Words and Photos by Jonathan Levitt
I walked into Chinese American Bear’s June 21, 2026 show at the Bowery Ballroom knowing almost nothing about the band. Sometimes those are the best concerts, and this proved to be one of them.
I brought along an American-born Chinese friend, and by the end of the evening we were both completely won over. What unfolded was far more than a concert. It was a celebration of culture, identity, language, humor, and exceptional musicianship wrapped inside an irresistibly joyful performance.
The evening opened with a Buddhist prayer that immediately established a thoughtful, almost meditative atmosphere. From there, Chinese American Bear launched into a set that effortlessly blended dream pop, psychedelia, funk, and disco. The band was remarkably tight throughout the night, creating lush soundscapes that felt both nostalgic and refreshingly original.
Frontwoman Anne Tong proved to be an utterly captivating presence. Between songs, she shared stories and observations about growing up Chinese in America, offering cultural insights that were both funny and deeply relatable. Discussions of language, family dynamics, and Chinese cultural traditions were seamlessly woven into the performance, adding layers of meaning beyond the music itself.
Having lived in China for twenty years, studied there, and been married to a Chinese woman, many of the references immediately resonated with me. Yet what made the show special was that you didn’t need that background to appreciate it. The audience enthusiastically embraced every moment, laughing along, dancing, and connecting with the stories being told.
There was an unmistakable sense of communal joy in the room. It felt as though someone had sprinkled fairy dust throughout the Bowery Ballroom, bringing together a diverse crowd through shared curiosity, humor, and music.
When the set ended, the audience erupted into thunderous applause, stomping feet and demanding an encore. Eventually the band returned, closing the night with “再见-Goodbye” a beautiful, magical finale to an unforgettable evening.
Chinese American Bear’s newly released album, Dim Sum and Then Some on Moshi Moshi Records, is now firmly on my listening list. If this performance is any indication, this is a band with a bright future and a unique artistic voice worth celebrating.
