Concert / Lecture: My Family's History in Stories and Music part II

"This is second in a series of presentations of my family’s history through musical pieces performed on the saxophone, interspersing stories between the songs. I will also share photos from my father's photo albums. This installment will tell the story of my parents' meeting in Shanghai after the war, their marriage on the eve of the revolution in 1948, their flight to Hong Kong and eventual emigration to the United States." Eventually, the work presented will be part of a larger project entitled "Shanghai 1948: George and Noela's Story" commissioned by Asian Improv aRts for jazz instrumental ensemble and vocals supported by a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts.

Few musicians are as accomplished as Francis Wong, considered one of “the great saxophonists of his generation” by the late veteran jazz critic Phil Elwood. A prolific recording artist, Wong is featured on more than thirty CD recordings and has performed his innovative brand of Asian American jazz for over two decades with numerous ensembles for audiences in North America, Asia, and Europe. But to simply call the Bay Area native a musician would be to ignore his pioneering leadership in ethnic communities throughout Northern California. Wong’s imaginative career straddles roles as varied as performing artist, youth mentor, composer, community activist, music producer, and college teacher.