New York-based band Antigone Rising rocks in Ho Chi Minh City

The show, which was free, was part of a series of events organized by the U.S. Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between Washington and Hanoi.

At the event, the four-member band brought to the audience, including locals and expats, their original hits including “Borrowed Time,” “Call Me Crazy,” “Can’t Let Go,” “Everywhere is Home,” and “One Foot In.”

They also wowed the excited audience by changing the lyrics in the song “Everywhere is Home” into “Vietnam is home,” after frontwoman Kristen Henderson said onstage that they were honored to perform in Vietnam as well as to experience the culture and delicious food here.

The Ho Chi Minh City audience also displayed their enthusiasm by smoothly moving their body to the melodies.

They even turned on their cellphones’ flash and waved the devices in synchronization with the songs.

Besides their original pieces of music, the New York women also brought a special gift to their Vietnamese fans – a rock version of the southern Vietnamese folk song “Ly Keo Chai” featuring Phuong Ha from local rock band White Noise.

The foreign rockers sang in Vietnamese to the excitement of the audience.

One of the show’s highlights was “60 Năm Cuộc Đời” (60 Years of Life), a dynamic Vietnamese song, performed by Ha and the Antigone Rising members.

The song led almost all of the audience members to stand up and approach the stage for dancing, turning the venue into a dance floor.

Talking about the special combinations, the artists said that they were truly motivated to practice the songs to share the same language of music.

During the show, Henderson continually used her cellphone to take pictures of the crowd to upload on social media, saying the women would try their best to reply to their fans’ comments.

The music night ended around 10:00 pm but many audience members still stayed on for Antigone Rising signatures.

After the Ho Chi Minh City concert, Antigone Rising will give another free performance in Nha Trang on July 12 within the framework of the Nha Trang Festival.

The singers will also run master classes and carry out community outreach activities in Ho Chi Minh City, Nha Trang, and Can Tho during their trip until July 13.

Formed eight years ago, Antigone Rising has gone on tours with groups like The Rolling Stones, Aerosmith, Joan Jett & The Blackhearts, the Bangles, and others during their career.

Audience members excitedly swing their arms during the Antigone Rising show in Ho Chi Minh City on July 8, 2015.
Photo: Tuoi Tre

A member (L) of Antigone Rising performs a southern Vietnamese folk song with Phuong Ha,
a member of local band White Noise. Photo:Tuoi Tre

Fans swing their arms during the Antigone Rising show in Ho Chi Minh City on July 8, 2015. Photo: Tuoi Tre

Antigone Rising members rock the stage. Photo: Tuoi Tre

Antigone Rising members rock the stage. Photo: Tuoi Tre

Kristen Henderson is seen during the show. Photo: Tuoi Tre

Cathy Henderson wows the audience with her skillful guitar performance. Photo: Tuoi Tre