Our last performance of September brought us to the Golden Tulip Hotel in Tamsui for the 2025 Taiwan Music Festival, “Starry River, Reed Voices.” I’ve always loved outdoor lawn concerts, people chatting softly, enjoying good food and a cold beer… it’s the way I imagine music should be enjoyed.
These past few days my body hasn’t been in great shape. I never fully recovered from the last time I got sick, and the constant switching between cold resting rooms and the heat outside gave me nonstop headaches. I basically had to cool my whole body down in the AC before going out to work for a short while… then the headache would hit again. I probably took around ten painkillers in two days.
I could imagine how magical it would feel to play harmonica in the cool evening wind, but rehearsing under the sun brought back memories of the outdoor stage at the Seoul International Harmonica Festival, one of the most unforgettable experiences of the summer.
What I really enjoy about this kind of festival is having so many groups share the stage. You get to see each group’s personality, hear different interpretations of music, and catch up with old friends backstage and between sets.
One of the highlights for me was performing “Island Diary - Cape of Departure.” Each section feels like riding a motorbike through different corners of Taiwan. Jang Li captured the spirit of the southeast so vividly, you can really see the scenery in the music.
I also got to meet a student I taught over ten years ago, and their parents too. Time flies… they’re already heading into grad school! Seeing you all doing well really is the best feeling.
Huge thanks to Jang Li for taking care of all the big and small details of the event. Not only performing, but also hosting, coordinating, and making sure everything ran smoothly. Truly a multitasking legend. After these hectic days, you definitely deserve a drink, a long sleep, and some proper rest!
