On October 26, 2024, California State University, Los Angeles, hosted the third annual “Light of Regeneration” gala, an event organized by the Rongxiang Xu College of Health and Human Services. Celebrating the rich intersection of Chinese and American cultures, the gala brought together over a thousand attendees—including artists from China, local community members, and Cal State LA students—to strengthen cultural ties and honor graduating students embarking on new journeys.

Honoring Dr. Xu’s Legacy and Cultural Contributions

Cal State LA Vice President Robert Avalos opened the evening by expressing his appreciation for the National Rongxiang Xu Foundation and the visiting Chinese artists. In a heartfelt gesture, a representative from California Treasurer Fiona Ma’s office presented certificates to the Foundation and the gala’s chief organizer, Jiang Kun, recognizing their dedication to preserving Dr. Xu’s legacy. This celebratory evening honored a commitment to cross-cultural unity and served as a vibrant space for creative exchange.

Fusion of East and West in Music and Dance

The event commenced with the Hanggai Band’s performance of “The Rising Sun,” transporting the audience to the vast plains of Inner Mongolia. Their blend of traditional Mongolian sounds and contemporary rock captivated the crowd, especially during their lively performance of “The Drinking Song,” which had everyone dancing.

The night’s highlights included a collaborative performance by Grammy-winning artist Omar and Chinese music master Fang Jinlong. Their duet on “Xuanniao” showcased the harmony of Eastern and Western instruments, while Fang’s solo piece, “Moonlight over the Spring River,” mesmerized the audience with its depth.

Diverse Artistic Showcases and Audience Engagement

Talented young erhu artist Chen Yimiao performed both traditional Chinese and Western classics, displaying the erhu’s adaptability across musical styles. Uyghur dancer Yimit’s traditional “Plate Dance” captivated the crowd, encouraging them to join in with familiar Xinjiang moves.

Comedians Zhou Wei and Gao Xiaopan delighted the audience with their skit, “Happy Los Angeles,” a perfect mix of humor and cultural insight. Meanwhile, renowned soprano Chang Sisi and tenor Wang Chuanyue delivered powerful performances that deeply moved everyone in attendance. Concluding with a grand ensemble performance of “Sleepless Tonight,” the gala left the audience inspired.

A Vibrant Celebration of Cultural Connection

The “Light of Regeneration” gala not only provided a feast for the senses but also served as a radiant celebration of the enduring cultural bridge between China and the United States. Using art as a connecting force, this event reaffirmed MEBO’s dedication to fostering cultural understanding and connection across diverse backgrounds, bringing new light to the world through creativity and shared passion.