As we celebrate the 100th edition of Paris By Night this year, I thought it would be fun for us to go back in time and reminisce on events and performances that have made an impact on us. As many of you already know, Paris By Night has had a profound presence in my life. As we celebrate this milestone, I am swelling with feelings of bittersweet; a mixture of happiness and sadness. Happiness because of the great achievement this occasion truly is; sadness because there is this dark cloud looming over the Vietnamese music industry. How much longer can this industry last under these trying circumstances?
For the past 27 years, Paris By Night has and remains to be the most popular Vietnamese music production. They have brought us musical masterpieces, they have kept Vietnamese music alive and have sustained and introduced our Viet culture to the newer generations. But beyond that, Paris By Night has united Vietnamese people across the world. Even if you watch it regularly or not, all Vietnamese people know what Paris By Night is – and that in itself is a testament to the achievements of Paris By Night. There is no bigger stage in the realm of Vietnamese music than on the Paris By Night stage. For all aspiring singers, their ultimate dream is to one day have the chance to grace this stage.
Each and every of the 100 programs offers something for us to carry away, it offers something for us to think about, and of course for 27 years and through 100 Paris By Nights we have been entertained. Paris By Night has brought countless memories, incredible performances, and immeasurable happiness in the past 27 years. And as we “Ghi Nho Mot Chang Duong” with the taping of Paris By Night 100 this summer, I thought it would be fun to recollect the 100 moments that have impacted you the most. These can be performances, they can be interviews, or just moments and events, which lie in the back of your mind and resurface every now and then. If anything, reading everyone’s “Top 100” will be a very fun way to look back at Paris By Night’s journey through the fan’s perspective.
So here is my “100” in no particular order. I could probably make a Top 500 list, because for me Paris By Night has had such an effect on my life. Every song ignites a certain memory, but since we are about to tape PBN 100…I present to you my Top 100
1. The fall of 1983, Thuy Nga releases PBN 1. Through the tough economic times at the beginning, the company slowly builds, and now 27 years later, PBN 100 is about to be taped. This is a true historic moment for Thuy Nga and the Vietnamese community.
2. Attending my very first Paris By Night taping. Paris By Night 36 in Houston on March 31, 1996. That date has so much importance to me that I have never forgotten that date.
3. I did not attend another taping again until January 21, 2006 for PBN 81 in Long Beach. My sister and I made signs to hold up after LTQ’s performance and this action was caught on the DVD.
4. I mentioned above that it all aspiring singers dream of standing on the PBN stage. This dream is not limited to singers only. On PBN 94, I got the incredible honor to be interviewed by Ky Duyen on a special PBN 25th Anniversary segment.
5. For the first time seeing Nguyen Ngoc Ngan & Ky Duyen together on the same stage. I remember a loud cheer when I watched the preview video for PBN 24 at the end of PBN 23. This was truly a match made in heaven – to this day, there is no one who can even come close to the natural conversation and the chemistry that these 2 possess.
6. Receiving a backstage pass for the first time for PBN 84 in Atlanta. Seeing exactly how a PBN show is put together and seeing the hard work of all involved backstage made me have even a deeper appreciation for PBN.
7. I was vacationing in Orlando during the Christmas of 1996, and as I was walking through a grocery store I saw the poster for PBN 38. And atop of the poster was a picture of Hoang Lan & NHU QUYNH!!!!
8. Huong Lan performing “Cay Dan Bo Quen” on PBN 7. There was something about the way she sang that song that caught my attention. That was the first Vietnamese song I ever learned.
9. I had never really been exposed to Vietnamese poetry before watching PBN. When Nguyen Ngoc Ngan read “ao nang vang anh ve yeu hoa cuc, hoa nang xanh anh men la san truong” as in intro for the ao dai performance on PBN 24, I was mesmerized by the beauty and symbolism of the Vietnamese language. In the recently published “Ky Niem San Khau” he talks about how nervous he was before his first MC appearance on PBN 17. On a boat ride on the Seine, he had a vision and right at that moment he decided that the direction he would take was to bring literature and poetry into his MC segments.
10. “Back to the Past” video introduction from PBN 52. The sheer genius of the video and incredible concept. When that car slammed though the barrier on stage I was in shock.
