November 7, 2009
Seattle Center House

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The Lunar New Year is a time for the Hmong people to reflect on the past year and look ahead to new beginnings. The Hmong New Year Celebration helps preserve the unique culture of this Southeast Asian highland culture that originates in the mountains of China, Laos and Thailand. Dance, traditional music, historical exhibits and the customary courtship ritual of ball tossing demonstrate this culture’s compelling legacy. Presented by the Hmong Association of Washington.

Did you know?

Tou Ger Xiong is the first Hmong rap artist, storyteller and comedian. His shows use explosive energy, humor, folklore, dance, and rap music to educate people about cultural diversity and stereotypes. Some have called him the Hmong version of Chris Rock, Jim Carrey, and Snoop Dogg all rolled into one. Xiong was born in Laos in 1973. His family fled to the United States in 1975, and Xiong grew up in public housing projects. During college, he created Project Respectism, an educational service project that uses comedy, storytelling and rap to bridge cultures. He has given over 800 presentations nationwide taking his message to 35 states in the past six years. His performances are ecstatic as audience members experience his shift from rap artist to storyteller and comedian.

Thanks to our Hmong New Year Celebration sponsors