Detroit’s Chinatown, at one point in time, was a bustling neighborhood that often marked the first stop in the states for so many immigrants. 

According to the 2025 census, 1.7% of Detroit’s population identify as Asian American. An effort is underway to restore Detroit’s Chinatown.

In partnership with the International Institute of Metropolitan Detroit (IIMD), Concert of Colors Neighborhood Programs will host a celebration in old neighborhood.

We Tell These Truths: Music is a Universal Language (A Pan-Asian Cultural Celebration) is Saturday, Sept. 26, 2-4:30 p.m.

It’s happening at Detroit Shipping Company in Detroit’s Cass Corridor.

Roland Hwang is a lecturer of Asian, Pacific Islander History at the University of Michigan. Hwang is an attorney and a former state assistant attorney general. He is a supporter of Concert of Colors and MC for the event.

The concert will feature virtuoso erhuist Xiao Dong Wei, and her alter-ego, Madame XD.

Wei’s musical journey began in China at the tender age of 5. Her work has taken her across the globe and landed her in the Detroit area.  She blends traditional Chinese music with contemporary genres. From jazz, rock, and orchestral performance, Xiao plays over 20 instruments. 

Additional performers include well is virtuoso pipaist, Min Xiao-Fen. As well the Great Lakes Taiko Ensemble, and Thomas Xu “Steady Flight Circle” as the DJ for the afternoon.

Wei and Hwang joined The Metro to talk more about the concert and Detroit’s Chinatown. 

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