creating a nurturing space for students to develop both technical skill and cultural understanding. Expanding beyond tradition\, she performs as principal guzheng soloist with The Ultra World X-tet and collaborates in cross-cultural projects such as the Irish-Chinese duo Willow Stream and Asian zither collaborations.   Wong’s work is defined by storytelling through sound—her compositions weave imagery\, emotion\, and global influences into immersive musical experiences. Her career reflects a lifelong commitment to bridging cultures\, inspiring new generations\, and redefining the guzheng as a dynamic\, contemporary instrument. She was honored with the “Musician of the Heart” award in 2016 for her cultural impact and artistic dedication.   URL:https://oacc.cc/event/philippinemasterculturebearers/ LOCATION:Oakland Asian Cultural Center\, 388 9th St. #290\, Oakland\, CA\, 94607\, United States CATEGORIES:Featured,Past Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://oacc.cc/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/weaving-workshop-thumbnail-1.png ORGANIZER;CN="Oakland Asian Cultural Center":MAILTO:programs@oacc.cc END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240503T140000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240503T153000 DTSTAMP:20260416T104346 CREATED:20240321T194933Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240521T223247Z UID:18136-1714744800-1714750200@oacc.cc SUMMARY:How K-Dramas Can Transform Your Life: A Fireside Chat with Clinician\, Speaker\, Coach\, and Author Jeanie Y. Chang\, LMFT DESCRIPTION:Saturday\, May 30\, 20267-9 pmFREE  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Celebrating the Zither: Asian American Identity and Cultural Survival invites audiences into a powerful musical journey with accomplished musicians Shirley Muramoto and Winnie Wong\, where tradition becomes resilience and heritage becomes liberation. Through the luminous sounds of the koto and guzheng\, this program explores how cultural access is not just preservation—but survival—especially in the wake of histories like Japanese American incarceration and the ongoing shaping of Asian American identity.   Though visually similar\, the koto and guzheng carry distinct cultural lineages\, each echoing stories of endurance\, adaptation\, and belonging. In this concert\, they meet in collaboration and creative reimagining—bridging past and present\, individuality and shared experience.   This is a celebration of multiplicity: of holding many worlds at once\, of honoring what makes us unique while finding connection through sound. Through new works\, cross-cultural dialogue\, and bold reinterpretations\, Celebrating the Zither offers a space where music becomes a living testament to identity\, memory\, and the freedom to define what it means to be Asian-American. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register for Free Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About Shirley Muramoto   Shirley Kazuyo Muramoto\, Koto musician\, teacher\, band leader\, filmmaker\, event producer\, has played the Japanese koto since a young child under the tutelage of her mother\, Kazuko Muramoto. She continued to study traditional Japanese koto and jiuta shamisen music with masters Chikushi Katsuko\, Kazue Kudo\, and Yoko Gates. Shirley plays the koto in various styles and genres\, expanding the repertoire of traditional music through collaborations\, arrangements\, and compositions.    Based in Oakland\, Calif.\, she received her Shihan koto teaching credential with Yushusho (highest) honors and her Dai Shihan master’s credential from the Chikushi Kai in Japan. This year is her official 50th anniversary since receiving her koto teaching certification. In 2012\, the Hokka Nichi Bei Kai inducted Shirley into the Bunka (Japanese cultural arts) Hall of Fame. In that same year\, the National Park Service’s Japanese American Confinement Sites Grant Program awarded her funding for the documentary film “Hidden Legacy: Japanese Traditional Performing Arts in the World War II Internment Camps” (2014)\, culminating her decades-long research on this little-known part of U.S. history.    In 2024\, Shirley became one of the artists awarded by the Alliance for California Traditional Arts and Mellon Foundation for the inaugural Taproot Fellowship’s recognition of traditional artists and culture bearers across the U.S. in 2024. Shirley continues to talk to students and organizations about the history of music in the WWII camps\, and the importance of keeping cultural heritage practices in our lives. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About Winnie Wong   Winnie Wong is a Hong Kong–born\, San Francisco–raised guzheng artist who began training at age four under virtuoso Weishan Liu and debuted publicly at five. Deeply rooted in her Chinese heritage\, she uses the guzheng not only to preserve tradition but to foster cultural connection and diversity within her community.   Over four decades\, Wong has built a distinctive artistic voice that blends Chinese classical and traditional music with jazz\, world music\, and improvisation. She is the founder of China’s Spirit Music Ensemble\, creating a nurturing space for students to develop both technical skill and cultural understanding. Expanding beyond tradition\, she performs as principal guzheng soloist with The Ultra World X-tet and collaborates in cross-cultural projects such as the Irish-Chinese duo Willow Stream and Asian zither collaborations.   Wong’s work is defined by storytelling through sound—her compositions weave imagery\, emotion\, and global influences into immersive musical experiences. Her career reflects a lifelong commitment to bridging cultures\, inspiring new generations\, and redefining the guzheng as a dynamic\, contemporary instrument. She was honored with the “Musician of the Heart” award in 2016 for her cultural impact and artistic dedication.   URL:https://oacc.cc/event/howkdramascantransformyourlife/ LOCATION:Oakland Asian Cultural Center\, 388 9th St. #290\, Oakland\, CA\, 94607\, United States CATEGORIES:Featured,Past Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://oacc.cc/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/thumbnail-2.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Oakland Asian Cultural Center":MAILTO:programs@oacc.cc END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240510T200000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240510T213000 DTSTAMP:20260416T104346 CREATED:20240321T205611Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240521T223216Z UID:18161-1715371200-1715376600@oacc.cc SUMMARY:Interwoven Stories of Culture\, Belonging\, and Change\, Featuring Ishami Dance Company DESCRIPTION:Saturday\, May 30\, 20267-9 pmFREE  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Celebrating the Zither: Asian American Identity and Cultural Survival invites audiences into a powerful musical journey with accomplished musicians Shirley Muramoto and Winnie Wong\, where tradition becomes resilience and heritage becomes liberation. Through the luminous sounds of the koto and guzheng\, this program explores how cultural access is not just preservation—but survival—especially in the wake of histories like Japanese American incarceration and the ongoing shaping of Asian American identity.   Though visually similar\, the koto and guzheng carry distinct cultural lineages\, each echoing stories of endurance\, adaptation\, and belonging. In this concert\, they meet in collaboration and creative reimagining—bridging past and present\, individuality and shared experience.   This is a celebration of multiplicity: of holding many worlds at once\, of honoring what makes us unique while finding connection through sound. Through new works\, cross-cultural dialogue\, and bold reinterpretations\, Celebrating the Zither offers a space where music becomes a living testament to identity\, memory\, and the freedom to define what it means to be Asian-American. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register for Free Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About Shirley Muramoto   Shirley Kazuyo Muramoto\, Koto musician\, teacher\, band leader\, filmmaker\, event producer\, has played the Japanese koto since a young child under the tutelage of her mother\, Kazuko Muramoto. She continued to study traditional Japanese koto and jiuta shamisen music with masters Chikushi Katsuko\, Kazue Kudo\, and Yoko Gates. Shirley plays the koto in various styles and genres\, expanding the repertoire of traditional music through collaborations\, arrangements\, and compositions.    Based in Oakland\, Calif.\, she received her Shihan koto teaching credential with Yushusho (highest) honors and her Dai Shihan master’s credential from the Chikushi Kai in Japan. This year is her official 50th anniversary since receiving her koto teaching certification. In 2012\, the Hokka Nichi Bei Kai inducted Shirley into the Bunka (Japanese cultural arts) Hall of Fame. In that same year\, the National Park Service’s Japanese American Confinement Sites Grant Program awarded her funding for the documentary film “Hidden Legacy: Japanese Traditional Performing Arts in the World War II Internment Camps” (2014)\, culminating her decades-long research on this little-known part of U.S. history.    In 2024\, Shirley became one of the artists awarded by the Alliance for California Traditional Arts and Mellon Foundation for the inaugural Taproot Fellowship’s recognition of traditional artists and culture bearers across the U.S. in 2024. Shirley continues to talk to students and organizations about the history of music in the WWII camps\, and the importance of keeping cultural heritage practices in our lives. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About Winnie Wong   Winnie Wong is a Hong Kong–born\, San Francisco–raised guzheng artist who began training at age four under virtuoso Weishan Liu and debuted publicly at five. Deeply rooted in her Chinese heritage\, she uses the guzheng not only to preserve tradition but to foster cultural connection and diversity within her community.   Over four decades\, Wong has built a distinctive artistic voice that blends Chinese classical and traditional music with jazz\, world music\, and improvisation. She is the founder of China’s Spirit Music Ensemble\, creating a nurturing space for students to develop both technical skill and cultural understanding. Expanding beyond tradition\, she performs as principal guzheng soloist with The Ultra World X-tet and collaborates in cross-cultural projects such as the Irish-Chinese duo Willow Stream and Asian zither collaborations.   Wong’s work is defined by storytelling through sound—her compositions weave imagery\, emotion\, and global influences into immersive musical experiences. Her career reflects a lifelong commitment to bridging cultures\, inspiring new generations\, and redefining the guzheng as a dynamic\, contemporary instrument. She was honored with the “Musician of the Heart” award in 2016 for her cultural impact and artistic dedication.   URL:https://oacc.cc/event/interwovenstories/ LOCATION:Oakland Asian Cultural Center\, 388 9th St. #290\, Oakland\, CA\, 94607\, United States CATEGORIES:Featured,Past Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://oacc.cc/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/1.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Oakland Asian Cultural Center":MAILTO:programs@oacc.cc END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240511T110000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240511T123000 DTSTAMP:20260416T104346 CREATED:20240326T235217Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240521T223138Z UID:18196-1715425200-1715430600@oacc.cc SUMMARY:Movement Workshop: Interwoven Stories of Culture\, Belonging\, and Change\, Facilitated by Ishami Dance Company DESCRIPTION:Saturday\, May 30\, 20267-9 pmFREE  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Celebrating the Zither: Asian American Identity and Cultural Survival invites audiences into a powerful musical journey with accomplished musicians Shirley Muramoto and Winnie Wong\, where tradition becomes resilience and heritage becomes liberation. Through the luminous sounds of the koto and guzheng\, this program explores how cultural access is not just preservation—but survival—especially in the wake of histories like Japanese American incarceration and the ongoing shaping of Asian American identity.   Though visually similar\, the koto and guzheng carry distinct cultural lineages\, each echoing stories of endurance\, adaptation\, and belonging. In this concert\, they meet in collaboration and creative reimagining—bridging past and present\, individuality and shared experience.   This is a celebration of multiplicity: of holding many worlds at once\, of honoring what makes us unique while finding connection through sound. Through new works\, cross-cultural dialogue\, and bold reinterpretations\, Celebrating the Zither offers a space where music becomes a living testament to identity\, memory\, and the freedom to define what it means to be Asian-American. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register for Free Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About Shirley Muramoto   Shirley Kazuyo Muramoto\, Koto musician\, teacher\, band leader\, filmmaker\, event producer\, has played the Japanese koto since a young child under the tutelage of her mother\, Kazuko Muramoto. She continued to study traditional Japanese koto and jiuta shamisen music with masters Chikushi Katsuko\, Kazue Kudo\, and Yoko Gates. Shirley plays the koto in various styles and genres\, expanding the repertoire of traditional music through collaborations\, arrangements\, and compositions.    Based in Oakland\, Calif.\, she received her Shihan koto teaching credential with Yushusho (highest) honors and her Dai Shihan master’s credential from the Chikushi Kai in Japan. This year is her official 50th anniversary since receiving her koto teaching certification. In 2012\, the Hokka Nichi Bei Kai inducted Shirley into the Bunka (Japanese cultural arts) Hall of Fame. In that same year\, the National Park Service’s Japanese American Confinement Sites Grant Program awarded her funding for the documentary film “Hidden Legacy: Japanese Traditional Performing Arts in the World War II Internment Camps” (2014)\, culminating her decades-long research on this little-known part of U.S. history.    In 2024\, Shirley became one of the artists awarded by the Alliance for California Traditional Arts and Mellon Foundation for the inaugural Taproot Fellowship’s recognition of traditional artists and culture bearers across the U.S. in 2024. Shirley continues to talk to students and organizations about the history of music in the WWII camps\, and the importance of keeping cultural heritage practices in our lives. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About Winnie Wong   Winnie Wong is a Hong Kong–born\, San Francisco–raised guzheng artist who began training at age four under virtuoso Weishan Liu and debuted publicly at five. Deeply rooted in her Chinese heritage\, she uses the guzheng not only to preserve tradition but to foster cultural connection and diversity within her community.   Over four decades\, Wong has built a distinctive artistic voice that blends Chinese classical and traditional music with jazz\, world music\, and improvisation. She is the founder of China’s Spirit Music Ensemble\, creating a nurturing space for students to develop both technical skill and cultural understanding. Expanding beyond tradition\, she performs as principal guzheng soloist with The Ultra World X-tet and collaborates in cross-cultural projects such as the Irish-Chinese duo Willow Stream and Asian zither collaborations.   Wong’s work is defined by storytelling through sound—her compositions weave imagery\, emotion\, and global influences into immersive musical experiences. Her career reflects a lifelong commitment to bridging cultures\, inspiring new generations\, and redefining the guzheng as a dynamic\, contemporary instrument. She was honored with the “Musician of the Heart” award in 2016 for her cultural impact and artistic dedication.   URL:https://oacc.cc/event/interwovenstoriesworkshop/ LOCATION:Oakland Asian Cultural Center\, 388 9th St. #290\, Oakland\, CA\, 94607\, United States CATEGORIES:Featured,Past Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://oacc.cc/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/workshop-thumbnail.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Oakland Asian Cultural Center":MAILTO:programs@oacc.cc END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240517T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240517T203000 DTSTAMP:20260416T104346 CREATED:20240405T021110Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240521T223106Z UID:18246-1715972400-1715977800@oacc.cc SUMMARY:Premiere Short Film Documentaries From Anthony Brown’s Asian American Orchestra’s 2018 Performance with Angela Davis and Janice Mirikitani Followed by a Live Performance DESCRIPTION:Saturday\, May 30\, 20267-9 pmFREE  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Celebrating the Zither: Asian American Identity and Cultural Survival invites audiences into a powerful musical journey with accomplished musicians Shirley Muramoto and Winnie Wong\, where tradition becomes resilience and heritage becomes liberation. Through the luminous sounds of the koto and guzheng\, this program explores how cultural access is not just preservation—but survival—especially in the wake of histories like Japanese American incarceration and the ongoing shaping of Asian American identity.   Though visually similar\, the koto and guzheng carry distinct cultural lineages\, each echoing stories of endurance\, adaptation\, and belonging. In this concert\, they meet in collaboration and creative reimagining—bridging past and present\, individuality and shared experience.   This is a celebration of multiplicity: of holding many worlds at once\, of honoring what makes us unique while finding connection through sound. Through new works\, cross-cultural dialogue\, and bold reinterpretations\, Celebrating the Zither offers a space where music becomes a living testament to identity\, memory\, and the freedom to define what it means to be Asian-American. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register for Free Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About Shirley Muramoto   Shirley Kazuyo Muramoto\, Koto musician\, teacher\, band leader\, filmmaker\, event producer\, has played the Japanese koto since a young child under the tutelage of her mother\, Kazuko Muramoto. She continued to study traditional Japanese koto and jiuta shamisen music with masters Chikushi Katsuko\, Kazue Kudo\, and Yoko Gates. Shirley plays the koto in various styles and genres\, expanding the repertoire of traditional music through collaborations\, arrangements\, and compositions.    Based in Oakland\, Calif.\, she received her Shihan koto teaching credential with Yushusho (highest) honors and her Dai Shihan master’s credential from the Chikushi Kai in Japan. This year is her official 50th anniversary since receiving her koto teaching certification. In 2012\, the Hokka Nichi Bei Kai inducted Shirley into the Bunka (Japanese cultural arts) Hall of Fame. In that same year\, the National Park Service’s Japanese American Confinement Sites Grant Program awarded her funding for the documentary film “Hidden Legacy: Japanese Traditional Performing Arts in the World War II Internment Camps” (2014)\, culminating her decades-long research on this little-known part of U.S. history.    