- The Beverly Arts
- May 29
Updated: Jun 14
Pasadena, California, USA. 24th May, 2025. In celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, Elite Performing Arts Group USA proudly presented the original musical stage play The Three Golden Flowers on May 24th at the AGBU Cultural Center in Pasadena. The production features three moving stories that blend theater, music, and stagecraft to depict the lives of three iconic Chinese cultural pioneers. At the conclusion of each segment, a Golden Flower Award ceremony was held to honor these luminaries. The event drew distinguished guests from the artistic, academic, and political communities of both China and the U.S., bearing witness to this East-West cultural exchange and paying tribute to three individuals who have left a lasting mark on modern Chinese art and culture.
Scene from The Three Golden Flowers
Scene from The Three Golden Flowers
The Golden Flower Award was established to honor individuals and organizations that have made outstanding contributions to cultural heritage and original artistic creation. More than a symbol of honor, the award serves as a vital platform connecting Eastern and Western traditions, the past and present, and domestic and global communities. It aims to rekindle public appreciation and love for traditional culture, allowing the “golden flowers” to take root and bloom in people’s hearts. The award upholds the principle of “innovation with integrity,” encouraging artists to remain rooted in their cultural identities while bravely exploring creative expression in a multicultural world.
The performance was met with enthusiastic acclaim, and the concert hall was filled to capacity.
The first Golden Flower Award was presented posthumously to renowned Chinese American playwright C.Y. Lee, whose classic work Flower Drum Song marked a milestone as the first Broadway show about Chinese Americans. Veteran filmmaker Woody Mu brought two rare editions of Into Broadway to the ceremony and spoke about the historical importance of Lee’s works. The awards were presented by Michael Berry, UCLA professor and Golden Horse Awards jury member, and Richard Anderson, Oscar and Emmy-winning producer. The award was received by Elaine Thomas, president of the Joy Luck Club Association, on behalf of C.Y. Lee’s children, Angela and Jay Lee.
Presenters shows photo of playwright C.Y. Lee, best known for the "Flower Drum Song" - he was honored posthumously with an award
TV host Joey Zhou, founder of the Los Angeles Beverly Arts (LABA) narrates the beginning of the play.
The second award honored pioneering Chinese female artist Zhou Lianxia, known for her delicate bird-and-flower paintings and her work in integrating poetry, calligraphy, and painting. A founding supporter of China’s first female painters’ association, Zhou remains a key figure in modern Chinese art history. The award was presented by Sun Xiaohua, president of the North American International Calligraphy and Painting Institute, and acclaimed overseas Chinese painter Situ Mian. Zhou’s son Xu Yuzhong, grandson Xu Yin, and great-grandson Xu Zili accepted the award in her honor.
Honorees and presenters gather on the stage
Honoree walks on stage to accept his award
The third honoree was Huang Zi, a foundational figure in modern Chinese music. He introduced Western harmonic systems and composition techniques into Chinese music, created the country’s first symphonic work, and pioneered a style of art songs fusing Eastern and Western sensibilities. The award was presented by former Los Angeles County Supervisor Michael Antonovich and received by Huang Zi’s grandson Huang Weiand nephew Huang Ertao. Also present were Huang Wei’s wife Guo Xiaohong, and Huang Ertao’s wife, noted architect Zhang Kequn, both of whom joined the performance alongside the West Sunset Men’s Choir.
In a special highlight of the evening, Michael Antonovich also presented a California State Assembly honorary certificate on behalf of Dr. Phillip Chen to recognize the production team, including Golden Horse-winning director Yang Dunping (Executive Producer), Sheng Yili (Producer), Luo Xinghua (Director), Gu Shanshan (Drama Consultant), Peng Nanlin
(Executive Producer), and Yi Huang (Artistic Director).