11. LK Tuoi Hoc Tro with Nhu Quynh, Hoang Lan, and My Huyen in PBN 42. There is just something so poetic about a white ao dai. There is just something so innocent about this time in one’s life and it brings back immediately memories.
12. Tran Thai Hoa’s “Co Lang Gieng” from PBN 62. This is one of my dad’s favorite songs, he said it was one of the only songs he knew how to play on guitar and he used to sing it to my mom – they were actually neighbors back in Vietnam.
13. Dalena’s “Le Da” from PBN 15. Delena’s performace was the sensation at that time. Everybody was talking about how precise her pronunciation was. At that time (1992), I still did not know how to write and read Vietnamese. In some part, Dalena inspired me learn the Viet language better.
14. Ai Van & Huong Lan with “Mua Saigon, Mua Hanoi” on PBN 17. During this time, Huong Lan was my favorite singer and Ai Van was my sisters. We would often argue abou who we thought was better. Having them duet together settled our arguments.
15. Watching the live webcam feed of the Talent Show (PBN 86 & 87) together with my family. The 4 of us sitting around my 17” monitor watching and cheering and wondering who would win
16. Bao Han & The Son’s “Tro Choi” in PBN 35. That performance was just so fun and entertaining to watch. I love the love metaphors presented in the song.
17. In that same video (PBN 35), The Son, Nguyen Hung, and Chi Tai perform “Ngua Phi Duong Xa.” When my cousin Sean was about 2, he LOVED that song. In fact, that song was on a loop at his house for a good month.
18. The bridge collapse in Nhac Kich “Hue Mau Than” in PBN 91. It was just so impactful. That’s one of those performances where you had to be in the theater watching live to truly experience the impact of that song. Things like this are only done on PBN, these huge theatrical numbers which have such cultural and historical impacts
19. The diamond crystal beads used as the backing and stage for PBN 98. Truly a magnificent and incredible look.
20. Hoang Lan’s MTV “Tim Anh” in PBN 41. I had heard her mom, Kim Tuyen, sing this song in a video way back. Hoang Lan’s version is so full of emotions. I love this video, especially the very last shot of her shadow standing on a cliff. Very “Hon Vong Phu” inspired.
21. Huong Lan’s “Duyen Tinh” in PBN 16. Love the voice, love the dress, love the performance. My aunt loved that ao dai so much, she had a replica made for herself!
22. Huong Lan & Chi Tam’s “Duyen No Cho Troi” on PBN 36. I love the story, the conversation, and the set up.
23. “Phantom of the Opera” by Dalena & Henry Chuc on PBN 29. I had never heard of Phantom until this video. Since then I have seen the Broadway version 3 times.
24. Phuong Diem Hanh & Dang Truong Phat’s “Xin Anh Giu Tron Tinh Que” on PBN 60. I’ve heard many versions of this song. To this day, this is my favorite version – from vocals to arrangement.
25. PBN has a few performances that make me cry each time I watch it – Nhu Quynh’s “Dem Chon Dau Vuot Bien” in PBN 77 is one of those performances. I tear up throughout the whole performance, but at the very end when she holds on to her husband’s hand as it slips away because the boat is drifting away, the tears in my eyes drop every time.
26. Another performance that brings me to tears is Quang Le in “Long Me Vietnam” in PBN 90. I remember I was sitting in the audience watching this performance during rehearsal with Trizzie Phuong Trinh and Quynh Vi, and the 3 of us all had tears in our eyes.
27. Truc Lam and Truc Linh’s hilarious interview with NNN and an audience member after their performance on PBN 50.
28. “Giang Cau” by Huong Lan, Trang Thanh Lan, Quang Binh, and Elvis Phuong on PBN 26. Another fun and down-to-earth performance. We would later do this as a performance for church. I played the part of Elvis Phuong.
29. Ky Duyen lost in the caves PBN 37. I loved the part when she reappeared back on stage in a midst of smoke and then introduced Huong Lan’s “Doi Thong 2 Mo.”
30. The interview with Huong Lan and Elvis Phuong at the beginning of the second tape of Paris By Night 22. In the interview, NNN asked Huong Lan and Elvis Phuong their impressions of Lam Phuong and asked them to sing live a few short lines from his most popular songs.
