The Hengchun Folk Music Festival kicks off—stroll into the old town streets to hear moon lute melodies

Reported by You T-Ru / Compiled by staff

A series of events for the Hengchun Folk Music Festival will be held from now through November, including performances at Chen Da’s Former Residence, “Grassland Stars—Youth Folk Tribute,” and shop-front folk singing. Both veteran folk artists will perform authentic Hengchun folk songs, while the younger generation “Grassland Stars” band blends tradition with modernity, delivering a fresh folk vibe that showcases the timeless charm of Hengchun folk music.


▲Folk artists from Daguang Community and the Grassland Stars band perform Hengchun folk songs together at Chen Da’s Former Residence. (Photo provided by Pingtung County Government)

The Pingtung County Government’s Cultural Affairs Bureau stated that to foster the artistic character of a folk song town, visitors can now hear the sounds of old moon lutes and guitars throughout the ancient streets. Young performers and elders sing songs of life and strum tunes of the land, demonstrating the county government’s efforts in promoting Hengchun folk music, while also serving as a warm-up for the official opening of the Hengchun Folk Music Festival on October 25.

This year’s (103rd) Hengchun Folk Music Residency performances not only collaborate with 10 local shops for folk music experiences but also add two new performance venues: every Saturday from 3–5 PM at Chen Da’s Former Residence and every Sunday from 4–6 PM at the Water Dance Plaza. Performances by folk artists from Daguang Community and the Grassland Stars band blend traditional folk melodies with innovative interpretations, reviving the simplicity and nostalgia of singing poets.

The Grassland Stars band is composed of students from the Forestry Department at National Pingtung University of Science and Technology. With a focus on freshness and local culture, they combine flamenco, classical, and folk guitar styles, delivering a diverse performance mix of folk, pop, and local songs. They bring travelers a fresh yet authentic musical experience, offering the simplest forms of emotional connection. The Cultural Affairs Bureau hopes that through performances at Chen Da’s Former Residence, the Hengchun Water Dance Plaza, and shop-front residencies, visitors will slow down and feel a subtle sense of well-being through the songs of folk music.