About this event
As Chinese American Bear, married musicians Anne Tong and Bryce Barsten know the way to a person’s heart is through their stomach. The Seattle-based duo cooks up a colourful indie pop blend inspired by the Flaming Lips, Beach Boys, Bee Gees and the B-52’s, sprinkling their songs with references to dumplings, noodles and boba tea. Through that playful mix, they introduce new listeners to Chinese flavours while offering a warm, nostalgic glow to fans across the Asian diaspora. The project began almost by accident during the pandemic. Tong — classically trained on piano but new to singing in bands — initially helped Barsten shape ideas and teach him some Chinese. But as the songs developed, her voice naturally became central to the project. Singing partly in Chinese, Tong draws on childhood memories, family ties and everyday joys — themes that resonate with listeners who rarely hear their language reflected in indie pop. After self-releasing their debut Chinese American Bear in 2022, the duo built a growing international following before signing to Moshi Moshi, who released their second album Wah!!! in 2024. They now return with Dim Sum & Then Some, out May 8 — a buoyant collage of the duo’s life together, exploring food, love, small joys and Chinese-American identity. Musically richer and more exploratory, the album blends warbly guitars, hints of psychedelia, pop, disco and synth-driven textures while staying true to the band’s playful spirit. On stage, Chinese American Bear leans fully into that sense of joy and imagination. “We are so excited to share that, to play these songs live and put on crazy concerts with an army of dancing dumplings,” Tong says.
