top of page
Search
  • Writer's pictureThe Beverly Arts

2023 Chinese American Spring Festival Gala at the Irvine Barclay Theatre


Saga Conroy, Community Outreach Director, Orange County Board of Supervisors, Mari Barke, Orange County Board of Education, guest, Dongping Huang, President, American Southern California Economic and Cultural Association, and Donald P. Wagner, Chairman, Orange County Board of Supervisors, and Jing Sun, Commissioner, City of Irvine


Irvine, California, USA. 28th January, 2023. The American Southern California Economic and Cultural Association and Irvine Dragon Soccer Club hosted the 2023 Chinese American Spring Festival Gala at the Irvine Barclay Theatre in Irvine, California. The gala was a celebration of the Lunar New Year, and welcomed in the Year of the Rabbit. Featuring a delightful fusion of East and West, the event attracted over 1,200 people from the local community who came together to enjoy the vibrant display of both traditional and contemporary performances.


Jing Sun, Commissioner, City of Irvine, and Dongping Huang, President, American Southern California Economic and Cultural Association


The organizers of the event were Dongping Huang, President, American Southern California Economic and Cultural Association and Jing Sun, Commissioner, City of Irvine. The attendees included Qi Wang and Consul Mingshuan An of the Chinese Consulate General in Los Angeles, Donald Wagner, Donald P. Wagner, Chairman, Orange County Board of Supervisors, Mayor Farrah Kahn, City of Irvine, and representatives for Congressman Katie Porter, California State Senator Dave Min, Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris, Deputy Mayor Tammy Kim, City of Irvine, Councilman Scott Voigts, Mari Barke, Orange County Board of Education, and many others.



Certificates of recognition were give to those who helped organize the event by Donald P. Wagner, Chairman, Orange County Board of Supervisors. LABA International Art Festival founder Joey Zhou gave certificate to the lead organizer, Dongping Huang, President, American Southern California Economic and Cultural Association.


Mayor Farrah Khan, City of Irvine (Center) and Jing Sun, Commissioner, City of Irvine (R)


Councilman Scott Voigts, City of Lake Forest (R) with a guest


Joey Zhou, founder of the LABA International Art Festival


There were many co-organizers, associations, companies, and chambers of commerce who supported the event including the: LABA International Art Festival Committee, Orange County Chinese Chamber of Commerce, American Mutual Wealth Group, Peking University Southern California Alumni Association, American Chinese Development Mutual Aid Association, Yimeihui/Beyond Beaute' Medical Aesthetics and Wellness, Irvine Chinese Art Troupe/GCW, Lydia Express LLC, lvyMax Feida Education, Maison Sun Gallery, M3/JMK Modeling Media Academy.


Dongping Huang, the lead organizer and President of the American Southern California Economic and Cultural Association, speaks to the media


At the press conference before the performance, Dongping Huang, the lead organizer and President of the American Southern California Economic and Cultural Association, talked about the significance of the Chinese New Year and this year's theme of "Hometown Love." Every year, the Chinese community celebrates and welcomes the new year with a new spiritual outlook. The goal of year's Spring Festival Gala is to bring the beauty of traditional art, music, and culture together for those who have nostalgia from living overseas, and provide visual artistry for those of all ages to enjoy.


Jing Sun, Commissioner, City of Irvine, the other lead organizer speaks to the media


The other lead organizer, Jing Sun, Commissioner, City of Irvine, talked about how the past three years has been a challenging experience, with many people impacted by the coronavirus to varying degrees, and this year the devastating shooting incident in Monterey Park. He said that it makes us realize that we need to work together to better unite the Chinese American community. This year's Spring Festival Gala allows us to enjoy the beauty of the Chinese New Year, and highlights the elegance of Chinese culture for all to enjoy.


Donald P. Wagner, Chairman, Orange County Board of Supervisors


Donald P. Wagner, Chairman, Orange County Board of Supervisors, delivered certificates of recognition from the County of Orange County, and thanked everyone for all their efforts. He wished everyone a wonderful Chinese New Year and Year of the Rabbit.


Joey Zhou, founder of the LABA International Art Festival with Dongping Huang, the lead organizer and President of the American Southern California Economic and Cultural Association, joins with LABA Blue-chip artist Jiannan Huang attending by video conference. Zhou is also holding a copy of "See Beyond" magazine featuring Jiannan Huang on the cover of the current edition.


LABA Blue-chip artist Jiannan Huang attended the event by video conference with Joey Zhou introducing him to Dongping Huang and some of the organizers. Jiannan Huang is one of the world's finest artists, specializing in Western oil painting and Chinese ink. He is ranked third on the 2020 Hurun China Art List and 19th on the Hurun Global List with sales of $29 million. Jiannan holds several positions - Director of the Chinese Traditional Culture Promotion Association, member of the French National Artists Committee, art consultant for the World Low Carbon Cities Alliance, and France Jiny City Gold Medal Honorary Citizen. He was awarded the title of "Earl" by the Indonesian Royal Family and in 2021, he was given an honorary membership into the Royal Society of St. George (RSSG), California Branch. In 2022, he received the RSSG "Master of Arts" Award and the LABA Most Influential and Most Valuable Artist Award.



With the fusion of East and West and integration of classical and the modern, the show was well-received by those from all walks of life. The incredible performances by award-winning artists, dancers, singers, and musicians, brought a warm and enthusiastic applause from the audience who showed their sincere appreciation for this show. It was the hard work by so many - the organizers, performers, and volunteers, that made the evening such an inspiring, touching, and unforgettable event.










The Lunar New Year signals the beginning of spring and is the most celebrated holiday in many Asian cultures. The start of the new year is a joyous celebration filled with traditions, festivity, and wishes for health, luck and prosperity. The sign of the Rabbit is a symbol of longevity, peace, and prosperity in Chinese culture, and 2023 is expected to be a year of hope and success.


The organizers of the event wished everyone happiness, health, love, and peace!








The Beverly Arts News is sponsored by JHSZ International Art Institute

21,178 views
bottom of page