One of the most interesting individual I met at the International Lao New Year is Jonny Olsen. When we were planning the New Year celebration, and looking for performers, someone had suggested him. At first I was thinking why an American performer in a Lao Festival? The other organizers said he was amazing and he sings in Lao, plays the Khaen (I believe he won first place in a competition in Laos), and he does Mor Leum. Before meeting him, I was very skeptical. I was thinking, “Here we go again, some foreigner, trying to act like he is Lao”. Within the first couple of minutes of meeting him, I was embarrassed and a little ashamed because he speaks Lao fluently! He made me look bad and I’m a Laotian! His language acquisition skills are amazing. To hear him speak and sing in Lao is fascinating because you just can’t believe that the words are coming from this white guy who speaks better Lao than some Laos people!
I believe he is in Laos making his next album right now. He travels a great deal playing music. Check him at on his myspace site by typing in Jonny Olsen. Here’s a clip of him singing.
It is almost time for the International Lao New Years! I will be going to San Francisco again for New Year, but also for the first Laotian National Conference. During my last trip, I meet some amazing individuals like Jonny Olsen, Ai Thavi (I met him first when Euiy Dara and I had to pick him up at the airport), and Ai Vong. My sisters and I met all of them on our first day in San Francisco. We had gone to a Thai restaurant to eat and there they were. Of course, being the social butterfly that I am, I started talking to them and introduce my sisters. They were very friendly and social. Even though Jonny is American, he acts like he is Khon Lao so he blended in well with all of us.
Everyday we meet people, some will pass through our lives and become passing strangers, some will become acquaintances, some will become our friends for life or even our lovers. These random people effects our lives in small and momentous ways. However, big or small their impact, our lifes are slightly touched. I am excited about the people I will meet again.
"An invisible red thread connects those who are destined to meet, regardless of time, place, or circumstance. The thread may stretch or tangle, but will never break." –An ancient Chinese belief" Author: Unknown
It's about you! 