88rising is mounting a new benefit livestream timed to Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month (AAPIHM), it was announced Monday (May 17).
Featuring artists including Atarashii Gakko!, Audrey Mika, Audrey Nuna, Bizzy, Guapdad 4000, eaJ, Luna Li, mxmtoon, NIKI, Seori, Tiger JK and Tasha (Young Mi-Rae), along with a special introduction from CL and guest appearances Dumbfoundead, RZA, Rich Brian, Ocean Vuong and Warren Hue, the livestream — dubbed Asia Rising Together — is slated to air May 26 at 7 p.m. via 88rising’s Facebook, YouTube, Twitter and SiriusXM channel.
In addition to musical performances, the event will “highlight artist stories and identity” through a mixture of programming while also highlighting AAPI business and organizations across multiple industries.
“This is a really unique livestream centered around family and culture,” says Audrey Mika. “I filmed part of my set with my mom and sister, and being able to share our Japanese roots on this platform is really special to me. I hope this shows everyone you can chase your dreams, stay true to yourself, and be proud of who you are in the process.”
Asia Rising Together will additionally put the focus on Asian-American organizations across the U.S., including the Asian Mental Health Collective, The Vietnamese American Community Center of the East Bay and MAMA Drive By Kitchen. Donations collected during the livestream will go to the nonprofit Asian Mental Health Collective.
This is the second benefit concert for the AAPI-focused 88rising in the past year. In May 2020, the company produced the Asia Rising Forever livestream benefitting the non-profit social justice organization Asian Americans Advancing Justice (AAAJ). That event drew a total of 8.5 million viewers.
Asia Rising Together is directed by Sean Kusanagi, creative director at Odesza’s Foreign Family Collective. It is being presented in partnership with Netflix and sponsored by Sumitomo Corporation of Americas and AT&T.
“88rising is committed to using music and our platforms to elevate AAPI voices, to raise awareness for issues affecting our AAPI community, and to denounce anti-Asian hate,” said Sean Miyashiro, 88rising CEO and founder, in a statement. “We are proud to bring this benefit concert along with our many other AAPI-focused initiatives to the forefront so that everyone can have a hand in making the world a more peaceful place.”
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