South Korean pop star Kim Tae-yeon plays the Albatross Music Festival this weekend at Hastings Racecourse.
Albatross Music Festival is a two-day outdoor music festival happening this weekend (Sept 14-15) at Hastings Racecourse. What’s unusual about this music festival—which happens the same weekend as the Westward Music Festival—is the lineup, which is predominantly Asian.
The musicians come from as far away as the Philippines, Hong Kong and South Korea, and as near as Vancouver and Surrey, B.C. Genres run the gamut from hip-hop to K-pop to traditional Mongolian music. For more info, including the complete lineup and ticket info, visit the Albatross Music Festival Facebook page.
In the meantime, here’s a brief rundown of some of the acts coming to Hastings Racecourse (188 N. Renfrew St.) this weekend.
Taeyeon—South Korea’s Taeyeon has been making pop music since 2007, when she fronted the K-pop girl group Girls’ Generation. She’s released two solo EPs and a debut full-length, My Voice. The latter sold over 110,000 in pre-orders. If that’s not impressive enough, Taeyeon became the first K-pop female celebrity to reach seven million followers on Instagram (she’s now passed the 10m mark). She is headlining the festival in what is being touted as “her solo premier performance in North America.”
Wanting—Born and raised in Harbin, China, Wanting Qu has been based in Vancouver since she was 16. The pop singer-songwriter is known for her track “You Exist in My Song” as well as being the former girlfriend of Vancouver City mayor Gregor Robertson.
Wanting Qu.
Elise Estrada—A Filipino-Canadian pop singer-songwriter and actress, Estrada grew up in Surrey, B.C.At age 17 she won the title of Miss Vancouver Princess. She is known for her singles “Insatiable” (which rose to number 1 on the Canadian Top 40 Charts), “One Last Time” and “Lipstick.” Her latest single is “U Don’t Need 2 Know.”
Elise Estrada performs on Day 2 (Sept 15) of the Albatross Music Festival.
Far East Movement—This L.A.-based hip-hop/electronic music outfit’s most recent album is 2016’s Identity. It features various Korean artists, including Tiffany, another South Korean singer (though born and raised in the U.S.) who cut her teeth in K-poppers Girls’ Generation.
Edison Chen—Born in Vancouver, Chen is a sensation in Hong Kong, where he’s worked as a film actor, musician, producer, entrepreneur, and fashion designer. His most recent album appears to have been 2015’s 3 Corners II. Unfortunately, various exploits have overshadowed his creative output. For a brief on his tabloid-worthy adventures, check out his Wiki page.