In 2024\, Shirley became one of the artists awarded by the Alliance for California Traditional Arts and Mellon Foundation for the inaugural Taproot Fellowship’s recognition of traditional artists and culture bearers across the U.S. in 2024. Shirley continues to talk to students and organizations about the history of music in the WWII camps\, and the importance of keeping cultural heritage practices in our lives. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About Winnie Wong   Winnie Wong is a Hong Kong–born\, San Francisco–raised guzheng artist who began training at age four under virtuoso Weishan Liu and debuted publicly at five. Deeply rooted in her Chinese heritage\, she uses the guzheng not only to preserve tradition but to foster cultural connection and diversity within her community.   Over four decades\, Wong has built a distinctive artistic voice that blends Chinese classical and traditional music with jazz\, world music\, and improvisation. She is the founder of China’s Spirit Music Ensemble\, creating a nurturing space for students to develop both technical skill and cultural understanding. Expanding beyond tradition\, she performs as principal guzheng soloist with The Ultra World X-tet and collaborates in cross-cultural projects such as the Irish-Chinese duo Willow Stream and Asian zither collaborations.   Wong’s work is defined by storytelling through sound—her compositions weave imagery\, emotion\, and global influences into immersive musical experiences. Her career reflects a lifelong commitment to bridging cultures\, inspiring new generations\, and redefining the guzheng as a dynamic\, contemporary instrument. She was honored with the “Musician of the Heart” award in 2016 for her cultural impact and artistic dedication.   URL:https://oacc.cc/event/premierewithanthonybrown/ LOCATION:Oakland Asian Cultural Center\, 388 9th St. #290\, Oakland\, CA\, 94607\, United States CATEGORIES:Featured,Past Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://oacc.cc/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/thumbnail-2.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Oakland Asian Cultural Center":MAILTO:programs@oacc.cc END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240601T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240601T160000 DTSTAMP:20260416T104346 CREATED:20240408T221152Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240529T004707Z UID:18221-1717243200-1717257600@oacc.cc SUMMARY:AAPI Mental Health & Wellness Jam 2024 DESCRIPTION:Saturday\, May 30\, 20267-9 pmFREE  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Celebrating the Zither: Asian American Identity and Cultural Survival invites audiences into a powerful musical journey with accomplished musicians Shirley Muramoto and Winnie Wong\, where tradition becomes resilience and heritage becomes liberation. Through the luminous sounds of the koto and guzheng\, this program explores how cultural access is not just preservation—but survival—especially in the wake of histories like Japanese American incarceration and the ongoing shaping of Asian American identity.   Though visually similar\, the koto and guzheng carry distinct cultural lineages\, each echoing stories of endurance\, adaptation\, and belonging. In this concert\, they meet in collaboration and creative reimagining—bridging past and present\, individuality and shared experience.   This is a celebration of multiplicity: of holding many worlds at once\, of honoring what makes us unique while finding connection through sound. Through new works\, cross-cultural dialogue\, and bold reinterpretations\, Celebrating the Zither offers a space where music becomes a living testament to identity\, memory\, and the freedom to define what it means to be Asian-American. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register for Free Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About Shirley Muramoto   Shirley Kazuyo Muramoto\, Koto musician\, teacher\, band leader\, filmmaker\, event producer\, has played the Japanese koto since a young child under the tutelage of her mother\, Kazuko Muramoto. She continued to study traditional Japanese koto and jiuta shamisen music with masters Chikushi Katsuko\, Kazue Kudo\, and Yoko Gates. Shirley plays the koto in various styles and genres\, expanding the repertoire of traditional music through collaborations\, arrangements\, and compositions.    Based in Oakland\, Calif.\, she received her Shihan koto teaching credential with Yushusho (highest) honors and her Dai Shihan master’s credential from the Chikushi Kai in Japan. This year is her official 50th anniversary since receiving her koto teaching certification. In 2012\, the Hokka Nichi Bei Kai inducted Shirley into the Bunka (Japanese cultural arts) Hall of Fame. In that same year\, the National Park Service’s Japanese American Confinement Sites Grant Program awarded her funding for the documentary film “Hidden Legacy: Japanese Traditional Performing Arts in the World War II Internment Camps” (2014)\, culminating her decades-long research on this little-known part of U.S. history.    In 2024\, Shirley became one of the artists awarded by the Alliance for California Traditional Arts and Mellon Foundation for the inaugural Taproot Fellowship’s recognition of traditional artists and culture bearers across the U.S. in 2024. Shirley continues to talk to students and organizations about the history of music in the WWII camps\, and the importance of keeping cultural heritage practices in our lives. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About Winnie Wong   Winnie Wong is a Hong Kong–born\, San Francisco–raised guzheng artist who began training at age four under virtuoso Weishan Liu and debuted publicly at five. Deeply rooted in her Chinese heritage\, she uses the guzheng not only to preserve tradition but to foster cultural connection and diversity within her community.   Over four decades\, Wong has built a distinctive artistic voice that blends Chinese classical and traditional music with jazz\, world music\, and improvisation. She is the founder of China’s Spirit Music Ensemble\, creating a nurturing space for students to develop both technical skill and cultural understanding. Expanding beyond tradition\, she performs as principal guzheng soloist with The Ultra World X-tet and collaborates in cross-cultural projects such as the Irish-Chinese duo Willow Stream and Asian zither collaborations.   Wong’s work is defined by storytelling through sound—her compositions weave imagery\, emotion\, and global influences into immersive musical experiences. Her career reflects a lifelong commitment to bridging cultures\, inspiring new generations\, and redefining the guzheng as a dynamic\, contemporary instrument. She was honored with the “Musician of the Heart” award in 2016 for her cultural impact and artistic dedication.   URL:https://oacc.cc/event/aapimentalhealthjam2024/ LOCATION:Oakland Asian Cultural Center\, 388 9th St. #290\, Oakland\, CA\, 94607\, United States CATEGORIES:Featured,Upcoming Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://oacc.cc/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/thumbnail-4.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Oakland Asian Cultural Center":MAILTO:programs@oacc.cc END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240614T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240727T170000 DTSTAMP:20260416T104346 CREATED:20240516T010352Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250306T184313Z UID:18767-1718366400-1722099600@oacc.cc SUMMARY:"Longing for Attachment" Exhibition DESCRIPTION:Saturday\, May 30\, 20267-9 pmFREE  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Celebrating the Zither: Asian American Identity and Cultural Survival invites audiences into a powerful musical journey with accomplished musicians Shirley Muramoto and Winnie Wong\, where tradition becomes resilience and heritage becomes liberation. Through the luminous sounds of the koto and guzheng\, this program explores how cultural access is not just preservation—but survival—especially in the wake of histories like Japanese American incarceration and the ongoing shaping of Asian American identity.   Though visually similar\, the koto and guzheng carry distinct cultural lineages\, each echoing stories of endurance\, adaptation\, and belonging. In this concert\, they meet in collaboration and creative reimagining—bridging past and present\, individuality and shared experience.   This is a celebration of multiplicity: of holding many worlds at once\, of honoring what makes us unique while finding connection through sound. Through new works\, cross-cultural dialogue\, and bold reinterpretations\, Celebrating the Zither offers a space where music becomes a living testament to identity\, memory\, and the freedom to define what it means to be Asian-American. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register for Free Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About Shirley Muramoto   Shirley Kazuyo Muramoto\, Koto musician\, teacher\, band leader\, filmmaker\, event producer\, has played the Japanese koto since a young child under the tutelage of her mother\, Kazuko Muramoto. She continued to study traditional Japanese koto and jiuta shamisen music with masters Chikushi Katsuko\, Kazue Kudo\, and Yoko Gates. Shirley plays the koto in various styles and genres\, expanding the repertoire of traditional music through collaborations\, arrangements\, and compositions.    