In 2014, Shen Lihui stood in New York’s Central Park, listening to a Chinese rock band play to a diverse crowd. The trumpet from Omnipotent Youth Society echoed through the park, mixing seamlessly with the everyday rhythms of New York life.
As Shen looked around, he saw people jogging, reading, and walking dogs. For a moment, it felt like he had stepped into a movie. That scene marked Modern Sky’s first overseas music festival, an event that would prove how music unites people.
Modern Sky, founded by Shen, leads China’s indie music scene. The Central Park festival featured artists from both China and the West. Acts like Cat Power, Lenka, and Second Hand Rose brought varied sounds to a shared stage.
Around 6,500 fans attended the event. About 60 percent came from China, while 40 percent were locals from New York. Shen considered the turnout a milestone for cross-cultural music exchange.
After the show, an audience member approached Shen to thank him. That simple moment stayed with him. He had never heard such appreciation at a Chinese festival before.
Another festivalgoer shared that friends had traveled from all over the U.S. to attend. For Shen, this confirmed that music unites people, no matter their background or location.
Since then, Shen has promoted music as a bridge between cultures. He believes international festivals can build lasting connections. Music creates shared experiences, even when language and borders differ.
Modern Sky plans to host more global events. Shen sees these festivals as more than entertainment. They offer proof that music unites people in powerful and meaningful ways.
As Shen reflects on that day in Central Park, he remembers the magic clearly. Music turned strangers into a community, if only for a moment.
