Recently, Golden State Warriors fans at the Oracle Arena were blessed by the powerful, yet sweet rendition of America’s national anthem by San Francisco singer/songwriter Alice Tong, who in just the last few years has turned a passion of music and performance into a growing career.
A dog lover, activist, and social worker, Tong often adds an angelic whisper into the cool and foggy air of Rice-a-roni-town at local venues throughout the city.
“I was always singing as a kid and making up songs for fun,” said Tong. “Of course in elementary school, I learned the piano as any little Asian girl would, played the flute in middle and high school, sang in a rock band in high school, and then stretched my voice out more in college- singing jazz, classical, reggae, hip hop, and pop music.”
These humble beginnings spent both in the U.S. and Taiwan helped her discover the reasons behind her love of music as well.
“(I love) being able to express myself, create something meaningful, and then being able to share it with others so that they can hopefully experience something from it as well,” said Tong.
Out of all the aspects of music however, it is often during her performances that her greatest moments are remembered.
“It’s hard for me to pinpoint one (best) moment in particular, but generally it is when I am performing and totally in the zone” said Tong. “It is always a nice moment when people have shared with me that my music has touched them in some way.”
Her commitment to the Asian American community has also flown this soulful singer’s talent much farther than the local coffee house. Tong can also be found performing and speaking at national conferences and festivals like ITASA (Intercollegiate Taiwanese American Students Association), inspiring other Asian Americans like her to pursue their artistic passions.
“I’m going to keep it simple: Have faith in yourself and trust your intuition in order to keep going,” advises Tong to aspiring artists. “Build a support network that will give you perspective when you have somehow lost yours. Be nice to yourself and other people along the way. ”
There is no telling just how far Tong will eventually go with her music, but her passions for it and her community are driving her talent to new heights everyday.
Listen to and follow Alice!
http://www.youtube.com/user/alicetongmusic