Based in Oakland\, Calif.\, she received her Shihan koto teaching credential with Yushusho (highest) honors and her Dai Shihan master’s credential from the Chikushi Kai in Japan. This year is her official 50th anniversary since receiving her koto teaching certification. In 2012\, the Hokka Nichi Bei Kai inducted Shirley into the Bunka (Japanese cultural arts) Hall of Fame. In that same year\, the National Park Service’s Japanese American Confinement Sites Grant Program awarded her funding for the documentary film “Hidden Legacy: Japanese Traditional Performing Arts in the World War II Internment Camps” (2014)\, culminating her decades-long research on this little-known part of U.S. history.    In 2024\, Shirley became one of the artists awarded by the Alliance for California Traditional Arts and Mellon Foundation for the inaugural Taproot Fellowship’s recognition of traditional artists and culture bearers across the U.S. in 2024. Shirley continues to talk to students and organizations about the history of music in the WWII camps\, and the importance of keeping cultural heritage practices in our lives. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About Winnie Wong   Winnie Wong is a Hong Kong–born\, San Francisco–raised guzheng artist who began training at age four under virtuoso Weishan Liu and debuted publicly at five. Deeply rooted in her Chinese heritage\, she uses the guzheng not only to preserve tradition but to foster cultural connection and diversity within her community.   Over four decades\, Wong has built a distinctive artistic voice that blends Chinese classical and traditional music with jazz\, world music\, and improvisation. She is the founder of China’s Spirit Music Ensemble\, creating a nurturing space for students to develop both technical skill and cultural understanding. Expanding beyond tradition\, she performs as principal guzheng soloist with The Ultra World X-tet and collaborates in cross-cultural projects such as the Irish-Chinese duo Willow Stream and Asian zither collaborations.   Wong’s work is defined by storytelling through sound—her compositions weave imagery\, emotion\, and global influences into immersive musical experiences. Her career reflects a lifelong commitment to bridging cultures\, inspiring new generations\, and redefining the guzheng as a dynamic\, contemporary instrument. She was honored with the “Musician of the Heart” award in 2016 for her cultural impact and artistic dedication.   URL:https://oacc.cc/event/longingforattachment/ LOCATION:Oakland Asian Cultural Center\, 388 9th St. #290\, Oakland\, CA\, 94607\, United States CATEGORIES:Past Exhibitions ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://oacc.cc/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/thumbnail.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Oakland Asian Cultural Center":MAILTO:programs@oacc.cc END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240622T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240622T150000 DTSTAMP:20260416T104346 CREATED:20240501T215409Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240815T214302Z UID:18601-1719061200-1719068400@oacc.cc SUMMARY:"Searching for Kapwa" Film Screening and Discussion DESCRIPTION:Saturday\, May 30\, 20267-9 pmFREE  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Celebrating the Zither: Asian American Identity and Cultural Survival invites audiences into a powerful musical journey with accomplished musicians Shirley Muramoto and Winnie Wong\, where tradition becomes resilience and heritage becomes liberation. Through the luminous sounds of the koto and guzheng\, this program explores how cultural access is not just preservation—but survival—especially in the wake of histories like Japanese American incarceration and the ongoing shaping of Asian American identity.   Though visually similar\, the koto and guzheng carry distinct cultural lineages\, each echoing stories of endurance\, adaptation\, and belonging. In this concert\, they meet in collaboration and creative reimagining—bridging past and present\, individuality and shared experience.   This is a celebration of multiplicity: of holding many worlds at once\, of honoring what makes us unique while finding connection through sound. Through new works\, cross-cultural dialogue\, and bold reinterpretations\, Celebrating the Zither offers a space where music becomes a living testament to identity\, memory\, and the freedom to define what it means to be Asian-American. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register for Free Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About Shirley Muramoto   Shirley Kazuyo Muramoto\, Koto musician\, teacher\, band leader\, filmmaker\, event producer\, has played the Japanese koto since a young child under the tutelage of her mother\, Kazuko Muramoto. She continued to study traditional Japanese koto and jiuta shamisen music with masters Chikushi Katsuko\, Kazue Kudo\, and Yoko Gates. Shirley plays the koto in various styles and genres\, expanding the repertoire of traditional music through collaborations\, arrangements\, and compositions.    Based in Oakland\, Calif.\, she received her Shihan koto teaching credential with Yushusho (highest) honors and her Dai Shihan master’s credential from the Chikushi Kai in Japan. This year is her official 50th anniversary since receiving her koto teaching certification. In 2012\, the Hokka Nichi Bei Kai inducted Shirley into the Bunka (Japanese cultural arts) Hall of Fame. In that same year\, the National Park Service’s Japanese American Confinement Sites Grant Program awarded her funding for the documentary film “Hidden Legacy: Japanese Traditional Performing Arts in the World War II Internment Camps” (2014)\, culminating her decades-long research on this little-known part of U.S. history.    In 2024\, Shirley became one of the artists awarded by the Alliance for California Traditional Arts and Mellon Foundation for the inaugural Taproot Fellowship’s recognition of traditional artists and culture bearers across the U.S. in 2024. Shirley continues to talk to students and organizations about the history of music in the WWII camps\, and the importance of keeping cultural heritage practices in our lives. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About Winnie Wong   Winnie Wong is a Hong Kong–born\, San Francisco–raised guzheng artist who began training at age four under virtuoso Weishan Liu and debuted publicly at five. Deeply rooted in her Chinese heritage\, she uses the guzheng not only to preserve tradition but to foster cultural connection and diversity within her community.   Over four decades\, Wong has built a distinctive artistic voice that blends Chinese classical and traditional music with jazz\, world music\, and improvisation. She is the founder of China’s Spirit Music Ensemble\, creating a nurturing space for students to develop both technical skill and cultural understanding. Expanding beyond tradition\, she performs as principal guzheng soloist with The Ultra World X-tet and collaborates in cross-cultural projects such as the Irish-Chinese duo Willow Stream and Asian zither collaborations.   Wong’s work is defined by storytelling through sound—her compositions weave imagery\, emotion\, and global influences into immersive musical experiences. Her career reflects a lifelong commitment to bridging cultures\, inspiring new generations\, and redefining the guzheng as a dynamic\, contemporary instrument. She was honored with the “Musician of the Heart” award in 2016 for her cultural impact and artistic dedication.   URL:https://oacc.cc/event/searchingforkapwa/ LOCATION:Oakland Asian Cultural Center\, 388 9th St. #290\, Oakland\, CA\, 94607\, United States CATEGORIES:Featured,Past Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://oacc.cc/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/EDITED-WEBSITE-THUMBNAIL-1.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Oakland Asian Cultural Center":MAILTO:programs@oacc.cc END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240801T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240907T170000 DTSTAMP:20260416T104346 CREATED:20240709T234004Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240909T184423Z UID:19213-1722513600-1725728400@oacc.cc SUMMARY:Precious Beings Exhibition & Closing Reception DESCRIPTION:Saturday\, May 30\, 20267-9 pmFREE  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Celebrating the Zither: Asian American Identity and Cultural Survival invites audiences into a powerful musical journey with accomplished musicians Shirley Muramoto and Winnie Wong\, where tradition becomes resilience and heritage becomes liberation. Through the luminous sounds of the koto and guzheng\, this program explores how cultural access is not just preservation—but survival—especially in the wake of histories like Japanese American incarceration and the ongoing shaping of Asian American identity.   Though visually similar\, the koto and guzheng carry distinct cultural lineages\, each echoing stories of endurance\, adaptation\, and belonging. In this concert\, they meet in collaboration and creative reimagining—bridging past and present\, individuality and shared experience.   This is a celebration of multiplicity: of holding many worlds at once\, of honoring what makes us unique while finding connection through sound. Through new works\, cross-cultural dialogue\, and bold reinterpretations\, Celebrating the Zither offers a space where music becomes a living testament to identity\, memory\, and the freedom to define what it means to be Asian-American. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register for Free Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About Shirley Muramoto   Shirley Kazuyo Muramoto\, Koto musician\, teacher\, band leader\, filmmaker\, event producer\, has played the Japanese koto since a young child under the tutelage of her mother\, Kazuko Muramoto. She continued to study traditional Japanese koto and jiuta shamisen music with masters Chikushi Katsuko\, Kazue Kudo\, and Yoko Gates. Shirley plays the koto in various styles and genres\, expanding the repertoire of traditional music through collaborations\, arrangements\, and compositions.    Based in Oakland\, Calif.\, she received her Shihan koto teaching credential with Yushusho (highest) honors and her Dai Shihan master’s credential from the Chikushi Kai in Japan. This year is her official 50th anniversary since receiving her koto teaching certification. In 2012\, the Hokka Nichi Bei Kai inducted Shirley into the Bunka (Japanese cultural arts) Hall of Fame. In that same year\, the National Park Service’s Japanese American Confinement Sites Grant Program awarded her funding for the documentary film “Hidden Legacy: Japanese Traditional Performing Arts in the World War II Internment Camps” (2014)\, culminating her decades-long research on this little-known part of U.S. history.    In 2024\, Shirley became one of the artists awarded by the Alliance for California Traditional Arts and Mellon Foundation for the inaugural Taproot Fellowship’s recognition of traditional artists and culture bearers across the U.S. in 2024. Shirley continues to talk to students and organizations about the history of music in the WWII camps\, and the importance of keeping cultural heritage practices in our lives. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About Winnie Wong   Winnie Wong is a Hong Kong–born\, San Francisco–raised guzheng artist who began training at age four under virtuoso Weishan Liu and debuted publicly at five. Deeply rooted in her Chinese heritage\, she uses the guzheng not only to preserve tradition but to foster cultural connection and diversity within her community.   Over four decades\, Wong has built a distinctive artistic voice that blends Chinese classical and traditional music with jazz\, world music\, and improvisation. She is the founder of China’s Spirit Music Ensemble\, creating a nurturing space for students to develop both technical skill and cultural understanding. Expanding beyond tradition\, she performs as principal guzheng soloist with The Ultra World X-tet and collaborates in cross-cultural projects such as the Irish-Chinese duo Willow Stream and Asian zither collaborations.   Wong’s work is defined by storytelling through sound—her compositions weave imagery\, emotion\, and global influences into immersive musical experiences. Her career reflects a lifelong commitment to bridging cultures\, inspiring new generations\, and redefining the guzheng as a dynamic\, contemporary instrument. She was honored with the “Musician of the Heart” award in 2016 for her cultural impact and artistic dedication.   URL:https://oacc.cc/event/preciousbeings/ LOCATION:Oakland Asian Cultural Center\, 388 9th St. #290\, Oakland\, CA\, 94607\, United States CATEGORIES:Featured,Past Exhibitions ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://oacc.cc/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/precious-beings-exhibit-1.png ORGANIZER;CN="Oakland Asian Cultural Center":MAILTO:programs@oacc.cc END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240803T170000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240803T213000 DTSTAMP:20260416T104346 CREATED:20240710T002737Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240815T214223Z UID:19212-1722704400-1722720600@oacc.cc SUMMARY:BomBay to the Bay: a Garba Dance Festival DESCRIPTION:Saturday\, May 30\, 20267-9 pmFREE  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Celebrating the Zither: Asian American Identity and Cultural Survival invites audiences into a powerful musical journey with accomplished musicians Shirley Muramoto and Winnie Wong\, where tradition becomes resilience and heritage becomes liberation. Through the luminous sounds of the koto and guzheng\, this program explores how cultural access is not just preservation—but survival—especially in the wake of histories like Japanese American incarceration and the ongoing shaping of Asian American identity.   Though visually similar\, the koto and guzheng carry distinct cultural lineages\, each echoing stories of endurance\, adaptation\, and belonging. In this concert\, they meet in collaboration and creative reimagining—bridging past and present\, individuality and shared experience.   This is a celebration of multiplicity: of holding many worlds at once\, of honoring what makes us unique while finding connection through sound. Through new works\, cross-cultural dialogue\, and bold reinterpretations\, Celebrating the Zither offers a space where music becomes a living testament to identity\, memory\, and the freedom to define what it means to be Asian-American. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register for Free Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About Shirley Muramoto   Shirley Kazuyo Muramoto\, Koto musician\, teacher\, band leader\, filmmaker\, event producer\, has played the Japanese koto since a young child under the tutelage of her mother\, Kazuko Muramoto. She continued to study traditional Japanese koto and jiuta shamisen music with masters Chikushi Katsuko\, Kazue Kudo\, and Yoko Gates. Shirley plays the koto in various styles and genres\, expanding the repertoire of traditional music through collaborations\, arrangements\, and compositions.    Based in Oakland\, Calif.\, she received her Shihan koto teaching credential with Yushusho (highest) honors and her Dai Shihan master’s credential from the Chikushi Kai in Japan. This year is her official 50th anniversary since receiving her koto teaching certification. In 2012\, the Hokka Nichi Bei Kai inducted Shirley into the Bunka (Japanese cultural arts) Hall of Fame. In that same year\, the National Park Service’s Japanese American Confinement Sites Grant Program awarded her funding for the documentary film “Hidden Legacy: Japanese Traditional Performing Arts in the World War II Internment Camps” (2014)\, culminating her decades-long research on this little-known part of U.S. history.    In 2024\, Shirley became one of the artists awarded by the Alliance for California Traditional Arts and Mellon Foundation for the inaugural Taproot Fellowship’s recognition of traditional artists and culture bearers across the U.S. in 2024. Shirley continues to talk to students and organizations about the history of music in the WWII camps\, and the importance of keeping cultural heritage practices in our lives. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About Winnie Wong   Winnie Wong is a Hong Kong–born\, San Francisco–raised guzheng artist who began training at age four under virtuoso Weishan Liu and debuted publicly at five. Deeply rooted in her Chinese heritage\, she uses the guzheng not only to preserve tradition but to foster cultural connection and diversity within her community.   Over four decades\, Wong has built a distinctive artistic voice that blends Chinese classical and traditional music with jazz\, world music\, and improvisation. She is the founder of China’s Spirit Music Ensemble\, creating a nurturing space for students to develop both technical skill and cultural understanding. Expanding beyond tradition\, she performs as principal guzheng soloist with The Ultra World X-tet and collaborates in cross-cultural projects such as the Irish-Chinese duo Willow Stream and Asian zither collaborations.   Wong’s work is defined by storytelling through sound—her compositions weave imagery\, emotion\, and global influences into immersive musical experiences. Her career reflects a lifelong commitment to bridging cultures\, inspiring new generations\, and redefining the guzheng as a dynamic\, contemporary instrument. She was honored with the “Musician of the Heart” award in 2016 for her cultural impact and artistic dedication.   URL:https://oacc.cc/event/bombaytothebay/ LOCATION:Oakland Asian Cultural Center\, 388 9th St. #290\, Oakland\, CA\, 94607\, United States CATEGORIES:Featured,Past Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://oacc.cc/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/thumbnail-1.png ORGANIZER;CN="Oakland Asian Cultural Center":MAILTO:programs@oacc.cc END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240907T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240907T163000 DTSTAMP:20260416T104346 CREATED:20240814T235924Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240908T000830Z UID:19383-1725714000-1725726600@oacc.cc SUMMARY:Celebrating Our HeART-filled Heritage: Hālau O Keikiali’i in Performance DESCRIPTION:Saturday\, May 30\, 20267-9 pmFREE  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Celebrating the Zither: Asian American Identity and Cultural Survival invites audiences into a powerful musical journey with accomplished musicians Shirley Muramoto and Winnie Wong\, where tradition becomes resilience and heritage becomes liberation. Through the luminous sounds of the koto and guzheng\, this program explores how cultural access is not just preservation—but survival—especially in the wake of histories like Japanese American incarceration and the ongoing shaping of Asian American identity.   Though visually similar\, the koto and guzheng carry distinct cultural lineages\, each echoing stories of endurance\, adaptation\, and belonging. In this concert\, they meet in collaboration and creative reimagining—bridging past and present\, individuality and shared experience.   