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$20 General Admission | $15 Student & Senior | $10 for MOCA Members

Gallop into the Lunar New Year at the Museum of Chinese in America with an energizing evening of culture, community, and good fortune in celebration of the Year of the Horse. This mixer is the perfect opportunity to gather friends, meet new faces, and enjoy a night of joyful connection.

Since debuting their Pocket Chinese Almanac at MOCA in 2010, Joanna C. Lee and Ken Smith have become a cherished part of our Lunar New Year tradition. Known for blending cultural knowledge with practical guidance, their annual reading offers a grounded way to step into the year ahead. This year, they will explore the Year of the Horse, a symbol of freedom, vitality, and perseverance. Join Joanna and Ken as they share insights on what the year may hold, along with traditional practices and helpful considerations for moving through the year with clarity and confidence.

To help bring these insights into everyday life, Chinese metaphysics practitioner and writer Julie Huang will lead a hands-on calendar workshop featuring the Glow Up Golden Calendar, a modern timing tool designed to align decisions, creative plans, and personal goals with classical Chinese metaphysics. Drawing from systems such as the Day Officer calendar and BaZi charting, Julie translates ancient wisdom into a visual, approachable format for contemporary life.

In collaboration with Dragons Den Mahjong social club, instructor Theresa Hong will guide participants through Taiwanese Mahjong. Beginners will receive easy instructions, and experienced players can jump right into open play. These friendly games offer a fun way to mingle and learn together.

Adding to the night’s energy, current MOCA resident artist Yoyo Heath-Hsiao will bring the space to life with a music performance. Guests will also have the opportunity to explore MOCA’s captivating exhibitions.

Refreshments from Taiwan Bear House, Catmint Wheel Cake, Rose’s Pineapple Shorts, Tiger Sugar, and Té Company, plus a bar featuring a special tea-infused cocktail (recipe here from Té Company), available for sampling and purchase. Whether you’re reconnecting with your heritage, exploring new cultural experiences, or simply looking for a unique way to celebrate, MOCA’s Lunar New Year Mixer promises a warm and vibrant night of community and celebration.

About the Collaborators

Joanna C. Lee is a recovering pianist with a doctorate in musicology from Columbia University. An active translator and interpreter, she has served such luminaries as former US President Jimmy Carter, film directors Luc Besson and Peter Greenaway, and Hong Kong action star Jackie Chan.

Ken Smith writes about Asian arts and culture for the Financial Times and other publications. He is the author of Fate! Luck! Chance! … the Making of The Bonesetter’s Daughter Opera. He speaks Chinese fluently in many different dialects.

A Chinese metaphysics practitioner and writer, Julie Huang‘s work in cultural storytelling includes Rupt & Rise on Substack, Chinatown Restaurant Week, Chinatown Jewelry Week, and the Knicks viewing parties during Linsanity, all rooted in building connection and clarity through timing. A former NY Chapter president of the National Association of Asian American Professionals, she brings over eight years of metaphysics study and community leadership to the creation of Glow Up Golden.

Theresa Hong is a Brooklyn-based designer and founder of Dragons Den Mahjong. Born in Taiwan, she learned mahjong at age seven while playing daily with her extended family during summers. She now hosts mahjong gatherings and instructional events across New York City, including at Soho House, Dumbo House, and Kings Co Imperial, focused on community, tradition, and accessibility. She also custom made a giant Set of Oversized Mahjong Tiles to play on Rooftops and big open spaces. In 2024, she won first place at the Food Mahjong Tournament.

Dr. Yu-Wei Heath-Hsiao, known as Yoyo, is an exceptional violinist, pianist, and educator from Taiwan, holding a Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) in Violin Performance from Rutgers University and an MM from the Mannes School of Music. He is a winner of the 2024 Charleston International Music Competition and a recipient of the 2023 Flushing Town Hall Arts Grant. Yoyo serves as first violin at the Berkshire Opera Festival and previously as concertmaster for the Miami Music Festival.

About the Vendors

Taiwan Bear House opened in June 2015 and is located in the heart of Chinatown. We commit to offer fresh ingredients with the essence of Taiwanese food. Differentiated from the hustling and bustling neighborhood in Chinatown, the interior of Taiwan Bear House reflects the serene and zen sensibilities of the Taiwanese culture with wood-decorated walls.

Catmint Wheel Cake was founded in 2016 by Nicole and Pio, fueled by a passion for authentic Taiwanese street food. The business is best known for its signature Che Lun Bing—handcrafted wheel cakes featuring a delicate, crispy shell and a variety of warm, luscious fillings. Over the years, Catmint has become a beloved fixture of the New York City food scene,bringing its unique treats to various pop-ups and street fairs across the five boroughs. From the classic flavor like Vanilla Custard and Matcha Red Bean to inventive savory options, Catmint offers a perfect bite of tradition and a modern taste of Taiwan in every wheel.

Rose’s Pineapple Shorts specializes in artisanal Taiwanese-American pineapple pastries (鳳梨酥), handmade fresh in small batches in Brooklyn, New York.