Events in 2009

First International Lao New Year Festival (April 11, 2009)

First of its kind, the event featured talented artists of Lao descent.  Featuring traditional music and dance, it also included talents in hip hop, rock, R&B, ‘Laogaeton’ (Lao version of Reggaetton), and more. LHF proudly co-sponsored the event.

Summer Camp for Music, Dance, and Cultural Education, Seattle, WA (Aug 1-14, 2009)

LHF Pacific Northwest hosted its third annual summer camp in Seattle, WA.  Due to growing demand, camp was held all day for two weeks.  The camp also experienced exponential growth, now with 50 students enrolled, up from about 10 two years ago.  Much of our fundraising efforts are for keeping up with the growth.

Fifth Anniversary Celebration & Fundraiser: Bridging the Gap  (September 18, 19, and 26 2009)

LHF celebrated its 5th anniversary with three events.  On Sept 18th, we screened the Oscar-nominated documentary film “The Betrayal” (Nerakoon). Filmed over 23 years, ‘The Betrayal’ is the Academy Award-nominated directorial debut of renowned cinematographer Ellen Kuras in a unique collaboration with the film’s subject and co-director, Thavisouk Phrasavath.

On Sept 19th, LHF continued the celebration by honoring Oscar-nominated filmmaker Thavisouk Prasavath and newly-crowned Miss Asian America Amy Chanthaphavong. They were joined by music masters Bounseung Synanonh, Thongtanh Souvannapanh, & Phongsavanh Saiyavong, multi-media artist Nor Sanavongsay, international award-winning poet Mali Phonpadith, Mistress of Ceremony & radio personality Vannasone Keodara, NFL greats John Booty and Ken Harvey, DC Divas women’s professional football player Donna Wilkinson, dancers from LAWA and Lao Sawan Dance Troupe of Washington, DC, painter Sompraseurt Choulamany, and instrumentalists Bobby Inthavong, Ricky Rajsasombath, and Ranee Soundara.  

The magical evening was followed by an after party on Sept 26th at the HUSH Society Mansion, featuring recording artist Danni Rosner, and Lao pop stars Alex San Dinero and Ketsana Vilaylack.

Participants and guests traveled from as far as Rhode Island, New York, New Jersey, Tennessee, Georgia, Florida, Illinois, Utah, and California to show support at these events.  Thank you!