31. The opening from Paris By Night 88. It’s not as extravagant as some of the amazing PBN openings, but this one with the 12 singers and the song was befitting of the program and truly captured the spirit of Lam Phuong’s music.
32. Throughout the years, it has been PBN’s mission to maintain and sustain Vietnamese culture, and a major aspect of this has been the ao dai. Through various fashion shows and performances, the ao dai is always an important component of a PBN program. I remember truly realizing the symbolism of the ao dai in PBN 24. After that I would make sketches of ao dai designs in hope of wanting to see one of my drawings be fabricated.
33. Thai Thanh and Y Lan’s mother-daughter duet on PBN 73. Two of the greatest voices of Vietnamese music together on the same stage…truly miraculous.
34. The ending from PBN 32 – “Dan Chim Tha Phuong” with Ai Van, Elvis Phuong, The Son, My Huyen, Nguyen Hung, and Thanh Ha. What an amazing and inspiring song and a great ending to such a meaningful program.
35. When Nguyen Ngoc Ngan jumped from Niagara Falls in PBN 43 and then coming back on stage soaking wet. Such a funny comedic moment.
36. Nhu Quynh’s flying performance with “Tan Noi Mong Cho” in PBN 46. The acting and vocal talent of Nhu Quynh again on display – truly an unforgettable performance. I usually always watch a video from beginning to end first, but I remember for this video, I had to skip and watch NQ’s performance first before going back to the beginning.
37. The first time Hong Dao, Trang Thanh Lan, and Quang Minh stood together on the same stage with “Thien Duyen Tien Dinh” in PBN 46. This trio would give us many great laughs over the next few years.
38. Since we’re talking about PBN 46, I cannot forget to mention Hoang Lan’s incredible version of “Mua Tren Pho Hue.” The stage with Chua Thien Mu in the back and a stage full of traditional instruments to accompany this song made it feel grand and extremely elegant.
39. The opening from PBN 94 – one of my favorite openings of all times. From the black and white footage at the beginning (representing PBN’s early years) to the first song by Nhu Loan and Quynh Vi. The first song gave the audience a strong impression of Paris and PBN’s early years. It would follow the circular movement on stage to represent the passing of time as well as the spread of PBN music to all regions of the world. And ending with “Hay Cho Toi Ngay Mai” as an upbeat way of giving gratitude to the audience for years of support and that without continued support, PBN cannot continue.
40. In PBN 95, the solemn opening of “Neu Chi Con Mot Ngay…De Song” again we are treated to a very reflective song and a subtle message from PBN about thanking the audience and that the production’s days are numbered unless the audience supports by buying original products.
41. Hoang Thi Tho is truly a master of creating que huong images through his songs. One of my favorites was Son Ca & Bui Thien’s “Dua Em Qua Canh Dong Vang.” The simple yet romantic image of a bride and groom going shopping for wedding outfits is so beautiful. Many people will remember that Nguyen Ngoc Ngan was sitting and eating at one of the tables as a setup for this song. My sister and I would later perform this song at our uncle’s wedding.
42. Yet another beautiful song telling the stories of the people in the villages of Vietnam is The Son & Nhu Quynh’s “Muc Anh Trang Vang.” This song performed on the second Hoang Thi Tho video (PBN 47) is almost poetic in terms of lyrical music and imagery. The image of the moon shining upon the water face is a sight that is so beautiful and enlightening.
43. A song that can always bring a smile to my face is Bao Han’s “Niem Vui Hon Nhien” in PBN 48. Her smile and movements, the lyrics, and the message of the song is truly inspiring and uplifting. It reminds us to live life to the fullest and Bao Han and the dancers truly captured the beautiful spirit of this song.
44. Thuy Nga made history with PBN 53 – the first of many duet videos. I remember seeing the poster for the first time and reading at the bottom of the poster “chuong trinh song ca dac biet thu hinh tai Paris.” I was just ecstatic and the program is now one of the most beloved programs in the PBN series.
