Aquarium of the Pacific's 24th Autumn Festival Fuses Music and Culture

Despite thunderstorm warnings and heavy rain, the Aquarium of the Pacific's 24th Annual Autumn Festival proceeded as planned, celebrating the rich traditions of China, Japan, Korea, and the Philippines.

 

Over the weekend, approximately 100 attendees gathered to experience a vibrant showcase of cultural performances and exhibits.

 

Families and friends danced, laughed, and immersed themselves in diverse arts and cultures from around the world.

 

One of the standout performances was Wei Zhong's Changing Faces act, leaving many in the audience both smiling and speechless.

 

Another highlight was the Kim Eung Hwa & Korean Dance Academy, whose performers captivated spectators just before receiving special recognition from the aquarium.

 

"I think it's an amazing opportunity to explore different cultures that we might not encounter daily," said attendee Burgundy James.

 

"It's a wonderful display of friendly, warm, welcoming people willing to share their culture with us."

 

James, visiting Long Beach for the first time, particularly enjoyed the interactive segment with the Long Beach Ondo Group, where the public joined in dancing alongside the musicians.

 

Festival organizer Chelsey Coleman emphasized the event's role in fostering community connections.

 

"I think it's pretty amazing how it can get the whole family involved and help people learn about their neighbors," Coleman said.

 

"It's important right now because there's more trying to divide us than keep us together."

 

The aquarium honored Eung Hwa Kim, founder and executive of the non-profit Kim Eung Hwa & Korean Dance Academy, for her contributions to cultural education and awareness.

 

"It took me by surprise, but I'm thankful to be a recipient as a representation of Korean culture," Kim said.

 

"My goal has always been to expose Korean culture more to the general public and let more people know about it."

 

Viorhythm, a Violin Pop Fusion ensemble, was among the most popular groups, drawing large crowds to the Honda Blue Cavern.

 

Audience members danced along to various anime theme songs and even PSY's classic hit, "Gangnam Style."

 

Poshi Kawanishi, daughter of Viorhythm's main violinist, danced enthusiastically to every song, her energy infectious among the crowd.

 

"I love it," Kawanishi said about Viorhythm's performance and the festival.

 

"It's a mix of different cultures, bringing Asian culture to the exhibition, letting us play; it's amazing."

 

Art Nakane, a one-man band, performed six times over the weekend, marking his 21st year at the festival.

 

"It's just my pleasure; I always look forward to it," Nakane said.

 

He blended electronic keyboard samples with maracas and cymbals, engaging the audience with personalized songs.

 

"I think it's important for people to take the time to explore other cultures outside of their own," James said.

 

"To understand that while there are many differences among us, at the end of the day, we're all people."