As we approach the Lunar New Year Festival on February 10, 2018, here's a list of this year's talent. 

Singer-songwriter Melissa Polinar will be taking center-stage, showcasing her unique soulful vocals and heart-bearing lyrics. Polinar has been praised by noted artists such as Questlove from “The Roots,” Mark Kibble from “Take 6” and India.Arie. The festival will also host acoustic pop artist Travis Atreo, known for his unique blend of piano, synth driven pop/R&B anthems and ballads. Hawaiian pop duo Perry & Danielle will also be gracing the stage with smooth, piano-based instrumentation with soulful melodies that add a twist to pop-alternative-soul. Along with our artists, the Kinjaz Dojo will be hosting a dance tournament, where dance groups across the region can compete for a grand prize of $1000. Immortals Awaken Lion Club will also be displaying the ancient art of Chinese ceremonial lion dancing throughout the festival grounds with daring acrobatic feats and colorful costumes to the sounds of drums, gongs and cymbals. In addition, the USC Kazan Taiko will bring their Japanese taiko drumming ensemble to San Gabriel in a high-impact show. Finally, the Asian Arts Talent Foundation, the Viet Vam Dance, the Alan Chan Orchestra, the Sound of China, LATE of ODD FOLKS, and artist DEMIE will also be making an appearance at this year’s celebration. For food, we have the following vendors:

• Love Korean dumplings? Workaholic USA will be bringing their Korean dumplings and bulgogi rice bowls with salad
• Waffle Land will be serving their waffles, with chocolate, coconut, mocha, ice-cream, watermelon juice and rice noodles ice-tea
• Jinbao Chestnuts will be on hand with roasted chestnuts
• Lamb and beef kebabs, pancake and fried dough sticks, sizzling squid, pan-fried buns and more will be served by BBQ of Tian Jin
• Squidies will be serving their boba milk tea and green tea along with fried squid legs, baby fried octopuses, fried squid balls, fried shrimp balls, fried shrimp and Angus burgers
• Of course, Kai Kai Dumplings will be on hand with dumplings – both organic meats and vegan – along with sesame cold noodles, boba milk tea and more

[caption id="attachment_226" align="alignleft" width="300"] Dumplings from Workaholic USA[/caption] We’re also happy to announce that several breweries will be on hand, including:

• Petaluma, California based Lagunitas will be showcasing their IPAs and 12th of Never Pale Ale
• Japanese favorite Sapporo will also be at the festival, with their Sapporo Premium Draft
• Finally, downtown Los Angeles favorite Angel City Brewery will bring their IPAs and pilsners

Be sure to stay tuned to the San Gabriel Lunar New Year Festival's social media channels for more information on Facebook (RSVP here), Twitter and Instagram.