45. PBN 53 included many memorable performances, but perhaps the most talked about performance and the one leading to a trend in future PBN was the trio performance from Manh Dinh, Manh Quynh, and Truong Vu with “LK Ngheo”
46. For the first time in PBN’s history and the very first Asian city chosen for a taping – PBN 89 was filmed in Seoul, Korea. It was an extravagant program taped at the Olympic Fencing Stadium and included 2 large stages. Over 4000 people attended the taping including many who flew over from Vietnam.
47. Loved the artistic message of Thien Kim’s “Toc Gio Thoi Bay” in PBN 62. Such a solemn and breathtaking performance and set up. I will always remember the first time I watched when she cut off a piece of her hair at the end of the performance. The performance was like a piece of art.
48. I talked about performances that made me cry above, the ultimate performance that can make me cry each and every time is Nhu Quynh and The Son’s “Chuyen Tinh Thoi Chinh Chien” in PBN 88. The story and the music is so touching, and while I never had to experience those dark days that so many Vietnamese had to endure, I can feel the pain and the heartache. That performance was truly a work of art and absolute wonder.
49. Minh Tuyet’s “Da Khong Yeu Thi Thoi” became an instant hit in PBN 81. The very creative choreography of sitting on the velvet drape at the beginning was unique and memorable. Not to mention the incredible song and amazing vocals by Minh Tuyet.
50. I was taken away with Luong Tung Quang’s first performance of “Trai Tim Ran Vo” in PBN 61. From lyrics to song to vocals, it was the perfect performance and a wonderful first impression for the audience.
51. People often remember performances more if it has a set up or a story line. I will always remember the comedic and entertaining performance of Henry Chuc, Bao Han, and Jenny Loan with “LK Chi Co Em & Yeu Nhau Bon Mua” in PBN 28. Do you guys remember the huge diamond ring used as a prop in that performance?
52. Although recently released, the opening from PBN 99 – “Tinh Ca” will go down in history as one of the most remembered openings ever. From cultural aspects to musical and staging, the performance was perfect in every aspect and a true testament to the staging genius of the producers and Shanda Sawyer. My very last moment when the 3 pieces of fabrics were pulled from the stage in the audience was profound and incredible.
53. Speaking of performances which have cultural and traditional impacts, we cannot fail to mention Nhu Quynh’s “Loi Ru Cua Me” from PBN 63. The amazing staging and symbolism created throughout the song was breathtaking. To this day, Thuy Nga is the only production able to produce such profound and impactful performances such as this.
54. Also from PBN 63, right from her very first note, she changed Vietnamese music history. Ngoc Ha’s “Mai Dinh Lang Bien” left everyone speechless because of her incredible vocals and amazing range. What makes Ngoc Ha so unique is because of the new generations of singers, very few can perform the classic and traditional music of Vietnam as Ngoc Ha can (ca tru).
55. Manh Quynh singing vong co in English on PBN 67 always makes me smile. I remember the first time watching that with my family we all laughed out loud. The cheers, reactions and the laughter from the live audience in the theater were simply priceless.
56. All I have to say here is Nhu Quynh’s “Nua Vang Trang” from PBN 68. So grand, so incredible, so touching, so amazing.
57. Ky Duyen has a knack for impressions and she is so charming at it. Her “Hoa Hau Ca Chon” from PBN 68 left a lasting impression and the audience and she has reprised that role several times since then.
58. Quang Le’s “Suong Trang Mien Que Ngoai” in PBN 69 vaulted him to star status. He sings with a passion and emotions that can be rare in someone his age and in the music he has chosen. His distinct voice and especially songs pertaining to Hue have touched the hearts of millions.
59. Khanh Ly has been linked to music of Trinh Cong Son for her entire career. When he passed away in 2001 she performed an incredible live tribute on PBN 60. The live performance with Khanh Ly and the 2 acoustic guitarists was touching, respectful, and profound.
60. Ngoc Ha has given us many incredible performances through the years. However my favorite is still “Buon Tan Thu” which she performed on PBN 65. You just sit there in awe as you take in her vocals and her interpretation of the classic by Van Cao.
61. Speaking of artful performances, it will be hard to find a more creative performer than Don Ho. One of the favorites is “Bai Tinh Ca Cho Em” performed on PBN 71. The staging was simple but artistic and reflective. The movements on stage mirroring the actions on the screen left for a haunting and lasting impression.