Michael Antonovich, former Los Angeles County Supervisor (3rd left) with honorees of of certificates of recognition he presented
Also in attendance were former U.S. Deputy Secretary of Education Dr. Zhang Manjun, documentary filmmaker Harrison Engle (who has directed the Oscars seven times), Emmy-winning Broadway/Hollywood actress Grace Field, actors Hu Huiling, Karen Hahn, three-time Oscar winner Paul Ottosson, producer Lindsay Hadley, Oscar-winning VFX artist Brian Connor, designer Sandra Costa, filmmaker Michelle Pangborn, actor Richard Grieco, singer Blanca, designer Katherine Lu, martial arts choreographer Li Jing, producer Joshua Azali, host and architect Zhuo Lei, linguist Wang Ling, poet Shen Meiying, director Jia Yiping, painter Katherine Arion, and producers Pete Allman, Joss Gome, and Lin Cong. Additional honored guests included former Writers Association president Bei Ao, president of the Zhejiang Chamber of Commerce USA Lin Guang, founding president of the Yunnan Association Huang Jing, and U.S. Public Affairs president Zhou Kai. The presence of Hollywood writers, directors, and producers highlighted the success of Chinese-American cultural exchange.
Presenters on the stage introduce the next awardee
Award presentation on the stage
According to producer Angela Sheng, Three Golden Flowers was intensively rehearsed over a six-week period, but the concept had been carefully developed over a much longer time. Debuting during AAPI Month, the play featured over 90 artists in three casts and integrated music, dance, and theater. Despite the tight rehearsal schedule, the performers' passion successfully portrayed a rich cultural panorama. The show opened with a performance by the Jiaxin Creative Dance Group, led by five-time U.S. Latin Dance champion Roman Kutskyy. Historical figures such as Zhou Lianxia, Xu Beihong, Lu Xiaoman, Zhang Daqian, and Xu Zhimo were portrayed by trained actors to authentically recreate the intellectual milieu of 1930s China. The C.Y. Lee scenes featured performers with strong music backgrounds, while Huang Zi’s story included live renditions of his art songs by XiYangHong Choir and Horizon Choir.
Executive producer Angela Sheng
Angela Sheng emphasized her hope that the play would help audiences remember those who advanced cross-cultural understanding. Following its Pasadena premiere, the show will tour Orange County and Irvine later this year, bringing Chinese art history to more diverse communities. She also called for support from corporations and institutions to sustain and promote such cultural initiatives. Co-organizers included the College Alliance Arts Club, North American International Calligraphy and Painting Institute, Zhejiang Chamber of Commerce USA, Ziyi Foundation, XiYangHong Choir, Horizon Choir, Joy Luck Club Association, and California Creative and Performing Arts Center.
Earlier in the day, the North American International Calligraphy and Painting Institute co-hosted an art exhibition featuring works by Sun Xiaohua, Situ Mian, Zhou Xiaosong, He Niandan, Miao Qing, Shi Yuqing, Liang Biwei, and Meng Ruiyuan, enriching the cultural experience of the event. Zhou Xiaosong created a portrait of Huang Zi for the play, inspired by his work Words of the Western Wind. Actress Meng Ruiyuan, who portrayed Huang Zi’s classmate in the play, also painted an artwork titled Spring Thoughts following her rendition of the song Spring Thoughts.
Los Angeles County Supervisor Katherine Barger, on behalf of Mr. Wu Zhongguo, presented a County Honor Certificate to the organizing team and production staff of the Golden Flower Awards and Three Golden Flowers.
Cast and production members pose for photo
After the performance, the entire cast and production team gathered for commemorative photos. Key personnel included: Stage Director: Ai Huang, Stage Manager: Hong Chen, Golden Flower Awards Emcee: Joyce Lin, Choreographer: Ri Yue, Sound Director: Xiaolu Sun, Guest Actor: Joey Zhou (Zhou Zheng), Movement Coach: Vivian Xu, Sound Engineer: Shufeng Li,Props John Mou and David Liu, Lighting: Guanlin Liu，Styling: Yun Jiang，Makeup: Bingbing and Kiki，Set Design: Captain Huang, Subtitle Translation: Vincent Guan
Cast and production members, presenters, and guests pose for a photo after the performance
Cast and production members pose for a photo after the performance
Lead Cast Members:David Ye, Lei Fang, Aunisa Xiu, Dingyi Shen, Yi Huang, Franky Feng, Peter Phung, Jenny Liu, Jack Yang, Mary Antonovich, Charlie Kuang, Pinki Chen, Ling Ding, Weihua Wang, Yuxi Chen, Yixin Wang, Feng Tan, Bei Wan, Nancy Xu, Cindy Wang, Lucy Zhu, Lily Li, Glenn Boggs, Peng Peng, Ling Li, Haohu Xue, Xin Li, Yalin Zhao, Mengqi Huang, Lin Nan, Paul Lo, Norbert Csati, Hong Chen, Weili Sun, Jaden Tran, Eric Yang, Ruiyuan Meng, Angela Sheng, Songlin Pan, Sean Jiang, Xiaolu Sun, Vivian Xu, Lily Zhang, Yuehua Yu, Zhaofeng Cong, Tiffany Li, Riyue, Ivy Huang, Jessica Yan, Harper Wang, Nan Huang, Bingxin Zhao, Tiffany Nie, and Raymond Lim.
