CHINESE AMERICAN SPRING FESTIVAL
GALA 2025
January 17, 2025
"Homeland Love" 2025 Chinese American Spring Festival Gala
Grandly Held at Irvine Barclay Theatre
Irvine, CA – January 17, 2025 – Hosted by the Southern California Economic and Cultural Association, the highly anticipated "Homesick Affection · Love for Irvine" 2025 Chinese American Spring Festival Gala was magnificently held at the Irvine Barclay Theatre. This spectacular celebration of Chinese culture, featuring 500 dedicated performers and crew members, provided a captivating cultural experience for an audience of over a thousand guests. The event served as a heartfelt bridge for the overseas Chinese community to celebrate the Lunar New Year together while preserving and sharing their heritage with the world.
Dongping Huang – Executive Producer and Chief Planner of Homesick Affection Spring Festival Gala (Third from the left) accepted the award
Cultural Heritage and Emotional Resonance
As a symbol of wisdom and agility in Chinese culture, the Year of the Snake embodies the essence of this year’s gala, inspiring the global Chinese community to connect their roots with the world through cultural expression. The gala has earned widespread admiration and recognition for its rich and meaningful programming.
The evening brought together an array of outstanding artists and performers from diverse backgrounds, each presenting their own unique artistic expressions that highlighted the profound depth and inclusivity of Chinese culture. The event not only showcased the distinctive charm of traditional Chinese arts but also seamlessly integrated multicultural elements, building a bridge of communication and understanding that resonated deeply with the audience.
Highlight International Art Center
Shines at Barclay Theater’s Spring Festival Gala
February 10, 2025 – Irvine, CA – The Barclay Theater’s annual Spring Festival Gala witnessed a spectacular performance by Brian Yan and Tiger Herda from the Highlight International Art Center, who took the stage with their mesmerizing presentation of "The Voice of Young China". The performance, which showcased the vibrant beauty of China’s intangible cultural heritage, earned thunderous applause from the audience and became one of the evening’s highlights.
Brian Yan and Tiger Herda, who successfully passed rigorous auditions to secure their spot on the prestigious Barclay Theater stage, delivered a powerful and visually stunning performance that celebrated the richness of Chinese culture. Their dedication and artistry left a lasting impression on the audience, further cementing the Highlight International Art Center’s reputation as a hub for cultural excellence.
In addition to the performance, student volunteers from the Highlight International Art Center played a crucial role behind the scenes. They actively participated in stage management, prop setup, and other logistical tasks, contributing significantly to the smooth execution of the gala. Their hard work and commitment were instrumental in making the event a resounding success.
“We are incredibly proud of Brian, Tiger, and our student volunteers for their outstanding contributions to this year’s Spring Festival Gala,” said a spokesperson for the Highlight International Art Center. “Their efforts not only showcased the beauty of Chinese culture but also demonstrated the importance of teamwork and community spirit.”
The Spring Festival Gala, a beloved tradition celebrating the Lunar New Year, brought together performers and audiences from diverse backgrounds to honor cultural heritage and foster unity. The Highlight International Art Center’s involvement underscored its mission to promote cultural exchange and inspire the next generation of artists and leaders.