This is a celebration of multiplicity: of holding many worlds at once\, of honoring what makes us unique while finding connection through sound. Through new works\, cross-cultural dialogue\, and bold reinterpretations\, Celebrating the Zither offers a space where music becomes a living testament to identity\, memory\, and the freedom to define what it means to be Asian-American. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register for Free Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About Shirley Muramoto   Shirley Kazuyo Muramoto\, Koto musician\, teacher\, band leader\, filmmaker\, event producer\, has played the Japanese koto since a young child under the tutelage of her mother\, Kazuko Muramoto. She continued to study traditional Japanese koto and jiuta shamisen music with masters Chikushi Katsuko\, Kazue Kudo\, and Yoko Gates. Shirley plays the koto in various styles and genres\, expanding the repertoire of traditional music through collaborations\, arrangements\, and compositions.    Based in Oakland\, Calif.\, she received her Shihan koto teaching credential with Yushusho (highest) honors and her Dai Shihan master’s credential from the Chikushi Kai in Japan. This year is her official 50th anniversary since receiving her koto teaching certification. In 2012\, the Hokka Nichi Bei Kai inducted Shirley into the Bunka (Japanese cultural arts) Hall of Fame. In that same year\, the National Park Service’s Japanese American Confinement Sites Grant Program awarded her funding for the documentary film “Hidden Legacy: Japanese Traditional Performing Arts in the World War II Internment Camps” (2014)\, culminating her decades-long research on this little-known part of U.S. history.    In 2024\, Shirley became one of the artists awarded by the Alliance for California Traditional Arts and Mellon Foundation for the inaugural Taproot Fellowship’s recognition of traditional artists and culture bearers across the U.S. in 2024. Shirley continues to talk to students and organizations about the history of music in the WWII camps\, and the importance of keeping cultural heritage practices in our lives. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About Winnie Wong   Winnie Wong is a Hong Kong–born\, San Francisco–raised guzheng artist who began training at age four under virtuoso Weishan Liu and debuted publicly at five. Deeply rooted in her Chinese heritage\, she uses the guzheng not only to preserve tradition but to foster cultural connection and diversity within her community.   Over four decades\, Wong has built a distinctive artistic voice that blends Chinese classical and traditional music with jazz\, world music\, and improvisation. She is the founder of China’s Spirit Music Ensemble\, creating a nurturing space for students to develop both technical skill and cultural understanding. Expanding beyond tradition\, she performs as principal guzheng soloist with The Ultra World X-tet and collaborates in cross-cultural projects such as the Irish-Chinese duo Willow Stream and Asian zither collaborations.   Wong’s work is defined by storytelling through sound—her compositions weave imagery\, emotion\, and global influences into immersive musical experiences. Her career reflects a lifelong commitment to bridging cultures\, inspiring new generations\, and redefining the guzheng as a dynamic\, contemporary instrument. She was honored with the “Musician of the Heart” award in 2016 for her cultural impact and artistic dedication.   URL:https://oacc.cc/event/cohhhalauokeikialii/ LOCATION:Oakland Asian Cultural Center\, 388 9th St. #290\, Oakland\, CA\, 94607\, United States CATEGORIES:Featured,Past Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://oacc.cc/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/decorative-thumbnail.png ORGANIZER;CN="Oakland Asian Cultural Center":MAILTO:programs@oacc.cc END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240918T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20241109T170000 DTSTAMP:20260416T104346 CREATED:20240819T204131Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240922T220659Z UID:19431-1726660800-1731171600@oacc.cc SUMMARY:AAPI Voters Have Power Exhibition DESCRIPTION:Saturday\, May 30\, 20267-9 pmFREE  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Celebrating the Zither: Asian American Identity and Cultural Survival invites audiences into a powerful musical journey with accomplished musicians Shirley Muramoto and Winnie Wong\, where tradition becomes resilience and heritage becomes liberation. Through the luminous sounds of the koto and guzheng\, this program explores how cultural access is not just preservation—but survival—especially in the wake of histories like Japanese American incarceration and the ongoing shaping of Asian American identity.   Though visually similar\, the koto and guzheng carry distinct cultural lineages\, each echoing stories of endurance\, adaptation\, and belonging. In this concert\, they meet in collaboration and creative reimagining—bridging past and present\, individuality and shared experience.   This is a celebration of multiplicity: of holding many worlds at once\, of honoring what makes us unique while finding connection through sound. Through new works\, cross-cultural dialogue\, and bold reinterpretations\, Celebrating the Zither offers a space where music becomes a living testament to identity\, memory\, and the freedom to define what it means to be Asian-American. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register for Free Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About Shirley Muramoto   Shirley Kazuyo Muramoto\, Koto musician\, teacher\, band leader\, filmmaker\, event producer\, has played the Japanese koto since a young child under the tutelage of her mother\, Kazuko Muramoto. She continued to study traditional Japanese koto and jiuta shamisen music with masters Chikushi Katsuko\, Kazue Kudo\, and Yoko Gates. Shirley plays the koto in various styles and genres\, expanding the repertoire of traditional music through collaborations\, arrangements\, and compositions.    Based in Oakland\, Calif.\, she received her Shihan koto teaching credential with Yushusho (highest) honors and her Dai Shihan master’s credential from the Chikushi Kai in Japan. This year is her official 50th anniversary since receiving her koto teaching certification. In 2012\, the Hokka Nichi Bei Kai inducted Shirley into the Bunka (Japanese cultural arts) Hall of Fame. In that same year\, the National Park Service’s Japanese American Confinement Sites Grant Program awarded her funding for the documentary film “Hidden Legacy: Japanese Traditional Performing Arts in the World War II Internment Camps” (2014)\, culminating her decades-long research on this little-known part of U.S. history.    In 2024\, Shirley became one of the artists awarded by the Alliance for California Traditional Arts and Mellon Foundation for the inaugural Taproot Fellowship’s recognition of traditional artists and culture bearers across the U.S. in 2024. Shirley continues to talk to students and organizations about the history of music in the WWII camps\, and the importance of keeping cultural heritage practices in our lives. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About Winnie Wong   Winnie Wong is a Hong Kong–born\, San Francisco–raised guzheng artist who began training at age four under virtuoso Weishan Liu and debuted publicly at five. Deeply rooted in her Chinese heritage\, she uses the guzheng not only to preserve tradition but to foster cultural connection and diversity within her community.   Over four decades\, Wong has built a distinctive artistic voice that blends Chinese classical and traditional music with jazz\, world music\, and improvisation. She is the founder of China’s Spirit Music Ensemble\, creating a nurturing space for students to develop both technical skill and cultural understanding. Expanding beyond tradition\, she performs as principal guzheng soloist with The Ultra World X-tet and collaborates in cross-cultural projects such as the Irish-Chinese duo Willow Stream and Asian zither collaborations.   Wong’s work is defined by storytelling through sound—her compositions weave imagery\, emotion\, and global influences into immersive musical experiences. Her career reflects a lifelong commitment to bridging cultures\, inspiring new generations\, and redefining the guzheng as a dynamic\, contemporary instrument. She was honored with the “Musician of the Heart” award in 2016 for her cultural impact and artistic dedication.   URL:https://oacc.cc/event/aapivotershavepower/ LOCATION:Oakland Asian Cultural Center\, 388 9th St. #290\, Oakland\, CA\, 94607\, United States CATEGORIES:Current Exhibitions ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://oacc.cc/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/thumbnail-10.png ORGANIZER;CN="Oakland Asian Cultural Center":MAILTO:programs@oacc.cc END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240922T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240922T143000 DTSTAMP:20260416T104346 CREATED:20240801T180527Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240922T220545Z UID:19346-1727010000-1727015400@oacc.cc SUMMARY:"Simone" Book Release & Reading DESCRIPTION:Saturday\, May 30\, 20267-9 pmFREE  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Celebrating the Zither: Asian American Identity and Cultural Survival invites audiences into a powerful musical journey with accomplished musicians Shirley Muramoto and Winnie Wong\, where tradition becomes resilience and heritage becomes liberation. Through the luminous sounds of the koto and guzheng\, this program explores how cultural access is not just preservation—but survival—especially in the wake of histories like Japanese American incarceration and the ongoing shaping of Asian American identity.   