The University of Rhode Island Asian Student Association revisited 1986 for its 32nd Annual Culture Show, which took place on Sunday in support of the Asian Mental Health Project.
The show featured solo performances from current ASA members and alumni, as well as student organizations, before bringing out Hohyun and Katherine Li, two up-and-coming Asian-American singers.
Hohyun is a Korean-American singer, songwriter and producer who makes R&B and indie pop music. His songs explore his life before and after pursuing music. As Hohyun grew up, he found that his mental health was declining, and he sought help.
“When I finally saw a psychiatrist, I was diagnosed with ADHD, anxiety and depression,” Hohyun said. “It was the anxiety that got to me and inspired the songs ‘Tomorrow’ and ‘Flawed.’”
“Tomorrow” represented his life before making music, according to Hohyun. The song was melancholic and emotional. “Flawed” represented himself after his diagnosis. The song was emotional as well, but had a louder sound. All attendees were invited to scream out any intense feelings they had.
Li is a Chinese-Canadian singer who makes indie music about relationships. Her set included songs about love, such as “Delusional,” where the character still has feelings for someone who doesn’t reciprocate. She also performed her recently released song “Understudy.”
“It’s about being the person who’s second up either in a relationship or friendship,” Li said. “They patiently wait for their turn, but it never comes.”
The ASA had been working on the culture show since the beginning of the fall semester, according to Alexandra Bolland, the ASA president. The e-board reached out to the performers in September and October while considering a theme.
“We wanted to honor their alumni and rich history of culture on campus,” Bolland said.
The student organizations were the South Asian Student Association and the Rhody Rhapsodies. SASA performed a Bollywood dance to a medley of Desi music, and the Rhody Rhapsodies sang two songs, “imperfect for you,” by Ariana Grande and “Don’t Speak” by No Doubt.
The first solo act was fourth-year Javon Jennings, who showcased Javon’s Exposure, his annual dance number for every culture show. He choreographs his dances and creates his own mixtapes. This year was his last time dancing.
“Usually [Jennings] only dances, but this time, he’ll be singing too,” Raymond Tellier, the emcee for the show, said.
The next two solo acts were fourth-year Sara Cho and fourth-year Ace Crowell. Cho, who was the previous ASA president, sang “Promise” by Laufey. Crowell performed a Tai Chi demonstration.
C-Street, an ASA band made up of four second-year students, played “Seasons” by Wave to Earth, featuring vocals, drums, piano, bass and guitar.
After a 10-minute intermission, the ASA members performed a skit about a time capsule filled with pieces from the ’80s. One item was a Tamagotchi. As two members picked it up, a member acted out the scene where the item was originally placed.
To end the show, People Generally Asian, a K-Pop dance crew within ASA, performed several pieces.
The ASA e-board welcomed next year’s administration before handing out pink cords for graduating members.
“I’ve worked with more than half of [the current e-board] this year and have known the new members for a while now,” Bolland said. “I know they are absolutely capable of carrying on ASA’s legacy and will uphold the standards of the club and support each other throughout. I’m very proud of them.”
To learn more about the ASA, go to their Instagram and TikTok @uri_asa.
