Celebrating the Harmony of Heritage: AAPI Month and the Music That Moves Us
May 2025
Dear Beloved Community,
As we gather in fellowship during Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, I am moved to reflect on the profound ways music connects us to our cultural roots, to each other, and to the divine. Throughout history, music has been a universal language that transcends barriers and speaks directly to our souls.
In honoring AAPI Heritage Month, I invite you to open your ears and hearts to the vast musical heritage of Asians and Pacific Islanders.
Beyond being the last reigning monarch of Hawaii, Queen Lili’uokalani (1838-1917) was a prolific composer who created over 160 songs, including the beloved Hawaiian hymn “Aloha Oe.” Her compositions uniquely blend Hawaiian traditions with Western musical influences, providing insight into Hawaiian cultural expression during a pivotal historical period.
The Asian American Pacific Islander JazzFest at Rutgers-Newark showcases the growing community of AAPI jazz artists. This festival, the only one of its kind on the East Coast, features more than 24 performers exploring various jazz subgenres from traditional to avant-garde fusions while incorporating Asian and Pacific Islander musical influences.
In the genre of videogame soundtracks, listen to the work of Yoko Shimomura. Beginning her career at Capcom in 1988, she composed music for Street Fighter II, before moving to Square Enix. She is now known for creating the iconic soundtracks of the Kingdom Hearts series, as well as work on games like Street Fighter II, Super Mario RPG, and Final Fantasy XV.
Bruno Mars (Filipino and Puerto Rican descent), HER, Olivia Rodrigo, and Anderson Paak are among the Grammy-winning Asian American artists who have achieved widespread recognition in mainstream music.
Kala’e Parish is pioneering “Native Hawaiian country music,” blending traditional island sounds with country music sensibilities. Just as American country music celebrates working-class culture in the South and heartland, Parish’s music celebrates island pride.
Remember that through music, we not only celebrate diversity but also recognize our shared humanity. When we listen deeply to one another’s cultural expressions, we practice the sacred art of bearing witness to each other’s full humanity – a practice that lies at the heart of building beloved community.
May the music we share this month inspire us to greater understanding, appreciation, and love for the rich tapestry of cultures that make up our congregation and our world.
In harmony and hope,
BridgesUU Music Coordinator
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