The Thanh Xuan performance was held at Ilani on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at 9:00 p.m. The amazing lineup features Hong Ngoc’s soulful sounds, Duong Trieu Vu’s high-energy performances, and Dam Vinh Hung’s iconic tunes! The roster also features Mai Thien Van, Luu Viet Hung, DCP dancers, and Dynamix Band.
You can view all the pictures I took during the event by clicking on the link. https://www.vietshownow.com/gallery/thumbnails.php?album=8
To save the picture to your devices, copy and paste the URL to your favorite browser instead of the FB app. (For the best experience, open in your browser).
We’re traveling to Ilani for Thanh Xuan’s show. We’re grateful for our early departure, as the closure of the South I-405 road necessitates a detour through heavy traffic.
Sean Pham says that the show, which drew over 3,000 people, is the largest to have ever taken place at Ilani. Additionally, he acknowledged Roland Casiquin Jr. and Nhan Mai as sound designers and Minh Nguyen for creating new lighting and scenery for the first time at Ilani.
Mai Thien Van, whose real name is Mai Thi Hau, was born in 1982 in Bến Tre, Vietnam. She is a professional singer, well-known in the overseas Vietnamese music community (Nhạc hải ngoại). Van considered becoming a nun and was involved in the church choir as a child. She pursued a degree in music pedagogy for four years. Upon completing her education, she began teaching and performing as a singer.
Mai Thien Van’s musical approach focuses on dân ca (traditional country/village songs of southern Vietnam) and trữ tình (lyrical, melancholy music). She became involved in the international music industry when she started working with Thúy Nga, a major Vietnamese-overseas music production company. Much of her personal life remains confidential.
After the show, all artists who wish to eat can meet at the restaurant. We have been to this place multiple times. We walked to the restaurant with Luu Viet Hung, but somehow we missed it and ended up walking around again.
Luu Viet Hung is a freelance singer in the United States, as opposed to being signed to a large management or production company. He also works as an MC and host for music-related TV shows in the US. He values creative freedom, respect, and having control over his work, as evidenced by his decision to leave a production center he felt was unjust.
Luu Viet Hung’s debut CD was “Không Yêu Thà Rằng Em Nói Một Câu.” His albums and VCDs include Chuyện Tình Hoàng Tử Đại Dương (which includes 3D animated work), Hoa Và Nước Mắt, Trọn Tình Hoàng Tử Đại Dương, and Trịnh Công Sơn – Phú Quang. In 2013, he released an album titled Ngày Hạnh Phúc, along with a music video called Những Gì Còn Lại, which was produced in the United States.
Duong Trieu Vu is a great friend. Back in the good old days, I recall that every time he came to Seattle, we would always ask him to conduct a video interview with Hieu Trung before the show and assist me in taking pictures of all the singers on stage together. He is such an amazing friend.
Duong Trieu Vu joined with Thuy Nga, a famous Vietnamese music label, in 2004 and began performing on Paris By Night, a popular Vietnamese overseas music show. He changed his stage name to “Duong Trieu Vu” shortly before his debut on Paris By Night and instantly became a fan favorite.
His debut solo album, “Ngày Đó Có Em” (“You Were There That Day”), was released in January 2006. In addition to his singing, he is the younger brother of popular comedian Hoài Linh.
Duong Trieu Vu, born Vo Nguyen Tuan Linh on January 1, 1984, in Cam Ranh, Vietnam, is a well-known Vietnamese singer who has worked with both domestic and international Vietnamese audiences. He is the youngest of six siblings and migrated to the United States with his family when he was nine years old. He lived in Orlando, Florida, and began to earn fame through local singing contests.
Hong Ngoc has been a long-time friend of mine. I recall her performing for Seattle audiences back in 2006. I asked if I could photograph her backstage. I was surprised that she posed for my camera like a pro; this photo remains my favorite of all time.
Hong Ngoc realized how limited my Vietnamese was, so if someone spoke to me in Vietnamese fast, she translated it for me in English.
Hồng Ngọc (Nguyễn Thị Hồng Ngọc), a well-known Vietnamese singer, was born on August 6, 1978, in Bình Phước. She rose to prominence with hits like “Mắt Nai Cha Cha Cha” and has recorded solo studio albums, including “Tâm Hồn Tình Yêu” and “Trái Tim Bé Bỏng.” She is popular with Vietnamese audiences both domestically and abroad, having performed in Vietnam, Europe, North America, and Australia.
Hồng Ngọc achieved more success by working with singer Đàm Vĩnh Hưng on duets of songs such as Vùng Trời Bình Yên (written by Phạm Hữu Tâm), Đường Xa Ướt Mưa, and Như Đã Dấu Yêu (both written by Đức Huy).
I wanted a specific picture of all singers on stage at the end of this performance. Thank you. Dam Vinh Hung recommended that I stand above the platform, take a group photo of all the singers, and aim the camera at the crowds. It was an excellent shot.
According to recent reports, singer Dam Vinh Hung has lifted a nine-month performance ban that was imposed in July 2024 for wearing an “inappropriate” accessory during a performance. He has begun getting ready for a comeback with new music after this suspension, including releasing a music video for the viral hit song “Chi co tinh yeu” (Only Love).
In addition, Dam Vinh Hung was named in a lawsuit against American businessman Gerard Richard Williams III for an incident that occurred in 2024 at a private event in the United States, in which he fell from a beautiful fountain. In order to avoid refiling the case, Dam Vinh Hung voluntarily withdrew it with prejudice in December 2024. The complaint had originally sought $50 million in damages. The dismissal came after video evidence showed that Dam Vinh Hung’s own conduct caused the fall. Williams’ legal team said that the case is now concluded and that he paid for the medical bills.
Đàm Vĩnh Hưng, born Huỳnh Minh Hưng on October 2, 1971, in Điện Bàn, Quảng Nam Province, Vietnam, is a highly popular Vietnamese singer known by his nickname “Mr. Đàm.” He began his music career in 1996 after working as a hairdresser and quickly rose to fame with hits like “Tình Ơi Xin Ngủ Yên” and “Bình Minh Sẽ Mang Em Đi.” He is renowned for his performances across diverse genres, including V-pop, pre-war songs, Trinh Cong Son’s compositions, and yellow music, securing multiple awards such as two Dedication (Music) Awards, which are prestigious in Vietnam. Besides music, he is known for publicly showcasing his wealth and has been a judge on major Vietnamese music competitions like The Voice of Vietnam and The X Factor Vietnam. Despite controversies, he remains one of the most influential and highly paid singers in Vietnam, with a career spanning over three decades. Recently, he ended a 9-month performance ban in 2025 and is gearing up for a national comeback with new projects and live shows planned across major cities.
By Ricky Head
VietShowNow staff reporter
Ricky Head is Editor in Chief and Publisher of VietShowNow. He brings over 20 years of experience as a columnist, reporter, and photo journalist. In addition to concert coverage, he is a Content Creator, Writer, Photographer, and Videographer based in Seattle, Washington, and he photographs hundreds of concerts, festivals, and events each year. He takes pride in providing rich, high-quality images at a rapid pace.
- Ricky Head
- Ricky Head
- Ricky Head
- Ricky Head
- Ricky Head
- Ricky Head
- Ricky Head
- Ricky Head
- Ricky Head
- Ricky Head
