Joy of Sun and Moon: Kat O Da Jiu Art Tour - Songs of Seeking Ballads in Kat O

Highlights

"Joy of Sun and Moon: Kat O Da Jiu Art Tour" is a sonic journey transcending geography and culture. This year, Fragrant Village joins forces with the Shanghai-based "Seeking Ballads Project" to transform the once-a-decade Kat O Da Jiu Festival's bamboo theatre into a hub of musical exchange, allowing audiences to immerse themselves in a traditional celebration while rediscovering disappearing rural sounds of Hong Kong.

This performance is more than music; it is a cultural quest. Shi Jiayin (Ah Shi), founder of Fragrant Village, has spent a decade documenting village school anthems and oral histories across Hong Kong. Meanwhile, Xiao He, founder of the Seeking Ballads Project, is dedicated to collecting and revitalizing folk nursery rhymes nationwide. Their collaboration reveals deep cultural ties between Shanghai's late-Qing/early-Republican era school songs and Hong Kong's rural school anthems. In the unique setting of the bamboo theatre, audiences will experience this cross-regional historical resonance firsthand.

Program

The performance blends the local field recordings of the Fragrant Village Band with Xiao He’s contemporary folk interpretations. More than just a concert, this is a deep dive into the island's history. Since 2018, Xiao He’s team has collected over 1,000 folk recordings, transforming them into vibrant live performances. Their release, "Shi Feng Ji," won the 2025 Best Folk Album Award. At Kat O, they will team up with the Fragrant Village Band to search for and sustain forgotten melodies amidst the village and the theatre.

Venue & Access

Kat O is located in a restricted border area. Please plan your journey carefully and note the following:

• Transport: Participants must arrange their own transport to Kat O. If using the ferry between Sha Tau Kok and Kat O, please arrive at the pier early to queue, as seats are limited and shared with the public.
• Restricted Area Permit: If traveling via Sha Tau Kok Public Pier, you must apply for an "Individual Tourism Closed Area Permit" at least five days before the event.
• Walking: The Sha Tau Kok Public Pier is 280 meters long; allow at least 10 minutes to walk from the entrance to the boarding point.
• Health: Please assess your own physical condition and risk before attending.

Additional ferry sailings will be arranged on the day; please check official announcements from the ferry operator. Sailings will not wait for late passengers.