The Lao Artists Association held its third annual concert in Smyrna, Tennessee, on March 11, 2006. The Association, comprised of members from across the United States And Canada, was established to support, promote, and preserve Lao music.
About 12 artists participated that night including: legendary singers and songwriters Preesa Trichanh (Montreal, Canada), S. Sengsirivanh (Oregon), and S. Akhom (Tennessee). Veteran singers Nariam Keopasa and Phayvanh Mekaroun (both of Tennessee) also performed along with other local artists. Many singers from far-way states who added flavor to the concert included: Malavanh (North Calorina), Somboun Soukhaphonh (Philadelphia), Phousouksavath Thanandabouth (Illinois), Vilaychanh Savejvong (Montreal, Canada), Somvang (Ohio), Somrith Ratsamy (Ohio) and guest singer, Phanida Sengsirivanh (Oregon).
Mr. S. Sengsirivanh, president of the Lao Artists
Association talked to VOA about his organization’s
objectives…”This organization was established to help, support and promote overseas Lao artists, so that they can continue their talents to take Laotian music on to another level. One of our job is to register our songs in Laotian names so that no one can use our songs for their own benefits.” He added that … “We will continue to hold this type of concert, moving from state to state throughout the U. S and perhaps to another continent in the near future. We would also bring out the new Laotian generation to help bridge and seal the gap between the old and the new generation artists.”
Veteran singer Prisa Trichanh had many greatest hits in the old days and had composed songs for many famous singers such as Daraphet and Chansamone. He expressed his feeling of being so happy and glad to be a part of the third annual event.
The highlight of the evening was to acknowledge and recognize those composers and singers. The audience, especially members of the younger generation, said they thoroughly enjoyed the concert, which they said helped educate them about Lao music and its history.
Mrs. Kingfa Phimmavong, a president of an event, told VOA that..."I am very honored to be a part of this celebration, a third annual concert in Tennessee. Through this celebration, we get to recognize and acknowledge those legendary composers, singers and musicians of over seas Laotians that have contributed so much to Laotian Entertainment." The Royal Classical Lao Dance Group lead by
Mrs. Thongbang and Mrs. Thasany also added their favorite performance "Lao Huamphao dance" that
brought delight to the audience.
The next concert of the Lao Artists Association will be held in Atlanta, Georgia, later this year or perhaps in 2007.
Listen to our Lao Diaspora report for more comments from the artists.