62. The opening from PBN 84 with Bao Han and Nhu Loan and “Se Khong Quen Nguoi.” I loved how Bao Han and Nhu Loan started off the performance in the audience aisles and slowly made their way onto the stage.
63. In the 1970’s Hoang Oanh and Trung Chinh were very popular in Vietnam during the times of war. For the first time since those years, Thuy Nga reunited these 2 voices in PBN 73 with “LK Chuyen Chung Minh & Ngay Sau Se Ra Sao.” They would continue to have 2 additional duets together on the PBN stage (PBN 76 and 85).
64. As we celebrated “Am Nhac Khong Bien Gioi” Thuy Nga brought back a classic act between Hoang Thi Thao and Lu Lien entitled “Co Tay Co Ta” in PBN 81. It was a comedic yet profound comparison between a traditional Viet instrument and the violin.
65. 3 of the greatest que huong performers of all time together on the same stage: Huong Lan, Hoang Oanh, and Nhu Quynh with “LK Noi Buon Hoa Phuong & Luu But Ngay Xanh” in PBN 83.
66. Since he first appeared on PBN 72, Bang Kieu has given us so many incredible performances. One of my favorites still is his live rendition of “Phut Cuoi” in PBN 88. I loved how he started off the song without first introducing the title. After just one line, the audience broke out in applause. Towards the end he should show off his incredible vocals by holding a note for an extended period of time…again applause. Still brings me chills when I think about this performance.
67. The Son and his jaw-dropping performance of “Chuyen Nguoi Dan Ba Ngan Nam Truoc” from PBN 45. The staging and the acting by all involved simply left you spell bound and glued to the TV set. This song tells the story of Jesus and Mary Magdelene and how “Let He Who is Without Sin Cast the First Stone”
68. Mai Thien Van’s interview with Nguyen Ngoc Ngan on PBN 91. You can see first hand how shy and honest she is – which further added to the audience’s adoration of this new singer. From here on out she will forever be remembered as the girl from Ben Tre. Also the short vong co line at the end created even more attention for Mai Thien Van.
69. Speaking of Mai Thien Van, I have to say that I have loved every performance she’s performed on the PBN stage. But the one that has had the most impact on me is “Cho Nguoi Vao Cuoc Chien” that she performed on PBN 98. Her vocals and emotions are at a full time high in this performance and she touched the hearts of everyone listening.
70. Bao Han, Tu Quyen, and Nhu Loan in “Em Ghen” on PBN 90. This performance was sizzling hot, packed full of energy, great choreography, and just left a smile on the audience’s face.
71. Huong Thuy with “Ngoi Ca Que Huong Em” in PBN 94. The song by Thanh Son again wonderfully describes the beauty of Southern Vietnam and the costumes and choreography and Huong Thuy’s voice further enhances this performance. The individual pieces of ao dai when joined together forming a dragon on stage caused the audience to applaud and cheer.
72. It has also been the wish of PBN to introduce famous Vietnamese performers around the world and introduce them to the worldwide audience. Examples of this have included Pham Quynh Anh (PBN 92), Roni Trong (PBN 84), and Thanh Bui (PBN 96). Also of these individuals have made a name for themselves in their local cities and countries, but was made known to the world Vietnamese audience by Paris By Night.
73. For me, Y Lan’s “Tuong Nhu Con Nguoi Yeu” from PBN 90 is one of the most poignant moments. Musically speaking, Y Lan delivered this song with the soul and the emotions like few have before who have performed this song. After the performance, she mentioned to me that it wasn’t her plan to cry so soon into the song. However, after just a few lines she looked down and saw the audience crying and she could not contain herself anymore. You should have heard the roar and applause from the audience as the Vietnam flag was unfurled during the last few seconds of the song. Those of you who attended the Saturday taping of the show knows that a women sitting in the balcony section was overcome with emotions and grief that she started to should and cry loudly. The show had to halted for a few seconds as she was escorted out to compose herself.
74. Duong Trieu Vu’s “Ky Niem” from PBN 99 is truly a work of art. The actions on stage mimicking the lyrics of the song are done with emotions and passion. The inclusion of children in the cast gives the full impact of growing up and the trials and tribulations you endure as one moves into adulthood.
