Experience cultural heritage night on Aug. 15
KOREAN AMERICAN ASSOCIATION
The vibrant rhythms and rich cultural heritage of Korea will light up the Leisure World Amphitheater on Saturday, Aug. 15, starting at 7:30 p.m. for the seventh annual Korean Night. The event is organized by the Korean American Association.
This milestone celebration will feature a diverse lineup of 10 distinct performance groups, showcasing the immense talent within the Korean community.
The evening will begin with a powerful solo rendition of the national anthems, followed by prominent Leisure World clubs affiliated with the Korean American Association, including: • Korean Drum Club (opening act)
• Flowering Step Line Dance
• Gloria Auto Harp Club
• Korean Dance Club
• Korean American Choral Group
• Women’s Sing-Along Club
• Leisure World Ensemble
• Saxophone Club
• Joy Walking Club The night will also feature a special guest performance by the Korean American Modeling Association, USA.
Opening the festival with thunderous energy is the Korean Drum Club. For over five years, this dedicated group has been a cornerstone of cultural performing arts in Leisure World, blending traditional Samulnori (Korean quartet percussion) with modern musical experiments.
To elevate their artistry for this year’s stage, seven core members of Korean Drum Club traveled to South Korea in March for an intensive twoweek residency at the prestigious National Gukak Center in Jindo. During the event, the group will perform the “Yeongnam Nongak,” a traditional piece renowned for its powerful, heart-pounding rhythms. Mimicking the sounds of nature through four traditional instruments—the small gong, large gong, hourglass drum, and barrel drum—the Korean Drum Club’s performance aims to sweep the audience up in a wave of joy and celebration.
The Korean American Modeling Association will make its debut on LW’s Amphitheater stage, to present a traditional palace costume fashion show.
Instead of a standard runway, this cultural exhibition will transport the audience back in time to the majestic courts of Korea’s ancient dynasties. Models will grace the stage wearing authentic, meticulously crafted royal court clothing (Gungjung Hanbok) once worn exclusively by the king, queen, and royal family members. This exquisite display of vibrant silk, elegant silhouettes, and regal patterns promises to be a visual masterpiece, offering residents a rare, first-hand look at the pinnacle of traditional Korean royal fashion.
— Chris Kim
Korean Drum Club will be the opening act for the Korean American's Association's heritage night.
The Aug.15 Korean Night will feature special guests, the Korean American Modeling Association.
