"How Do You Get To Carnegie Hall or Winter JazzFest?"
There’s a famous joke: Tourists in New York ask a man, “How do you get to Carnegie Hall?” He replies, “Practice, practice.”
As the year ends, I’m thrilled to share that the Pan Asian Chamber Jazz Ensemble will perform at the 2025 Winter JazzFest this January in New York City. It’s a huge honor to be part of this celebrated festival, and every time I’m invited, I find myself reflecting on the journey that brought me here.
One of the most common questions I get is, “How did you get the gig?” It’s a fair question—especially when you look at the Winter JazzFest roster. Even though I have received many honors and have performed with jazz legends over the years, many artists have larger social media followings than I do. By comparison, my numbers are small, and I don’t have a TikTok account. So, why my group?
I’ve asked myself the same thing. The truth is, I don’t know the exact answer. But I can share what I do know—and it might surprise you.
Yes, “practice, practice” is part of it, not just in the literal sense but in being consistent with your branding year after year. This will be my fourth time leading a project at Winter JazzFest, but getting here hasn’t been about one big break or following a straightforward formula.
When I started the Pan Asian Chamber Jazz Ensemble, I made strategic decisions that shaped its trajectory. I chose a name that wasn’t flashy or trendy but steady and flexible—something that would grow with me and allow me to evolve musically. My branding wasn’t about capturing my deepest passion or artistic soul; it was about creating something consistent and recognizable over the long term.
That consistency, I believe, is why my group is included this year. It’s not because I have the most followers or the most popular. It’s because I didn’t give up. Longevity matters, especially in jazz. Branding matters, too, even in jazz. My music is honest, and my branding—while strategic and even sacrificial at times—has allowed me to build something that endures.
So, to answer, “How did you get the gig?” The closest thing to an answer is this: I stayed the course. I focused on creating meaningful work, built a consistent presence over time, and allowed room for growth while sticking to the foundation I built. This is MY answer.
This January, at Winter JazzFest, we’ll debut bold new music that reflects how much I’ve grown as a composer—pieces that are edgier and more daring than anything we’ve done before. 2024 has been a year of tremendous blessings, with 12 honors and awards in jazz and chamber music, an album release, and a tour, and two world-premieres and several U.S. city premieres. It’s been a year of risks, challenges, and creative breakthroughs.
As we move into 2025, I want to leave you with this thought: Success isn’t about shortcuts, and it’s rarely fair or predictable. But showing up—consistently and purposefully—can take you further than you realize. Whatever your path, keep going, even when it feels like the odds are stacked against you.
Wishing you a beautiful and inspiring start to 2025. And if you’re in New York, I hope to see you at Winter JazzFest!
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