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Hmong Night enthralls crowd
By Drew Sandholm
Published:
Monday, February 17, 2003
Media Credit: Adam Masloski
So Vang (left) and Solomon Lo sing during a musical at Hmong Night. This year�s Hmong Night,� Hmong Through the Ages,� was held Saturday in Atwood Memorial Center
SCSU students and local residents got a good taste for what the Hmong culture is all about Saturday night.
Hmong Night kicked off at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, as approximately 200 people were packed into the spacious Atwood Memorial Center ballroom.
Creatively decorated for the evening, the ballroom's walls were dressed with colorful banners and white lights. Round, candle-lit tables seated the audience as they enjoyed the evening's festivities.
Hosted by the Hmong Student Organization (HSO), Saturday's program was the annual Hmong Night. This year's theme was entitled: "Hmong Night 2003: Hmong Through the Ages."
The evening was hosted by SCSU student and HSO member Dua Song Vang. She eloquently entertained in between acts with commentary and humor while introducing the different segments.
To start the evening, a musical entitled 'Hmong Through the Ages' took to the stage. It included the performance of HSO members. The play told of the trials and tribulations of a young Hmong-American and his family's struggle as they immigrated to America. Considered one of the highlights of the evening, the play dealt with such issues as diversity, racism, homosexuality and Christianity.
The first musical Hmong Night contained many different songs that were sung during the performance. All of the songs were sung in the Hmong language. This year HSO decided to come from a different angle and tackle contemporary issues for Hmong-Americans.
"We saw a different approach to it (Hmong Night) this year," said third year SCSU criminal justice major Dale Kowalczyk. "It questioned whether or not homosexuality is right or not, for instance. This provided an interesting view. You don't see that very much."
An array of Hmong and other Asian delicacies were served to the masses, as a long table on the right side of the ballroom was filled with food. Featuring foods from virtually every area of Hmong culinary, some of the foods included veggie stir fry, veggie and chicken spring rolls, yellow thai curry, pad thai and different rices.
Massive lines caused lengthy waits for many, but the hectic situation didn't deter the enthusiastic attitudes of the entourage.
During the dinner, the stage was made open for people to showcase their vocal skills. Several HSO members took to the spotlight singing a variety of pop songs.
A dozen SCSU students took to the stage as they serenaded the crowd with different pop songs. Some traditional songs sung in Hmong were performed as well.
After dinner, SCSU professor Dia Cha addressed the audience showing her appreciation for those who organized, assisted and supported the event. Her speech credited the workers, volunteers and sponsors for their efforts. Cha movingly encouraged HSO to catalyze its growth, and keep reaching positively into the community. Her eloquent prose was spoken in Hmong.
Following Cha, many songs and dances were performed during the program. Audiences were ecstatic with each song. Among those sung, the performers did their take on such hits as "What If I Said," "Valentine" and "To Let You Know."
The "Traditional Qeej Dance" seemed especially entertaining. SCSU student Teng Lee performed this dance in which he played the Asian instrument which sounds like a cross between a harmonica and bagpipes.
Dressed in the traditional Hmong apparel, several SCSU students performed a "Traditional Hmong Dance" to a Hmong song. Waving their hands in the air gently, the girls held a long red cloth that waved through the air. Their gown was vividly colorful and ornate. Each dressed differently; the different colors and designs entail the different races of Hmong.
Enthusiastically wrapping up the show, SCSU students and HSO members Aladdin Yang and Kong Hang sang "Breathe." Accompanied by the piano playing skills of Hang, the duet received great applause. The song was a moving and insightful piece.
A highly anticipated event for both the SCSU community and the HSO, Hmong night was considered a success.
"The message that we are trying to get out here is that Hmong (people) do have issues. We hope with this play and event that people understand that Hmong (people) do have issues and aren't just another group of people out there," said third year SCSU pre-pharmacy biomedical science major and HSO member Solomon Lo. "People see that here tonight. It is successful."
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