Hope Center's 14th Annual Chinese Spring Festival Gala for the Chinese New Year 2023
Distinguished guests are gathered on stage at the Hope Center's 14th Annual Chinese Spring Festival Gala
San Dimas, California, USA. 16th January, 2023. Happy Chinese New Year! The Hope Center's 14th Annual Chinese Spring Festival Gala was held at the Bonita Center for the Arts in San Dimas, California. The Hope Center's Chinese Spring Festival Gala is a yearly event that celebrates the Chinese New Year with cultural events and performances led by internationally renowned performing groups, local artists, and students. The event is organized by Dr. Debby Jou, the CEO of Hope Center, who is well known in the community for her charity work and generosity in helping others. The Hope Center provides food and medical assistance to those in need and was founded on the principal of "A Loving Heart and Helping Hands." Each year, scholarships are given to help outstanding students from low-income families.
Dr. Jou holds a number of positions in the business community including Chairman of U.S. Art Bank, CEO of the American Artists Association, President of the American Cultural Chamber of Commerce and the American Academy of Arts, President/CEO of Hollywood Film Group, Chairman of Apollo Entertainment Film Group, CEO of American Art Group (holding company), and Founding President of Hope & Diamond Lions Club.
The opening performance was a Dragon dance was performed in colorful costumes
The event was an unforgettable evening that opened with a Dragon dance performance, and was followed with speeches and the issuing of congratulatory certificates. The distinguished guests included Mayor Tony Ding, City of San Gabriel, Councilmember Eileen Wang, City of Arcadia, Mary Su, former Mayor of the City of Walnut, Jenny Rae Le Roux, candidate for the Governor of California, Mike Cargile, congressional candidate for the 35th District of California, William Hung, American Idol contestant, and founding Chairman of the LABA International Art Festival and bilingual TV host Joey Zhou. The event was sponsored by business entities that included Central TV Las Vegas (CTVLV), Media Meta, US Art Bank, AIA Exchange, Apollo Media Entertainment Group, Polaris Media Group, Longevity Clinics & Research Institute, and DJ Wireless.
Dr. Debby Jou (center) performs on stage with some of her guests
Dr. Debby Jou, welcomed the guests to the 2023 Chinese Spring Festival Gala, and stated, "The Chinese Spring Festival Gala in the United States is a grand performance of Chinese culture, artistry, and achievements, allowing us to feel passionately for the joy of the Spring Festival in foreign country. What we do here is way beyond what people can see. It’s a wonderful event that builds a cultural bridge between China and the United States, with a fabulous stage, dazzling lights, beautiful performances, and programs. The season of Spring for the Chinese New Year is presented each year in a joyful, peaceful, and festive atmosphere!" During the event, Dr. Debby Jou lavishly gave away cash, red envelopes, and gold coins to the guests which added excitement to the evening.
The Youth Symphony Orchestra performed "Dance of the Hours" by Amilcare Ponchielli and the "Marriage of Figaro Overture" by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
This year's program displayed the artistry of Chinese dance, music, and humanistic cultural diversity: Chinese Classical Dance "Celebrating the New Year" (中國年民族風《過新年》), Chinese Yue Opera [Shaoxing Opera] "Yue Rhyme" (越劇表演唱《越韻》), Chinese Classical Dance "Love Forever" (中國古典扇舞《千古之愛》), Chinese Folk Music Trio (中國民樂三重奏《望春風》), Chinese Chanting (中文古今詩詞唱誦), magic show, Kids Dance: Green Soul (兒童群舞《綠之魂》), Dance of the Hours by Amilcare Ponchielli and "Marriage of Figaro Overture" by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (青少年交響樂團), Beijing Opera with Dance "Ode to Pear Blossom" (京歌伴舞《梨花頌》), Drama skit: "Get Married, Don't Push Me" (小品《結婚，別催我》), Classical Dance: "Lotus Floating" (中國古典舞《放燈行》), Female Duet Song: "Leading Kite" (女聲二重唱《引路的風箏》), Jezz/Belly Dance: "Tukoh Taka," Han Dynasty Dance: "Spring Festival" (漢服舞蹈《穿上漢服過春節》), and Chinese martial arts (中華武魂).
The presenters and performing groups on stage to receive awards
An awards ceremony was interspersed into the program, and Dr. Debby Jou awarded 15 teams and individuals. The awards given were to help promote the benefits of a life built on faith, hope, and love, while passing on the motif, "it is more blessed to give than to receive." Dr. Debby Jou also received an award, the LABA Art Contribution Award that was presented by Joey Zhou, on behalf of the Rotating Chairman of the LABA International Art Festival, Jiannan Huang.
Joey Zhou (center) holds a piece of calligraphy art by LABA Blue-chip artist Jiannan Huang as a gift to Dr. Debby Jou (R) as she holds her LABA Art Contribution Award
LABA Blue-chip artist Jiannan Huang
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. In 2021, he was given an honorary membership into the Royal Society of St. George (RSSG), California Branch, and received the RSSG "Master of Arts" Award and LABA Most Influential and Most Valuable Artist Award in 2022.
The Gala was a wonderful success with heart-felt applause from the audience, and best wishes for the new year. Every Chinese Lunar New Year, the Hope Center's Chinese Spring Festival Gala is held in the Greater Los Angeles area and has become one of the most significant Spring Festival celebrations among the Chinese community in Southern California. It has been bringing together Chinese artists, dancers, students, and singers from all over Southern California. The Martial Arts Academy, Youth Symphony Orchestra, magicians, and performing artists all contribute their talents at the grand event every year! The Hope Center wishes all, the best year in 2023 for great success in every way!
The Beverly Arts News is sponsored by JHSZ International Art Institute