Joyce Lin, Norbert Csati, Peter Phung, Jack Yang, Peter Trump, Joey Zhou, Angela Sheng, Woody Mu, Captain Huang, Nanlin Peng, Harrison Engle, and Amy Huang
Amy Huang, TV host Joey Zhou, executive producer Angela Sheng, and director/filmmaker Harrison Engle
Nearly a hundred people gathered at the Pasadena theater, creating a vibrant and celebratory atmosphere. The play was a special presentation for Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, paying tribute to three luminaries of Chinese culture and honoring their contributions with the Golden Flower Awards.
TV host Joey Zhou and actress/singer Grace Field
TV host Joey Zhou with timeline of honoree Zhou Lianxia
The Beverly Arts News is sponsored by MDSUN, XAVVI, BYC International Holdings, Cynthia Clarté, En Guangzhi Art Studio, Xiuwen Wang Art Studio, and The Beverly Arts Foundation
- The Beverly Arts
- May 21
Updated: Jun 14
Martial arts student Eden Savion and Gerry Blanck, owner of Gerry Blanck's Yoshukai Karate studio in the Pacific Palisades
Santa Monica, California, USA. 17th May, 2025. A powerful story of resilience and community spirit took center stage at the Phoenix Dojo Gala held on Saturday, May 17th at the Hilton Santa Monica Hotel & Suites in Santa Monica, California. The fundraising event was focused on supporting the rebuild of Gerry Blanck’s renowned Yoshukai Karate studio, which was tragically destroyed in the Palisades Fire. The fire devastated the Pacific Palisades area, displacing 180 students and their families, and reducing the beloved martial arts dojo to ashes. For over four decades, the studio has served as a cornerstone of the community, offering not just martial arts training but a safe haven for youth and families.
Actor/businessman Peter Madrigal
Organized by Gerry Blanck’s Martial Arts Foundation, the gala commemorated the dojo’s 43-year legacy while raising critical funds for its restoration. The event also sought to expand community programming, including scholarships for martial arts students and sponsorship of local health and wellness initiatives. Titled “From Fire to Future,” the evening celebrated the achievements of the dojo’s elite athletes, who recently earned accolades at major national karate competitions. Guests enjoyed dinner, live entertainment, silent and live auctions, awards presentations, and appearances by special guests.
Music artist Kendra Erika
Music artists Mason & Julez
The event was hosted by Peter Madrigal (Vanderpump Rules) and featured performances by Kendra Erika, a Billboard Top Ten music artist, and Mason & Julez, an Australian pop-country duo. The evening was produced by Diamond Media, with Sandra Costa Architectural Design & Build serving as associate producer, and actress Christina Fulton, CEO of Immortal Beauty Inc., chairman of the host committee. The Los Angeles Beverly Arts (LABA) was one of the many sponsors for the event with TV host Joey Zhou, founder of LABA, attending the event.
Gerry Blanck, owner of Yoshukai Karate studio, Sandra Costa, architectural designer, and TV host Joey Zhou, founder of LABA
TV host Joey Zhou, founder of LABA points to his name
“This isn’t just about bricks and mortar,” said Gerry Blanck, a two-time world champion in kickboxing and karate. “This dojo has always been a safe place, a second home for many families. We’re determined to rise from the ashes—stronger, together.” All proceeds from the event are going directly toward rebuilding the studio and providing support for the affected families.