Though visually similar\, the koto and guzheng carry distinct cultural lineages\, each echoing stories of endurance\, adaptation\, and belonging. In this concert\, they meet in collaboration and creative reimagining—bridging past and present\, individuality and shared experience.   This is a celebration of multiplicity: of holding many worlds at once\, of honoring what makes us unique while finding connection through sound. Through new works\, cross-cultural dialogue\, and bold reinterpretations\, Celebrating the Zither offers a space where music becomes a living testament to identity\, memory\, and the freedom to define what it means to be Asian-American. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register for Free Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About Shirley Muramoto   Shirley Kazuyo Muramoto\, Koto musician\, teacher\, band leader\, filmmaker\, event producer\, has played the Japanese koto since a young child under the tutelage of her mother\, Kazuko Muramoto. She continued to study traditional Japanese koto and jiuta shamisen music with masters Chikushi Katsuko\, Kazue Kudo\, and Yoko Gates. Shirley plays the koto in various styles and genres\, expanding the repertoire of traditional music through collaborations\, arrangements\, and compositions.    Based in Oakland\, Calif.\, she received her Shihan koto teaching credential with Yushusho (highest) honors and her Dai Shihan master’s credential from the Chikushi Kai in Japan. This year is her official 50th anniversary since receiving her koto teaching certification. In 2012\, the Hokka Nichi Bei Kai inducted Shirley into the Bunka (Japanese cultural arts) Hall of Fame. In that same year\, the National Park Service’s Japanese American Confinement Sites Grant Program awarded her funding for the documentary film “Hidden Legacy: Japanese Traditional Performing Arts in the World War II Internment Camps” (2014)\, culminating her decades-long research on this little-known part of U.S. history.    In 2024\, Shirley became one of the artists awarded by the Alliance for California Traditional Arts and Mellon Foundation for the inaugural Taproot Fellowship’s recognition of traditional artists and culture bearers across the U.S. in 2024. Shirley continues to talk to students and organizations about the history of music in the WWII camps\, and the importance of keeping cultural heritage practices in our lives. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About Winnie Wong   Winnie Wong is a Hong Kong–born\, San Francisco–raised guzheng artist who began training at age four under virtuoso Weishan Liu and debuted publicly at five. Deeply rooted in her Chinese heritage\, she uses the guzheng not only to preserve tradition but to foster cultural connection and diversity within her community.   Over four decades\, Wong has built a distinctive artistic voice that blends Chinese classical and traditional music with jazz\, world music\, and improvisation. She is the founder of China’s Spirit Music Ensemble\, creating a nurturing space for students to develop both technical skill and cultural understanding. Expanding beyond tradition\, she performs as principal guzheng soloist with The Ultra World X-tet and collaborates in cross-cultural projects such as the Irish-Chinese duo Willow Stream and Asian zither collaborations.   Wong’s work is defined by storytelling through sound—her compositions weave imagery\, emotion\, and global influences into immersive musical experiences. Her career reflects a lifelong commitment to bridging cultures\, inspiring new generations\, and redefining the guzheng as a dynamic\, contemporary instrument. She was honored with the “Musician of the Heart” award in 2016 for her cultural impact and artistic dedication.   URL:https://oacc.cc/event/simone/ LOCATION:Oakland Asian Cultural Center\, 388 9th St. #290\, Oakland\, CA\, 94607\, United States CATEGORIES:Featured,Past Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://oacc.cc/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/SIMONE-NEW-PRICE.png ORGANIZER;CN="Oakland Asian Cultural Center":MAILTO:programs@oacc.cc END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240927T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240927T200000 DTSTAMP:20260416T104346 CREATED:20240830T175910Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241014T170605Z UID:19720-1727460000-1727467200@oacc.cc SUMMARY:A Short Film Screening and Book Reading Exploring Cambodian & Queer Identity with Jean-Baptiste Phou DESCRIPTION:Saturday\, May 30\, 20267-9 pmFREE  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Celebrating the Zither: Asian American Identity and Cultural Survival invites audiences into a powerful musical journey with accomplished musicians Shirley Muramoto and Winnie Wong\, where tradition becomes resilience and heritage becomes liberation. Through the luminous sounds of the koto and guzheng\, this program explores how cultural access is not just preservation—but survival—especially in the wake of histories like Japanese American incarceration and the ongoing shaping of Asian American identity.   Though visually similar\, the koto and guzheng carry distinct cultural lineages\, each echoing stories of endurance\, adaptation\, and belonging. In this concert\, they meet in collaboration and creative reimagining—bridging past and present\, individuality and shared experience.   This is a celebration of multiplicity: of holding many worlds at once\, of honoring what makes us unique while finding connection through sound. Through new works\, cross-cultural dialogue\, and bold reinterpretations\, Celebrating the Zither offers a space where music becomes a living testament to identity\, memory\, and the freedom to define what it means to be Asian-American. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register for Free Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About Shirley Muramoto   Shirley Kazuyo Muramoto\, Koto musician\, teacher\, band leader\, filmmaker\, event producer\, has played the Japanese koto since a young child under the tutelage of her mother\, Kazuko Muramoto. She continued to study traditional Japanese koto and jiuta shamisen music with masters Chikushi Katsuko\, Kazue Kudo\, and Yoko Gates. Shirley plays the koto in various styles and genres\, expanding the repertoire of traditional music through collaborations\, arrangements\, and compositions.    Based in Oakland\, Calif.\, she received her Shihan koto teaching credential with Yushusho (highest) honors and her Dai Shihan master’s credential from the Chikushi Kai in Japan. This year is her official 50th anniversary since receiving her koto teaching certification. In 2012\, the Hokka Nichi Bei Kai inducted Shirley into the Bunka (Japanese cultural arts) Hall of Fame. In that same year\, the National Park Service’s Japanese American Confinement Sites Grant Program awarded her funding for the documentary film “Hidden Legacy: Japanese Traditional Performing Arts in the World War II Internment Camps” (2014)\, culminating her decades-long research on this little-known part of U.S. history.    In 2024\, Shirley became one of the artists awarded by the Alliance for California Traditional Arts and Mellon Foundation for the inaugural Taproot Fellowship’s recognition of traditional artists and culture bearers across the U.S. in 2024. Shirley continues to talk to students and organizations about the history of music in the WWII camps\, and the importance of keeping cultural heritage practices in our lives. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About Winnie Wong   Winnie Wong is a Hong Kong–born\, San Francisco–raised guzheng artist who began training at age four under virtuoso Weishan Liu and debuted publicly at five. Deeply rooted in her Chinese heritage\, she uses the guzheng not only to preserve tradition but to foster cultural connection and diversity within her community.   Over four decades\, Wong has built a distinctive artistic voice that blends Chinese classical and traditional music with jazz\, world music\, and improvisation. She is the founder of China’s Spirit Music Ensemble\, creating a nurturing space for students to develop both technical skill and cultural understanding. Expanding beyond tradition\, she performs as principal guzheng soloist with The Ultra World X-tet and collaborates in cross-cultural projects such as the Irish-Chinese duo Willow Stream and Asian zither collaborations.   Wong’s work is defined by storytelling through sound—her compositions weave imagery\, emotion\, and global influences into immersive musical experiences. Her career reflects a lifelong commitment to bridging cultures\, inspiring new generations\, and redefining the guzheng as a dynamic\, contemporary instrument. She was honored with the “Musician of the Heart” award in 2016 for her cultural impact and artistic dedication.   URL:https://oacc.cc/event/mymotherstongue-comingoutofmyskin/ LOCATION:Oakland Asian Cultural Center\, 388 9th St. #290\, Oakland\, CA\, 94607\, United States CATEGORIES:Past Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://oacc.cc/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/thumbnail-14.png ORGANIZER;CN="Oakland Asian Cultural Center":MAILTO:programs@oacc.cc END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240929T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240929T150000 DTSTAMP:20260416T104346 CREATED:20240823T160615Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241014T170459Z UID:19636-1727614800-1727622000@oacc.cc SUMMARY:Speed Weave Loom Mending DESCRIPTION:Saturday\, May 30\, 20267-9 pmFREE  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Celebrating the Zither: Asian American Identity and Cultural Survival invites audiences into a powerful musical journey with accomplished musicians Shirley Muramoto and Winnie Wong\, where tradition becomes resilience and heritage becomes liberation. Through the luminous sounds of the koto and guzheng\, this program explores how cultural access is not just preservation—but survival—especially in the wake of histories like Japanese American incarceration and the ongoing shaping of Asian American identity.   