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Every year, Auntie Ann invites the family to the Chinese Historical Society Dinner, where they honor outstanding contributors to
Chinese American Culture and Society. Past honorees have included Martin Yan, Jade Snow Wong, and Amy Tan.
This year's theme was a tribute to the Chinatown bands of the 1930's to the present, and included the Illusions, for which Jerry Leong was
a founding member. Brings back memories of one Christmas at Uncle Willie's on Silver Ave. and Jerry entertained us with his band in the basement.
I'll put some more pictures up if anyone has more to offer. I know I have a photo of them performing Walk, Don't Run, someplace. (I don't think I
recall any cha-chas)
So Jerry, The Chronicle identifies you as the guitarist in the picture above. Is that you?
Here is a link to the Chronicle article
Here is a link to the complete Historical Society Program and Articles
Here is an exerpt from the program:
ILLUSIONS
1966-1971
Considered one of the earliest and most popular all-Chinese American bands from San Francisco Chinatown during this time, the Illusions were between
13-16 years old when they first began. Some of the band members were from the other side of the city ( Silver Avenue ) while the rest were from
Chinatown . They included standards like waltzes, cha-chas, and calypsos in their song list to keep all age groups of their audiences happy.
One of the goals was to show the world that Chinese could be cool and have soul, too!
Core Founding Members:
Jerry Leong (guitar, background vocals)
Louis Lew (lead vocals)
Henry A. Ng (leader, keyboards, vocals)
Victor Y. Ng (drums, vocals, background vocals)
Larry Wong (bass guitar)
Russell Wong (saxophone)
Other Members:
Ben Sugaya (bass guitar)
Edmond Toy (drums)
Michael Young (saxophone)
