Sangeutai Southern Band creates music rooted in traditional folk melodies, combining them with contemporary musical diversity to produce Hakka-based music that is both sophisticated and approachable, hence its popularity. Since its founding in 1997, the band has published 15 albums. Apart from rearranging traditional Hakka folk songs, the music goes further by exploring traditional ballads and by reimaging original compositions, many of which explore the linguistic depth and vocabulary of Hakka folk songs. 

By performing in the standard jazz rhythm section, the music creates a connection with contemporary musical vocabulary, thus making it easier for audiences to understand and to relate to. No matter how profound the music is, the unchanging truth for connecting with the audience is to create melodies that flow which are pleasing to the ear, the same musical quality that also defines the music of Sangeutai Southern Band and their artistic goal.

Collaboration with musicians from a wide range of genres enriches Sangeutai Southern Band’s musical diversity. Improvisation plays an essential role in their music, keeping each performance dynamic and open. For this program, Sangeutai Southern Band will be joined by longtime collaborator and jazz trombonist TENG Yi-chun, adding another layer of spontaneity and dialogue to the performance.

  Artists  

Sangeutai Southern Band

Lead Vocalist & Guitar｜Tommy YEN

Piano, Cello and Alto Sax｜CHUNG Cheng

Bass｜Kevin TANG

Drums｜LIU Hsin-yi

Special Guest｜TENG Yi-chun

 Artists Introduction  

Sangeutai Southern Band

Tommy YAN founded Sangeutai Band in 1997 with the intention of promoting contemporary Hakka music. He released his first Hakka-language album the same year, creating an opportunity for Hakka new music to move from the shadow into the mainstream. As music influences people and words spread, musicians from the younger generations started creating music in their native language, sparking an important trend known as the renaissance of Hakka Music. After a decade of dedication and hard work, the band established itself as the leading voice of Hakka new music. 

In 2026, Sangeutai Band enters a new chapter. In recent years, Tommy YAN has devoted himself to his hometown in Pingtung, bringing renewed attention to Xinpi, a traditional Hakka village that has long remained outside the spotlight. Although the band has spent many years observing the world from Taipei, its musical creation have always been deeply grounded in the land and culture of its home. Over time, this natural pull has gradually guided the band toward a return to its origins.

True to its name, Sangeutai Southern Band is a southern ensemble, with all members based in Kaohsiung and Pingtung. The band consists of vocalist and guitarist Tommy YAN, pianist (also cellist and saxophonist) CHUNG Cheng, bassist Kevin TANG, and drummer LIU Hsin-yi—each a seasoned musician with extensive experience across diverse musical fields. The South’s sensibilities, inherent in both the musicians and their backgrounds, naturally infuse Sangeutai Southern Band with a distinct musical character that sets it apart from its earlier incarnations.