Sama Sama Art Festival 2025 Brings Asian Creativity to the Forefront in Austin
Written by Lindsey Reese | August 7, 2025
photos by Lindsey Reese
Austin, TX — The first ever Sama Sama Art Festival lit up Austin with a vibrant showcase of local Asian artists, performers, and creatives, bringing together community members to celebrate culture, talent, and identity.
Fronrich Puno & KOUYA from Habang Buhay
The festivities kicked off outdoors with a high-energy performance by the Texas Dragon/Lion Dance Team, drawing crowds into the bustling marketplace. Attendees explored vendor booths offering a variety of goods, while local visual artists displayed their work in a dedicated gallery space.
Inside the venue, tattoo artist Gabi aka Stabbigabi provided on-site tattoos throughout the evening. Known for her floral, ornamental, and illustrative custom work, she welcomed walk-in clients and shared her excitement about settling into Austin after moving from Los Angeles. With a new studio now open in the city, Gabi is eager to make her mark on the local scene.
Texas Dragon/Lion Dance Team
The evening’s stage program began with open-format DJ Ard Orpilla, whose dynamic set energized the crowd and set the tone for the performances that followed. Next up was Nechronyx, a multi-instrumentalist who combined piano, guitar, and soft vocals in a heartfelt series of cover songs that resonated with the audience.
Dance took center stage next, featuring the talents of Rachel Kao, Sam Chen, and Claribella Reeve. Rachel and Sam are both affiliated with local dance company New Genesis—Sam as a past member (Seasons 6–8), and Rachel as a current performer. Claribella, a standout in her own right, also teaches intermediate hip-hop classes at Dance Austin Studio, blending artistry with mentorship in the local community.
Singer-songwriter Anthony Miguel followed with an intimate set of original music, accompanied by a friend. His sultry yet sweet vocals captivated listeners and brought a personal, emotional depth to the event.
To close out the night, festival hosts Habang Buhay took the stage with a full set of their original songs. Their performance served as a powerful finale—blending emotion, artistry, and community—leaving the audience on a high note.
Sama Sama 2025 succeeded not only in spotlighting a diverse lineup of local Asian talent but also in fostering a welcoming and creative space for community connection. From live tattoos and dance to heartfelt music and visual art, the festival was a vibrant reminder of the richness and depth within Austin’s Asian American creative scene.