75. PBN has given us many laugh out loud moments since Nhom Kich Thuy Nga came together. One of the favorites is Kieu Oanh’s extended bantering, charm, and vong co segments in “Vietnamese Idol” in PBN 84.
76. As PBN’s MC for nearly 20 years now and over 80 programs, Nguyen Ngoc Ngan has undoubtedly played a crucial part in the success of Paris By Night throughout the years. He has found a way to introduce history, culture, language into a program and making these educational talks profound and entertaining. With Ky Duyen by his side, they are truly unmatched and unrivaled in the field of MC.
77. Huong Thuy’s perforamance and subsequent victory on PBN 93 – Celebrity Dancing. The program itself was entertaining, fun, and exciting. However, Huong Thuy added that special touch of surprise.
78. PBN 76, 80, and 85. Tet is without a doubt the most celebrated holiday for the Vietnamese people. Through the 3 highly popular and requested Tet themed programs, PBN has given us a touch of the celebratory feel of the seasons while also explaining the customs of Tet for all.
79. The ensemble performance of “Truoc Lau Ngung Bich” and “Tu La Coi Phuc, Tinh La Giay Oan” in PBN 37 & PBN 39. The songs and acting were superb but beyond that it allowed me to learn about one of the most popular Vietnamese stories. And this is an element which sets Paris By Night apart from the other productions – besides offering entertaining performances, it has distinctive touches of our culture and heritage.
80. The opening from PBN 98 made me tear up as I was standing inside the theater watching during rehearsal. The grandness of the set up and the sheer size of the theater brought chills down my spine. The “camera countdown” before the performance added on to the anticipation of one of the most memorable openings.
81. Khanh Ly’s haunting performance of “Kinh Chieu” in PBN 47. The scenes of war and the backdrop of the church in the background added to the overall ambience of the performance and allowed us to remember back to the devastation of war that plagued Vietnam for so many years.
82. The ao dai performance of “Bon Mau Ao” in PBN 57. Cute, fun, energetic, and very meaningful for the chosen theme of “Thoi Trang & Am Nhac.”
83. Hai kich “Chung Mot Mai Nha” in PBN 91. As I was watching at DVD with my family, we were literally rolling on the floor laughing. I especially loved the “Bac/Nam dictionary.” Another unforgettable moment for me was Be Ty and Huong Thuy singing backup for Chi Tai.
84. For the first time together on a stage performance, 3 sisters Cam Ly, Minh Tuyet, and Ha Phuong give a charming and lively performance of Thai Thinh’s “Be Bang and Co Gai Que” in PBN 92.
85. Tam Doan’s “Mua Dong Hoa Trang” from PBN 72. The acting, the song, the story was emotional and moving. The last scene of the snow falling upon the dead body is so profound and artistic.
86. Hon Vong Phu is one of Vietnam’s most renowned folk stories. Le Thuong captured the spirit of the story into 3 songs. PBN has staged 2 of these 3 songs into unforgettable performances on Paris By Night. “Hon Vong Phu 1” as a grand and elaborate opening performed by The Son in PBN 81. PBN 81 was “Am Nhac Khong Bien Gioi 2” and the program started out with native Vietnamese songs and then would move around the world. “Hon Vong Phu 2” was then a very reflective, emotion, and solemn performance by Hoa Mi in PBN 90. In “Chan Dung Nguoi Phu Nu Vietnam,” this song was used to illustrate the boundless love and devotion of a Vietnamese wife waiting for her husband to return. I’m still hoping “Hon Vong Phu 3” will one day be staged so this amazing trilogy can be complete.
87. Chau Ky’s retelling of the story that inspired his famous song “Giot Le Dai Trang” on PBN 78. Such a charming, eloquent, and hilarious man. May he rest in peace. It is because of stories like this that it has been Thuy Nga’s wish to honor and introduce as many Viet composers to the audience as possible.
