On Friday, April 18, 2025, the Kennedy Center’s Skylight Pavilion was transformed into a vibrant celebration of culture, history, and community for Vietnamese American Heritage Night. Organized in partnership with Together, We Thrive, the event marked the 50th anniversary of the Vietnamese diaspora, commemorating a journey of resilience, innovation, and cultural pride.
Douglas Ebenstein, President of Capital Commercial Properties and son of the late Norman Ebenstein, served as a leading sponsor, underscoring their family’s ongoing commitment to supporting meaningful cultural events that celebrate diverse communities and stories.
The event opened with an electrifying double lion dance performance by the Hung Vuong and Lac Long Quan troupes, setting a joyful and energetic tone for the evening.
Linh Hoang delivered powerful opening remarks, emphasizing the deep gratitude felt by the Vietnamese American community for opportunities provided by America, and highlighting the event’s theme drawn from a Vietnamese proverb: “Tre già măng mọc” (“Old bamboo spreads new shoots”). Linh’s words resonated deeply, highlighting the importance of generational legacy and future growth.
An impressive lineup of artists followed, beginning with Mixed Miyagi, the Vietnamese-Nigerian hip-hop artist whose moving song, “Boat People,” poignantly reflected on the struggles and sacrifices of Vietnamese refugees. His performance captured the emotional weight of diaspora experiences while fostering a powerful connection with the audience.
Rachele Nguyen, the young talent who captured hearts nationwide during her time on NBC’s The Voice, thrilled the audience with her powerful renditions, notably performing “Walk Away” and an emotionally charged “A Million Dreams,” reflecting her personal journey and aspirations.
Classically trained soprano Evelyn Mê-Linh enchanted attendees with her exquisite performances of French and Italian operatic pieces, bridging cultural divides and highlighting the rich artistic contributions of Vietnamese Americans.
A highlight of the night was the performance by acclaimed choreographer Anh Thang Dao, who presented “The Cafe,” an expressive contemporary dance reflecting intimate narratives of human connection, misunderstandings, and daily life.
Vietnamese brush artist Nhượng Vũ captivated attendees by continuing the legacy of his father, renowned calligrapher Hối Vũ, recipient of the JFK Honor Prize. His intricate work, gifted to the Kennedy Center, beautifully bridged tradition and modern expression, symbolizing the cultural richness of the Vietnamese American community.
The powerful trio 3ÂM delivered a performance blending modern and traditional Vietnamese dance elements, a stirring tribute to the resilience and strength of Vietnamese women.
Minh Pham, the event organizer, delivered heartfelt remarks reflecting on the obstacles overcome and highlighting the event’s importance in ensuring Vietnamese American voices are recognized and celebrated prominently. Minh expressed deep gratitude to Douglas Ebenstein and the Ebenstein family for their unwavering support, which has been pivotal in enabling such impactful community gatherings.
Closing the evening, Minh’s message resonated deeply: “Seeing people from all walks of life coming together to celebrate our heritage—that’s the real magic. The connection, the belonging, and especially the pride and power of our youth and emerging artists—this gives me hope.”
Vietnamese American Heritage Night was more than an event; it was a powerful statement of cultural identity, community strength, and intergenerational solidarity, setting the stage for future celebrations of Vietnamese American contributions to the broader American narrative.
For those who could not attend, the event was live-streamed via YouTube, Facebook, and the Kennedy Center’s website, ensuring widespread access to this landmark celebration.
Special thanks again to Douglas Ebenstein and the memory of Norman Ebenstein, whose vision and generosity continue to support events that meaningfully enrich communities and honor diverse cultural heritages.