Mahjong Melodies
When
Where
Price
$25.00 (+ $2.50 fee)
This event is 21+.
About
Join us for a special moment of mahjong and music in the James Irvine Japanese Garden at JACCC. Mahjong Melodies offers a peaceful, early evening experience where the sounds of mahjong tiles meet the live music of traditional Chinese instruments—all set against the backdrop of one of Little Tokyo’s most tranquil spaces.
Guests will enjoy live performances by musicians Zo Shay and Monica Chen, featuring instruments like the Erhu, Dizi, Qin, and Suona. Light bites and drinks will be available throughout the event.
The first two hours will include guided mahjong lessons. We teach Taiwanese American style but all Mahjong styles welcome. Whether you’re here to learn, play, or simply enjoy the atmosphere, Mahjong Melodies is a chance to slow down and connect through games, music, and community.
The Team
Artists
Zo Shay is a musician and audio engineer who has been playing erhu for over ten years. They began erhu as a way to connect with the Chinese part of their heritage, and studied the Silk and Bamboo style while receiving a BA in Ethnomusicology at UCLA. Zo has also studied at the Beijing Central Conservatory and the Shanghai Conservatory of Music. They enjoy bringing Chinese music to audiences around LA and have performed at The Getty, the Fowler Museum, 交通大学, DTLA Proudfest, Shanghai Trans Pride, and the Silverlake library. Zo was the director for the Chinese Music Program at Santa Monica Youth Orchestra, teaching six different classes in LAUSD and SMYO. He currently teaches violin and erhu through his private studio, and audio engineers as the owner of Waxcap Studio.
Monica Chen (they/them) is a Taiwanese American drag performer (a.k.a. Tuxedo Masc) and musician of Hokkien/Ho̍h-ló descent from Rancho Palos Verdes, CA. Originally a classically trained violinist, they now study erhu 二胡 and suona 嗩吶 under the guidance of Zo Shay, Cynthia Hsiang, and Yuning Pu. They're grateful to the W.O.W. Project, Vincent Chong, Clae Lu, Nico Pang, and Zo Shay for reconnecting them to their artistry in pursuit of showcasing queer Asian narratives.
Mahjong Mistress
Mahjong Mistress is a community-focused organization centered around the cultural tradition of playing mahjong. Founded in 2022 by Angela Lin, Abby Wu, Susan Kounlavongsa, and Zoe Blue M., the collective was born from friendship and a deep love for the game. What began as an intimate gathering has since grown into a vibrant platform for cultural exchange, storytelling, and community building.
In collaboration with other AAPI creatives and organizations, MM hosts immersive, intergenerational experiences that highlight the beauty and nuance of Chinese and Asian diasporic traditions.
With a mission to cultivate a new generation of mahjong players, Mahjong Mistress invites participants of all backgrounds to bring their unique perspectives and stories to the table. Their events have been featured in The Los Angeles Times, The New York Times, KTLA, Vice, and more.
Things To Know
Bar + Food
Enjoy our cash-free bar* with select Japanese whiskey, beer, and wine. Additionally, we will present a selection of small bites for purchase throughout the evening.
*JACCC has a Social Responsibility & Designated Driver Program — click here to learn more.
Entrance & Check-in
The elevator entrance to the Toshizo Watanabe Culinary Cultural Center can be found inside the lobby of our 5-story Office Tower.
Make sure to arrive early and bring your ID for this 21+ event. All patrons will visit the check-in table, so please have your e-ticket(s) with QR code ready.
Plan Your Visit
JACCC is a 7-minute walk from the L.A. Metro Rail's Little Tokyo/Arts District Station, which connects to both the A and E lines via the Regional Connector.
For additional transportation options and parking details, check out Go Little Tokyo's Guide to the area here.
Accessibility
We strive to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals, including individuals with disabilities, to engage fully. To be respectful of those with allergies and environmental sensitivities, we ask that you please refrain from wearing strong fragrances. To request an accommodation or for inquiries about accessibility, contact boxoffice@jaccc.org.