What is New Wave?
The 1980s Vietnamese American scene—rooted in Eurodisco yet often mistaken for New Wave—redefined style, sound, and identity
Hosted by Asianati & Lang Thang Coffee
50 Years of Vietnamese in America: A One-Day Celebration
Saturday, September 6, 2025
at the Kenwood Theatre & 13 Knives Kitchen
New Wave – A Vietnamese American Story
50 for 50 tour. Don’t Miss Its Cincinnati Stop.
Mile-high hair. Synthesized sounds. Teenage rebellion. Elizabeth Ai was on a mission to excavate an untold story of rebellious punks in the chaotic world of 80s Vietnamese New Wave until she uncovers a hidden past.
Film Date 2024 | 1h 28m | September 6th, 2025 @ 7:30pm
Kenwood Theatre | 5901 East Galbraith Road, Cincinnati, Ohio 45236
Lang Thang Coffee Kickstarter Launch
Support the Next Asian American Story
Join us at 13 Knives as we unveil the Kickstarter campaign for a new documentary chronicling brothers Bao and Duy Nguyen—their journey from Midwest kids to restaurateurs, community builders, and now, growing Lang Thang Coffee with roots from Vietnam. Celebrate Vietnamese coffee culture with signature drinks, gift sets, and a menu of food and drinks available for purchase.
6pm-9pm September 6th @ 7:30pm
13 Knives Kitchen | 5901 East Galbraith Road, Cincinnati, Ohio 45236
New Wave After Party
9pm-Midnight @ 13 Knives - Septmember 6th, 2025
Dance the night away with DJ Doboy. Exprience the energy of 80s Vietnamese New Wave music with a modern twist. Enjoy themed cocktails, late-night bites, and a vibrant atmosphere that celebrates our community’s rich cultural heritage.
No Cover Charge
Explore Vietnamese New Wave Culture
Modern Talking
These guys are legends in the Eurodisco scene, but their influence reached Vietnamese American youth in the 80s.
Iconic Track Remakes
Synth beats and catchy hooks defined the era and we made it our own.
About Elizabeth Ai - The director
Author of New Wave, and an Emmy-winning ESPN and National Geographic collaborator.
Why is it important to us?
It was a cultural touchstone that shaped our identity and community even in the 90s and on out.
Paris By Night
Every house hold had a VHS of Paris By Night, the Vietnamese American variety show that featured New Wave music.
Vietnamese Concert at Grand Victoria
Held on March 29, 1998, this event showcased the vibrancy of Vietnamese music and culture in Greater Cincinnati area.
Event Features
A Celebration Through Food & Drinke
Crafted by Asianati’s own Linda Bui, with flavors from Lang Thang Coffee and Quan Hapa.
Vietnamese Coffee Tiramisu
Crafted by Asianati’s own Linda Bui with Lang Thang Coffee.
Banh Bao (Vietnamese Steamed Buns)
Prepared by Quan Hapa Restaurant.
Pandan Cold Foam Coffee
A new drink from Lang Thang Coffee.
Ube Foam Coffee
A new drink from Lang Thang Coffee.
Vietnamese Iced Coffee on Draft
A classic from Lang Thang Coffee.
Espresso Martini
A cocktail collaboration with Lang Thang Coffee.
Gathering with Drinks, Music, and Stories on Display
DJ Doboy
Starting at 9pm, DJ Doboy will be spinning 80s Vietnamese New Wave music.
The Bar @ 13 Knives Kitchen
Enjoy drinks beneath lush greenery at the 13 Knives Kitchen bar—the perfect spot for the evening.
Schedule
- Lang Thang Coffee Kickstarter Launch Party
- New Wave Documentary Showing
- New Wave Afterparty
13 Knives Kitchen & Kenwood Theatre
Two unique event spaces, side by side, in the Kenwood Collection near Kenwood Towne Center
Celebrate 50 Years of Vietnamese in America with the perfect one-two punch: coffee-inspired cocktails and shareable plates at 13 Knives, then a private New Wave screening just steps away at Kenwood Theatre. With both venues side by side, guests can enjoy food, drinks, and film without ever leaving the party.
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