88. Nguyen Ngoc Ngan’s and Ky Duyen opening statements from PBN 77. With tears fresh in my eyes from Khanh Ly and Nhu Quynh’s performance, the tears kept flowing through NNN and Ky Duyen’s opening. Just the human nature of Ky Duyen not being able to speak because of tears in her eyes and NNN’s calm and collective nature; “Vao nhung ngay nay 30 nam truoc…”
89. Minh Tuyet’s interview with Ky Duyen in PBN 90. The re-telling of her childhood with her mom and the raw emotions exerted on stage by both Ky Duyen and Minh Tuyet was personal and revealing. Minh Tuyet’s mom was actually featured in the “Ganh Hang Rong” video and song that preceded the interview.
90. Bang Kieu and Khanh Ha’s “Tinh Yeu Cho Em” in PBN 79. There’s not much I can say but inspiring. The song kept on building on itself until the amazing climatic chorus. Still gives me goosebumps as the first time I heard this song.
91. Ngoc Ha’s “Tinh Hoai Huong” in PBN 71. The audience clapping after the first verse was just an indication of the greatness of Ngoc Ha’s voice. She has tackled some of the most difficult songs in the Vietnam music library and has presented them to a newer generation of audience. I will always remember NNN’s intro for Ngoc Ha in this song, “Voi chi hon mot nam tren san khau co da tien mot duong rat dai…”
92. Perhaps one of the most talked about openings is Nhu Quynh’s “Noi Buon Chau Pha” from PBN 42. Often remembered for NQ’s amazing abilities and of course the lion brought out at the end of the performance. We would later learn that the lion escaped during rehearsals and gave the performers and back stage crew quite a fright.
93. Bang Kieu and Quynh Vi’s LK “Ngay Cuoi” in PBN 95 is so emotional for me. The sweeping flow of the songs and the amazing set up. Makes you realize true love is out there the song makes you believe and cherish love. Amazing!!!!
94. I love seeing audience shots when watching PBN. There is just something about the wide angles when you can see the whole theater that makes the concert seem so grand. My first memory of this is the audience shot after Elvis Phuong performed “Mot Lan Mien Vien Xot Xa” on PBN 32. After he hit that high note on “Me Vietnam Oi!!!!!!!” the shot of the audience applauding was awe-inspiring.
95. Bao Han and Duong Trieu Vu’s sequel story from PBN 92 and PBN 96. Only Thuy Nga can produce such an elaborate and action-filled story on stage. Great story, great songs, great singers, great acting!!
96. It has long been Thuy Nga’s mission to introduce the composers of Vietnamese music to the audience as a small token of gratitude for all they’ve done to shape Vietnamese music. Starting with Pham Duy in PBN 19, Thuy Nga has slowly introduced some of the greatest and most prolific composers to the audience: Ngo Thuy Mien (PBN 19, 66), Van Phung (27), Lam Phuong (22, 28, 88), Pham Duy (30), Duc Huy (33), Tuan Khanh/Vu Thanh An/Tu Cong Phung (64), Nhat Ngan/Tran Trinh/Ngo Thuy Mien (66), Huynh Anh/Nguyen Hien/Song Ngoc (74), Quoc Dung/Chau Ky/Tung Giang (78), Xuan Tien/Thanh Son/ Nguyen Anh 9 (83).
97. After a two year absence, NQ’s “Mo Anh Trang Ve” in PBN 98 was sheer magic. From vocals to costume to staging, this was truly an incredible and unforgettable performance.
98. The Son’s “Neu Dieu Do Xay Ra” in PBN 52. A very creative and futuristic performance that made a big impact at that time. Also a performance which shows off The Son’s amazing vocal abilities and performing skills.
99. Nguyen Ngoc Ngan and Khanh Ly duet of “Lau Dai Tinh Ai” in PBN 95. A humorous, touching, sentimental, and memorable performance.
100. This last slot is reserved for the 100th show being taped this July. Reaching 100 is something so special and Thuy Nga should be commended and thanked for all they have done for the Vietnamese community in the past 27 years. They have shaped and changed the landscape of Vietnamese music around the world. They are truly the gold standard. 100!! Wow, just the number itself is so special. For Thuy Nga, 100 means so many things. Hardships, memories, triumphs, and of course longevity. I hope many of you will be able to attend the show this July as it will truly be a celebration to remember.
What are your favorite moments?
