As the global pandemic continues to wreak anxiety and helplessness, we have seen how live virtual shows helped not only spark hope around the world, but, more importantly, mobilize fundraising campaigns dedicated to various causes to address damages brought by the pandemic. As lockdowns happening on a global scale continue to compel people to stay at home, these virtual gatherings show no signs of slowing down.
Take this impressive roster of Asian acts who are set to stage an eight-hour fundraising stream called #OURIDENTITY : Project Blue Marble. To make this all the more exciting, our very own multimedia king, James Reid, is slated to join the international relief event.
To coincide with the Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, the online event is presented by Transparent Arts, Gold House, Amazon Music, Pacific Bridge Arts Foundation and XRM Media, to be streamed in Amazon Music’s Twitch Channel on May 30, 2020, 2PM PT to help “unite Asian artists and leaders in the fight against COVID-19 and xenophobia affecting Asian communities”, as shared in its official announcement.
The diverse group of confirmed guests include Asian talents who thrive in industries not limited to music, from presidential candidate Andrew Yang, The Daily Show correspondent, actor and stand-up comedian Ronny Chieng, poet Rupi Kaur, Fast and the Furious actor Sung Kang, actress Kelly Hu, Nora From Queens star and rapper Dumbfoundead, basketball star Jeremy Lin, as well as fashion designers Prabal Gurung and Phillip Lim.
Along with Reid, musical performances will be expected from Yuna, Raja Kumari, Jay Park and H1GHR Music, M-Flo and guitarist Miyavi, Vanness Wu, Phum Viphurit, P-Lo, Shawn Wasabi, Yultron, MILCK, Raisa, ØZI, Maliibu Miitch, among others. Agnez Mo and Far East Movement will also debut new music, including the hip-hop/electro group’s track, specially-made for the event, “We Are the Truth.”
Throughout the live event, the hashtag #OURIDENTITY will be heavily promoted in a bid to bring a unified awareness to the movement, enforcing the very thinking that #OURIDENTITY IS NOT THE VIRUS.
Kev Nish, co-CEO of Transparent Arts and is a member of Far East Movement and co-founder of Gold House and one of the organizers of the event notes in a statement, “It’s been inspiring to witness the strength of the human spirit through these tough times. Project Blue Marble is the result of our community’s togetherness, our passion to help and our need to be heard.”
Twitch co-founder and Gold House vice chairman Kevin Lin adds, “Gold House’s mission is to connect, support and empower Asian Americans across industries. Project Blue Marble has brought together Asians worldwide across music, dance, sports and entertainment to support critical COVID-19 relief efforts while confronting increasing racism against Asians. We’re inspired by the show of solidarity.”
Proceeds collected from the event will be directed to United Way for their worldwide efforts to support those deeply affected by the COVID-19 outbreak through protective gear, food, disinfection and sanitization, financial support.
To know more about this relief event, visit here.
Banner image: Photographed by Rxandy Capinpin for Rank Magazine