Though visually similar\, the koto and guzheng carry distinct cultural lineages\, each echoing stories of endurance\, adaptation\, and belonging. In this concert\, they meet in collaboration and creative reimagining—bridging past and present\, individuality and shared experience.   This is a celebration of multiplicity: of holding many worlds at once\, of honoring what makes us unique while finding connection through sound. Through new works\, cross-cultural dialogue\, and bold reinterpretations\, Celebrating the Zither offers a space where music becomes a living testament to identity\, memory\, and the freedom to define what it means to be Asian-American. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register for Free Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About Shirley Muramoto   Shirley Kazuyo Muramoto\, Koto musician\, teacher\, band leader\, filmmaker\, event producer\, has played the Japanese koto since a young child under the tutelage of her mother\, Kazuko Muramoto. She continued to study traditional Japanese koto and jiuta shamisen music with masters Chikushi Katsuko\, Kazue Kudo\, and Yoko Gates. Shirley plays the koto in various styles and genres\, expanding the repertoire of traditional music through collaborations\, arrangements\, and compositions.    Based in Oakland\, Calif.\, she received her Shihan koto teaching credential with Yushusho (highest) honors and her Dai Shihan master’s credential from the Chikushi Kai in Japan. This year is her official 50th anniversary since receiving her koto teaching certification. In 2012\, the Hokka Nichi Bei Kai inducted Shirley into the Bunka (Japanese cultural arts) Hall of Fame. In that same year\, the National Park Service’s Japanese American Confinement Sites Grant Program awarded her funding for the documentary film “Hidden Legacy: Japanese Traditional Performing Arts in the World War II Internment Camps” (2014)\, culminating her decades-long research on this little-known part of U.S. history.    In 2024\, Shirley became one of the artists awarded by the Alliance for California Traditional Arts and Mellon Foundation for the inaugural Taproot Fellowship’s recognition of traditional artists and culture bearers across the U.S. in 2024. Shirley continues to talk to students and organizations about the history of music in the WWII camps\, and the importance of keeping cultural heritage practices in our lives. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About Winnie Wong   Winnie Wong is a Hong Kong–born\, San Francisco–raised guzheng artist who began training at age four under virtuoso Weishan Liu and debuted publicly at five. Deeply rooted in her Chinese heritage\, she uses the guzheng not only to preserve tradition but to foster cultural connection and diversity within her community.   Over four decades\, Wong has built a distinctive artistic voice that blends Chinese classical and traditional music with jazz\, world music\, and improvisation. She is the founder of China’s Spirit Music Ensemble\, creating a nurturing space for students to develop both technical skill and cultural understanding. Expanding beyond tradition\, she performs as principal guzheng soloist with The Ultra World X-tet and collaborates in cross-cultural projects such as the Irish-Chinese duo Willow Stream and Asian zither collaborations.   Wong’s work is defined by storytelling through sound—her compositions weave imagery\, emotion\, and global influences into immersive musical experiences. Her career reflects a lifelong commitment to bridging cultures\, inspiring new generations\, and redefining the guzheng as a dynamic\, contemporary instrument. She was honored with the “Musician of the Heart” award in 2016 for her cultural impact and artistic dedication.   URL:https://oacc.cc/event/speedweaveloommending/ LOCATION:Oakland Asian Cultural Center\, 388 9th St. #290\, Oakland\, CA\, 94607\, United States CATEGORIES:Past Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://oacc.cc/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/ENGLISH.png ORGANIZER;CN="Oakland Asian Cultural Center":MAILTO:programs@oacc.cc END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20241011T183000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20241011T200000 DTSTAMP:20260416T104346 CREATED:20240926T180105Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241014T170419Z UID:20070-1728671400-1728676800@oacc.cc SUMMARY:"Background Artist: The Life and Work of Tyrus Wong." A Book Reading and Conversation with Author Karen Fang DESCRIPTION:Saturday\, May 30\, 20267-9 pmFREE  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Celebrating the Zither: Asian American Identity and Cultural Survival invites audiences into a powerful musical journey with accomplished musicians Shirley Muramoto and Winnie Wong\, where tradition becomes resilience and heritage becomes liberation. Through the luminous sounds of the koto and guzheng\, this program explores how cultural access is not just preservation—but survival—especially in the wake of histories like Japanese American incarceration and the ongoing shaping of Asian American identity.   Though visually similar\, the koto and guzheng carry distinct cultural lineages\, each echoing stories of endurance\, adaptation\, and belonging. In this concert\, they meet in collaboration and creative reimagining—bridging past and present\, individuality and shared experience.   This is a celebration of multiplicity: of holding many worlds at once\, of honoring what makes us unique while finding connection through sound. Through new works\, cross-cultural dialogue\, and bold reinterpretations\, Celebrating the Zither offers a space where music becomes a living testament to identity\, memory\, and the freedom to define what it means to be Asian-American. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register for Free Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About Shirley Muramoto   Shirley Kazuyo Muramoto\, Koto musician\, teacher\, band leader\, filmmaker\, event producer\, has played the Japanese koto since a young child under the tutelage of her mother\, Kazuko Muramoto. She continued to study traditional Japanese koto and jiuta shamisen music with masters Chikushi Katsuko\, Kazue Kudo\, and Yoko Gates. Shirley plays the koto in various styles and genres\, expanding the repertoire of traditional music through collaborations\, arrangements\, and compositions.    Based in Oakland\, Calif.\, she received her Shihan koto teaching credential with Yushusho (highest) honors and her Dai Shihan master’s credential from the Chikushi Kai in Japan. This year is her official 50th anniversary since receiving her koto teaching certification. In 2012\, the Hokka Nichi Bei Kai inducted Shirley into the Bunka (Japanese cultural arts) Hall of Fame. In that same year\, the National Park Service’s Japanese American Confinement Sites Grant Program awarded her funding for the documentary film “Hidden Legacy: Japanese Traditional Performing Arts in the World War II Internment Camps” (2014)\, culminating her decades-long research on this little-known part of U.S. history.    In 2024\, Shirley became one of the artists awarded by the Alliance for California Traditional Arts and Mellon Foundation for the inaugural Taproot Fellowship’s recognition of traditional artists and culture bearers across the U.S. in 2024. Shirley continues to talk to students and organizations about the history of music in the WWII camps\, and the importance of keeping cultural heritage practices in our lives. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About Winnie Wong   Winnie Wong is a Hong Kong–born\, San Francisco–raised guzheng artist who began training at age four under virtuoso Weishan Liu and debuted publicly at five. Deeply rooted in her Chinese heritage\, she uses the guzheng not only to preserve tradition but to foster cultural connection and diversity within her community.   Over four decades\, Wong has built a distinctive artistic voice that blends Chinese classical and traditional music with jazz\, world music\, and improvisation. She is the founder of China’s Spirit Music Ensemble\, creating a nurturing space for students to develop both technical skill and cultural understanding. Expanding beyond tradition\, she performs as principal guzheng soloist with The Ultra World X-tet and collaborates in cross-cultural projects such as the Irish-Chinese duo Willow Stream and Asian zither collaborations.   Wong’s work is defined by storytelling through sound—her compositions weave imagery\, emotion\, and global influences into immersive musical experiences. Her career reflects a lifelong commitment to bridging cultures\, inspiring new generations\, and redefining the guzheng as a dynamic\, contemporary instrument. She was honored with the “Musician of the Heart” award in 2016 for her cultural impact and artistic dedication.   URL:https://oacc.cc/event/backgroundartist/ LOCATION:Oakland Asian Cultural Center\, 388 9th St. #290\, Oakland\, CA\, 94607\, United States CATEGORIES:Past Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://oacc.cc/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/updated-flyer.png ORGANIZER;CN="Oakland Asian Cultural Center":MAILTO:programs@oacc.cc END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR