FREE ADMISSION
Workshop
Learn More
What happens when a centuries-old performance tradition meets contemporary life in Canada? Traditional and contemporary stories unfold side by side: explore shared moments of community, celebration, and farewell through contrasting languages of movement.
Cantonese opera percussion becomes the heartbeat connecting the two worlds. Through live performance, movement, and rhythm, discover how this traditional art form can inspire new forms of contemporary expression.
SPEAKER: Rosa Cheng, Vancouver Cantonese Opera
What happens when a centuries-old performance tradition meets contemporary life in Canada? Traditional and contemporary stories unfold side by side: explore shared moments of community, celebration, and farewell through contrasting languages of movement.
Cantonese opera percussion becomes the heartbeat connecting the two worlds. Through live performance, movement, and rhythm, discover how this traditional art form can inspire new forms of contemporary expression.
Learn More
What happens to traditional music when it travels across cultures and communities?
Across Taiwan, Hong Kong, southern China, and diaspora communities around the world, gongs, drums, strings, and wind instruments have evolved into distinct local music traditions. In this hands-on workshop, a Hakka Bayin ensemble from Taiwan will introduce you to one of these unique traditions through live performance, guided listening, and hands-on instrument experiences. Explore how traditional sounds can inspire new connections with contemporary music.
SPEAKER: Sakyo 佐京, Hsinchu Beipu Hakka Bayin Ensemble
Currently one of Taiwan’s youngest Bayin ensemble leaders. Growing up accompanying his grandfather to traditional performances, he developed a deep connection to temple culture and folk theatre. In response to the decline of traditional musicians, he founded the Hsinchu Beipu Hakka Bayin Ensemble in 2019. Beyond preservation, he actively explores cross-genre collaborations, including projects with jazz musicians and singer-songwriters.
Learn More
How does a band become a “breakout band” and a “viral sensation” across Taiwan?
LNiCH, producer and founder of Mango Jump’s record label, will take us through the rise of Mango Jump, whose music has gone viral with a new generation of listeners. He’ll share how the band turned that momentum into a close and lasting connection with their fans.
For artists interested in Taiwan and Asia, learn how to enter a new market, reach new listeners, and build meaningful audience connections over time.
SPEAKER: LNiCH 林易祺, Gather Music
LNiCH is the founder of Gather Music 給樂音樂, as well as a songwriter and music producer. Working across indie and pop, he specializes in music production, arrangement, and A&R, with a focus on developing emerging artists and building their live presence.
As one half of the duo VH, Lin received two Golden Melody Award nominations for Best Vocal Group at the 30th and 33rd Golden Melody Awards.
Learn More
How can artists find the right funding—and make a stronger case for their projects? Learn how to navigate the Canadian arts funding landscape, understand what grant assessors look for, and turn original, creative ideas into clear, compelling applications.
With particular attention to projects involving culture and cross-cultural collaboration, Jinting Zhao will share practical approaches to choosing funding programs, designing compelling projects, and articulating project merits to help achieve cultural and creative goals together.
SPEAKER: Jinting Zhao
Jinting Zhao is an Edmonton-based producer, songwriter, engineer, and founder of SHE-Q Audio, a 2026 nominee for Community Excellence by the Western Canadian Music Awards. Her credits as a songwriter, producer, and engineer include Koichi Domoto’s Japanese Gold-certified album RAISE, the Bear Grease Original Cast Recording, and music featured on Amazon Prime, Citytv, and Crave. She also brings 15 years of award-winning public sector policy and strategic experience, and more than a decade of experience in adjudicating and reviewing arts grant programs across Canada. Jinting serves on the Polaris Music Prize board and CARAS Producer Advisory Committee, connecting creative practice with funding, policy and music industry development.
Learn More
What makes an audience connect with a performer beyond the music itself?
Drawing from decades of performing across Asia and Canada, Dino Acconci shares practical insights on stage presence, confidence, and audience engagement. Through his experience as a performing artist and as an artist coach, Dino will explore how performers can better understand their own strengths.
From one-half of the celebrated rock duo Soler, learn how to power up your presence on the stage!
SPEAKER: Dino Acconci 夏天樂 (Soler)
Dino Acconci is a Macau-born, Vancouver-based singer-songwriter, music producer, actor, and multi-instrumentalist. As one half of the award-winning duo Soler, alongside his twin brother, he built a successful career across East Asia, performing throughout China, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, and Taiwan. Fluent in multiple languages and shaped by his international background, Dino brings extensive cross-cultural and live performance experience to his work.
Jade Music Fest is grateful to be held on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territories of the Coast Salish peoples of the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam Indian Band), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish Nation), and Səl̓ílwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation). We acknowledge our privilege to operate on these lands, and commit to work with and be respectful to the Indigenous peoples whose music and culture encourages us to better listen to each other.