Martial art students, parents, and event organizers with Gerry Blanck (center)
The Beverly Arts News is sponsored by MDSUN, XAVVI, BYC International Holdings, Cynthia Clarté, En Guangzhi Art Studio, Xiuwen Wang Art Studio, and The Beverly Arts Foundation
- The Beverly Arts
- May 13
Updated: May 22
Peter Wu, CEO of XAVVI Group
Los Angeles, California, USA. 10th May, 2025. XAVVI, an AI-driven ecommerce company, hosted a groundbreaking AI+Influencer Ecommerce Expo at their U.S. headquarters offices in downtown Los Angeles, California. The event drew 100 top internet celebrities for an afternoon of networking, forums, and strategic discussions with manufacturers, trading firms, logistics providers, and other industry partners. Peter Wu, CEO of XAVVI Group, stated, "As the top influencer agency of TikTok in the UK, XAVVI has successfully incubated more than 1,000 influencer accounts, including several well-known influencers with more than one million followers."
Panelists with moderator Yevgeniy Malyarchuk, COO of XAVVI (right)
XAVVI is an AI intelligent platform focusing on the field of overseas e-commerce. Through unique AI algorithms and content strategies, XAVVI helps influencers achieve efficient conversion from traffic to revenue by integrating big data analysis methods and artificial intelligence technology. They offer cross-border e-commerce sellers a solid platform for operational support and decision-making.
"The XAVVI platform aims to help manufacturers better develop overseas markets and improve business efficiency and competitiveness," said Peter Wu, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of XAVVI.
Attendees watch the presentations on AI and ecommerce
Yevgeniy Malyarchuk, the Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) of XAVVI and former TikTok Southern California market specialist, stated, "As an innovative technology company, XAVVI is well aware of the complexity and challenges of the cross-border e-commerce market. The platform uses advanced AI algorithms and machine learning technologies to provide sellers with core services such as product selection, pricing strategies, and market trend analysis. By using a data-driven approach, it helps sellers make smarter business decisions. XAVVI's AI-powered decentralized ecommerce platform is an innovative business ecosystem that breaks the centralized model of traditional e-commerce platforms."
Face-to-face communication with influencers and vendors
By integrating cross-border e-commerce with AI technology, the platform enables direct connections between merchants, influencers, and consumers, reducing transaction costs and enhancing operational efficiency. This platform offers brand merchants expanded market opportunities while providing influencer creators with additional monetization channels. The key advantage of this decentralized platform is its robust AI technology support. Using intelligent algorithms, the platform can precisely match merchant products with suitable influencer promoters and offer entrepreneurs intelligent operational tools and decision-making support. This innovative model not only boosts the efficiency of cross-border e-commerce but also presents new development opportunities for the entire industry.
Juan Vargas, COO of XAVVI, talks to influencers
The company is dedicated to developing independent personal brand websites for American influencers who have millions of followers. These websites significantly minimize the effects of trade challenges for manufacturers and establish influencer branding for Chinese products entering international markets.
An influencer visits one of the vendor's product displays
XAVVI aims to become a leader in AI technology and cross-border e-commerce solutions. Throughout their entrepreneurial journey, XAVVI has remained committed to leveraging technology to enhance industry efficiency, while generating new job opportunities. XAVVI's international team comprises seasoned entrepreneurs with expertise in domains such as social ecommerce, marketing, training, film and TV production, data analytics, and the investment sector. With over two decades of experience in ecommerce, XAVVI's team has expertise in training vendors, launching platforms, and creating applications to enhance global success. By promoting economic, cultural, and technological progress, XAVVI aspires to create a more dynamic future for the influencer economy.
Lingling Wu, co-founder of XAVVI, guest, TV host Joey Zhou, founder of the Los Angeles Beverly Arts (LABA), Peter Wu, CEO of XAVVI, Alexander Liu, co-founder of XAVVI, and Kana Ando, partner of LABA
Website: www.xavvi.com
The Beverly Arts News is sponsored by MDSUN, Cynthia Clarté, En Guangzhi Art Studio, and The Beverly Arts Foundation