This weekend marks a significant milestone as San Diego’s Little Saigon district celebrates 50 years of the Vietnamese diaspora journey through a tribute concert.
With roots tracing back to the fall of Saigon in 1975, the concert aims to honor the stories and successes of the Vietnamese community that has flourished in San Diego over the decades.
Midday Edition producer Andrew Bracken spoke with Tram Lam, the management officer of Little Saigon, and Sue Nguyen, the founder of the nonprofit Little Saigon San Diego.
Together, they discussed the significance of this 50-year milestone and the community’s journey from hardship to success.
The theme of this year’s concert is ‘50 Years of the Diaspora Journey.’
Nguyen expressed, “We want to bring all the famous Vietnamese performers from around the world to celebrate with our community.”
Through music, the concert intends to evoke the memories of those who fled Vietnam and to showcase the community’s resilience and achievements over the past half-century.
In addition to the concert, attendees can explore a storytelling exhibition that highlights 20 different personal stories from local Vietnamese individuals.
This exhibition seeks to share ordinary experiences that reflect their challenges and triumphs while fostering a deeper understanding of their backgrounds among community members and visitors alike.
Both Lam and Nguyen emphasized the importance of recognizing the contributions each individual made in building the Little Saigon community, which now includes diverse businesses and services, including restaurants, grocery stores, and healthcare providers.
As the Little Saigon district continued to grow, the need for connectivity and support among its residents became apparent.
The growth also reflects the transition of Little Saigon from merely a small enclave to a vibrant community hub that serves not only Vietnamese people but a broader audience interested in their culture.
During the discussion, Lam reflected on the importance of the Little Saigon designation, which took years of advocacy to achieve.
“Little Saigon not only preserves our heritage but also honors those who fought bravely,” Lam explained, highlighting the emotional weight the name carries.
On a broader scale, Little Saigon has helped bridge the language and cultural barriers faced by Vietnamese immigrants.
In the last 50 years, the community has transformed significantly, starting from basic survival to now having a thriving ecosystem of commerce and cultural exchange.
With festivities planned for this weekend, Lam and Nguyen hope this celebration will encourage even more involvement from the Vietnamese community in civic discourse and local governance.
“This milestone is not just a celebration of our past,” Lam added, “but a call to action for the next generation to step up and have their voices heard.”
The concert, ‘50 Years of the Diaspora Journey’, will take place at the City Heights Performance Annex this Saturday from 3 to 8 p.m., serving as a powerful reminder of the community’s rich history and ongoing journey.
Following the segment on Little Saigon, attention turns to the art scene, where musician Ben Modell discusses his passion for silent films.
As a musician and author, Modell has combined his experiences into a book, ‘The Silent Film Universe’, exploring the unique language of silent cinema.
In his conversation with KPBS Cinema Junkie Beth Accomando, Modell shares his insights into the allure of silent films and addresses common misconceptions about them.
“Silent films aren’t just movies without sound,” he clarified, emphasizing their distinctive storytelling style that relies heavily on visual imagery and audience interpretation.
Modell believes that understanding and appreciating the silent film language can make for an immersive experience that connects viewers emotionally to the characters on screen.
He aims to dismantle the stereotype that silent films equate to boredom, presenting them instead as a rich, engaging narrative form.
Lastly, this weekend is packed with various arts and cultural events across San Diego.
KPBS arts reporter Julia Dixon Evans provides a rundown of festivals, including the North Park Music Festival and the Disco Riots queer movement festival.
The North Park Music Festival expands its format this year to encompass multiple venues across the district, promising a community-oriented experience through diverse musical performances and an accessible atmosphere for attendees.
On the other hand, the Disco Riots festival emphasizes inclusivity and creativity within the LGBTQ community, featuring workshops, dance events, and a main stage showcase.
Dixon Evans also highlights the launch of the summer reading program at local libraries, inviting both children and adults to engage in literacy activities with the chance to earn rewards.
As the weekend unfolds, San Diego’s Little Saigon and the broader arts scene invite everyone to celebrate and participate in its vibrant culture.
This series of events not only honors the past but also looks forward to an inclusive, dynamic community ahead.
image source from：https://www.kpbs.org/podcasts/kpbs-midday-edition/san-diegos-little-saigon-marks-50-years-of-the-vietnamese-diaspora-journey
