On the evening of August 24th, the well-known band Silicon Valley Band (SVBand) held a grand barbecue music concert at the Green Mountain Retreat in Los Gatos to express gratitude to their long-term support from the overseas Chinese community. Over 200 overseas Chinese attended the lively and warm event.
The event was hosted by the owners of the retreat, Mr. and Mrs. Chen Chaoquan and Lai Shuna. Distinguished guests present at the event included the founders of the California Line Dance Association, Lin Guihong and Lin Mengxiong, as well as the board member of the Asian American Chamber of Commerce, Chen Junya. Lai Shuna expressed, “The environment here is beautiful with fresh air. Through this late summer to early autumn BBQ event, we hope everyone can have a great time. There was live band performance during dinner, followed by a formal evening program, where everyone could joyfully sing and dance.”
SVBand was founded by the brothers Liu Fangkai and Liu Fangxuan, along with other music enthusiasts in 1984. Due to members starting families and careers, the band took a 15-year hiatus. Liu Fangkai, after achieving success in entrepreneurship and taking his company public, retired early and reignited his music dream, rallying the band members back together. Today, SVBand has been active in the Bay Area for 40 years, rehearsing every Saturday, becoming a sought-after “musical family” for many.
Bassist and band leader Liu Fangkai stated in an interview, “We are all professionals in the Bay Area who gather together because of our shared interest in music. Besides practicing on weekdays, we often dine together, share thoughts, and consider music as a part of our lives. Despite being amateur enthusiasts, receiving support and applause during performances is truly touching and fulfilling for us.”
SVBand’s female singer, Gao Huiling, shared, “I am delighted to be part of this band because music enriches our lives. Everyone in the band shares a passion for music and most of us work in the high-tech industry. We enjoy our time rehearsing on Saturdays and socializing afterwards. I also appreciate the support and encouragement from so many friends in the Bay Area.”
A longtime friend of the band and the founder of the California Line Dance Association, Lin Guihong, described the annual BBQ as SVBand’s private party, where only good friends are invited. Each time she attends, she feels the beauty and warmth of life. Despite conflicts in the world, being able to gather joyfully here is the most enjoyable moment. She praised band leader Liu Fangkai for successfully balancing his roles as a high-tech entrepreneur and pursuing his passion for music, living a fulfilled life.
The evening featured a sumptuous spread that included grilled beef, pork chops, chicken, salmon, shrimp, braised eggs, salads, stir-fried noodles, rice, a variety of desserts, fruits, and red wine. Guests not only enjoyed the feast but also eagerly took the stage to perform, filling the venue with applause and laughter.
As night fell, SVBand took the stage, and the audience danced to the music, fully embracing the festive atmosphere of music and dance.
Consisting of nine members, SVBand includes two guitarists, one keyboardist, one drummer, one bassist, and three vocalists. Despite being amateur singers and musicians, their musical talent is profound, having been invited to participate in various large-scale events in the Bay Area with great acclaim. The members include Liu Fangkai (bass, band leader), Weng Ruihong (keyboard, band director), Wang Wei (percussion), Chen Qixin (drummer), Liu Fangxuan (guitar), Xiang Cheng (lead guitar), and vocalists Liu Guowei, Lin Suzhen, and Gao Huiling.