AAPI Poets on Power and Presence

Asia Society and the AAPI Jazz Collective presents a vibrant event celebrating the poetry, song, and spoken word of Asian diaspora communities. As part of our celebration of AAPI Heritage Month, this event will weave together personal stories of migration, identity, and belonging with rhythmic expression and cultural fusion.

The AAPI Jazz Collective is an all-star ensemble featuring AAPI jazz artists throughout the tri-state area. Formed in 2019 by Taiwanese-American trombonist, Peter Lin, this ensemble strives to promote empathy through passionate musical expression as well as highlighting the band’s cultural roots. The AAPI Jazz Collective performs jazz-infused arrangements of classic and traditional Asian songs, as well as exciting originals they appropriately label as “The New Asian Songbook”. Their debut album, titled Identity and released on Origin Records, is not only a proper representation of their long relationship together, but also a guiding light for many other young AAPI artists looking for inspiration. The AAPI Jazz Collective has performed at the AAPI Jazz Fest, the MET Museum Lunar New Year Celebration, the New York Asian Film Festival, as well as many other venues and festivals.

AAPI Jazz Collective Band
Peter Lin - trombone & bandleader / producer
Mike Bond - piano
Mỹ Tâm Huynh - vocals
Marty Kenney - bass
Malaya Sol - vocals
Erena Terakubo - alto sax / flute
Wen-Ting Wu - drums

Poets
Emdash AKA Emily Lu Gao (高璐璐)
Diya Abbas
Leilani
Mansi Dahal
Rachel Jihye Han