Las Vegas Welcomes We Bridge EXPO and Festival

We Bridge, the inaugural three-day cultural EXPO and two-day music festival celebrating Asian entertainment and culture, was held in Las Vegas, Nevada on April 21 to 23, 2023. K-Pop superstar boy group ENHYPEN headlined night two at the 12,000-seat arena with supergroup Monsta X headlining night one. These headliners were joined by music veterans such as KANG DANIEL, BamBam, Jessi, and VIVIZ, as well as artists newer to the scene such as Dreamcatcher, CIX, ONEUS, and BE’O, of whom have now made their American arena debut. Many of these artists stated that this was their first time in Las Vegas.

The Venue

The event was held at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center and Michelob ULTRA Arena at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino. The venues were definitely nice but a long walk through the Las Vegas hotel no matter if you stayed at the hotel, parked in the structure, or took the tram. For those that found a rideshare driver that knew their way around, were able to be dropped off closer to the convention center doors.

However, this walk was great for attendees the first day as they were able to see the hotel/casino but became a bit cumbersome after making the walk a few times. On that walk, guests were able to see a food court available for those that did not want to leave the hotel for meals. Las Vegas is definitely meant for those that enjoy long walks as most things on the strip are not conveniently in front.

EXPO- Mandalay Bay Convention Center

The EXPO was held for three days at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center. With life-size artist cut outs at the entrance, while the Grammy Museum sponsored artist engagement stage was at the other end. In between, attendees can stop by to check out the extensive art gallery, shop at stores such as KORE Limited, sample an array of food and beverages, model in professional studio photos, and challenge each other in the g4mRz corner with free-to-play arcade games.

The Lounge Booth (picture studio) was loved by many attendees as they were able to take professional photos with their friends and family in attendance at no extra cost. These were sent online via email, making them a great piece of memory that guests were able to take home. 

The Arcade

If you are an arcade regular or simply love arcade games, then the free-to-play g4mRz corner is perfect for you! This corner featured two sets of Dance Dance Revolution (DDR) machines, claw machines, and Speed of Light machines. Children and adults alike gathered in this corner and took their turns with each of these games. The claw machines in particular drew a larger crowd, seeing how one of our very own staff members managed to save a friend from the plexiglass prison.

While food and beverages were not sold inside the EXPO, the following samples were offered by Las Vegas locals:

• Matcha Cafe Maiko – Japanese Matcha Desserts- Matcha tea or Matcha tea latte
• Hawaiian Addictions – Hawaiian Snacks- Lemon Peel gummy bears or Li Hing Lemon Peel gummy bears
• Little Ding’s – Taiwanese Food – Popcorn chicken
• Soru Ramen – Japanese/Cajun Fusion – Shrimp cream pasta or Sesame balls
• Brew Tea Bar – Boba Drinks – 4 different types of boba tea drinks (our team stopped by on our way back to LA)
• 702 Macarons – Macarons – 4 different flavors
• Bambu – Drinks – 4 different types of boba tea drinks. They also left out freebies from cupsleeve events
• Purpletopia – Ube desserts – mini ube cupcakes
• Boba x Ice Cream – Boba dessert – a few flavor of boba ice cream
• Four4Corner – Filipino food – Sisg tacos and more!

Grammy Stage – Grammy Museum

The Grammy Stage brought to the EXPO by the Grammy Museum was probably the biggest pull to the EXPO. This is where those in attendance were able to see the artists set to perform at the concert in a more intimate setting. With moderator Emily Mei, attendees watched a live interview, asked a few questions, previewed a performance, and had a hi-touch session.

Day 1

Kang Daniel

Kang Daniel was asked, “What’s the most important when picking a collaboration artist?”. He stated, “Meaning to be friendly or wanting to become friends later on.” He also prompted a fan to ask him what his favorite games are which he immediately responded with “APEX!”. Kang Daniel also mentioned that his favorite movie of all time is Spiderman; specifically Andrew Garfield’s version.

CIX

CIX talked about their song “458” which is a Ferrari. They were then asked, if you were a car, what would you be? Hyunsuk answered, “Land Rover because he is very strong”. BX answered “Lamborghini because of his sharp facial features”. Bae Jinyoung stated a “Carnival as they use it the most and is the most comfortable” (Kia Carnival). Yonghee says “a Rolls Royce” because he doesn’t have a license but he heard the bag seat was comfortable. Meanwhile, Seunghun named “Volvo” as it’s safe, stable; and matches his personality. CIX also mentioned they are preparing a new album! They performed “458” as a preview for the concert.

Dreamcatcher

Dreamcatcher talked about their tour and their music styles. Yoohyeon revealed, “genre doesn’t matter as we make our own….There’s so much to say to the world but that makes music darker”. Dami also mentioned that having their music genre makes them more free. The members mentioned they’re coming back very very soon with a newer sound and more that’s unexpected from them. JiU mentioned that it’s probably her favorite song so look out for May! The group then performed “Vision” for the EXPO goers.

Monsta X

Monsta X was on the Grammy Stage but skipped the Q&A section and only held a hi-touch for a large number of fans.

Day 2

BamBam

BamBam started off day 2 at the stage. He promoted his newly released track “Sour and Sweet” and made sure to tell everyone not to mix it up with the sauce sweet and sour. He stated that he didn’t know the actual way to say it but “sweet” can rhyme easier and if you Google sweet and sour, it’s all cooking recipes or sauce. However, if someone types sour and sweet, his music video comes out (smart marketing BamBam!).

Emily Mei asked about his personal values. BamBam says he wants his music to be a convenient store. “You guys don’t have to be my fan, but you can always stop by. Always chill and have a better day with me.” He was also asked to spill some tea where he responded with, “this year, I might see you guys again….maybe a 5 hour drive from here, or is it 4 hours?” (LA fans, look out!). He then performed his new track before making the audience laugh by mentioning it was too early for a performance and that his back hurts.

ONEUS

ONEUS focused on showing off their talents during their time. SeoHo showed off his high notes while Hwanwoong challenged Kai’s “Rover” dance as the group enjoys TikTok challenges. They took time to promote their new mini album coming out soon with title track “Erase Me”. The members were asked their favorite food. Leedo: kogi (steak), Keonhee: ddeokbokki (spicy rice cakes), Hwanwoong: samgyupsal (pork belly) SeoHo: very crispy chicken, Xion: also said samgyupsal (pork belly). They ended by mentioning that the ONEUS lyrics that means the most to them was “It’s okay to not be perfect” from their song “Incomplete”. They ended by performing “Same Scent”.

Enhypen

Enhypen was last for day 2 and probably had the most amount of fans at their stage set. This was also the loudest so unfortunately we weren’t able to hear a lot of their answers. They were asked about personal goals as artists. Jake mentioned that he always wants to make fans happy. Ni-ki says he wants to show everyone their best songs and best performances. Majority of the members said they want to be on stage as long as they can. When asked about their creative process, Enhypen mentioned that they want all their songs to include their own stories. Many of the members said they were excited about being in Las Vegas, while member Jay said that this actually isn’t the first time as his grandmother lives there.

Day 3

There were a few panels held on the Grammy Stage with two on Friday and one we were thankfully able to catch on Sunday morning.

• Topic: Asian Innovation: Brilliant Creatives Changing the Landscapes of Reality and Entertainment
• Panelists: Anthony Francisco, Marvel Designer; Chris Pang, Actor (Crazy Rich Asians), Benny Luo, CEO of NextShark
• Moderator: Jeff Benjamin, Billboard

During the panel, an audience member asked a question about choosing movies/TV shows/comics that depict culture correctly and is authentic. Chris Pang answered this question and mentioned that he carefully reviews scripts before choosing projects and even correcting things he sees are incorrect. He revealed that he’s not only there to make money and become famous (which he jokingly mentioned has yet to happen) but to make good things that will last and move others.

BE’O

The third day of the EXPO only had two guests, with the first being BE’O. When asked about his writing process, he said that he falls into his emotions when creating music (like an actor) so he hopes listeners also fall into their emotions. They asked BE’O regarding the moment he realized, “oh man I’m famous now”. When he went to get his COVID vaccine, nurses knew who he was and asked for his autograph. BE’O talked about how shocked he was when he first came to Vegas.

He revealed that the whole environment, like the buildings, are so big as if they’re out of a movie. Also, he mentioned that the fan culture in America is very different. In Korea people are more formal, while in the U.S. they’re more casual, like friends. He stopped the Q& A and to everyone’s shock, took a picture with a fan. He stated he was surprised that she reacted so well the whole time. BE’O then performed “Counting Stars” before his hi touch event.

• There was unfortunately some mix-up on the first day for sound check so fans who should have attended it, were not allowed in. Due to this, they had a choice of a Meet and Greet with Jessi herself where she gave autographs, took pictures, and chatted with those fans. She also held her hi touch event as planned for those that bought or won those.

Music Festival

Day 1

This is probably the biggest pull for many of the attendees. As those attending walked into the Michelob Ultra Arena in Las Vegas, they were each given a light-band for the show. The music festival was held for two days with MC Yuri Park. Many may know him from the show Produce X 101 or the drama “Imitation”. During the first day, there was a tribute in the beginning for the late Moon Bin of Astro. The arena was full of lights and emotions during the moment of silence.

MC Yuri Park then began the show by showing thanks to the sponsors before moving on to introduce the lineup and the first performers. CIX was first on stage and started with “458” before introducing themselves. They mentioned that this moment looks like a movie and talked about their songs related to movies; “Cinema” and “Movie Star” before performing those tracks. Next on stage was ONEUS. Started with “Bring It On” before moving on to a softer track “Same Scent”. While chatting with the audience, they revealed they had time to look around Vegas yesterday and they said it’s very pretty and sparkly.

Dreamcatcher Time!

Next to perform was Dreamcatcher. The group started off with “Maison” before transitioning into “Boca”. Kang Daniel took the stage next and started with “Nirvana”. He mentioned he just finished his US tour but sadly couldn’t add Las Vegas but now here he is. He performed a few more tracks such as “Paranoia” before he left the stage.

The next act was none other then Jessi herself who hyped up the crowd on a different level than the previous artists by starting with “What Type of X?”. For those sitting on the sides, the fog that was continuously happening ended up being a nuisance at this point as the fog would go up at the beat drop and during the highlight of the dance, completely covering Jessi. As a seasoned performer, she definitely knew how to talk to the crowd and even made a joke that she’s often kicked off stage due to talking to much. She surprised staff by running into the crowd to sign shirts and talking to everyone she can get to. She ended her set begrudgingly with “Nunu Nana” and mentioned she’ll definitely be back.

The last act of the night was Monsta X who were night one’s headliners. They began with “You Problem” before introducing themselves. They mentioned that Minhyuk has just entered the army and that Shownu has just returned from the army. Next song was described as moody, as I.M. said “if you don’t know the lyrics, just feel it with your heart”. They then began performing “Someone’s Someone.” Towards the end, they thought they had finished the performance but were told they still had more and started with “Zone” again.

Day 2

Day two of the music festival in Las Vegas began similar to the first day with MC Yuri Park greeting the audience. First act to start off the night was BE’O who started off with “Limousine” before introducing himself and mentioning that the audience reaction is better than he was thinking. He went on to perform “Complex” and “Counting Stars” before chatting with the audience again. He mentioned that this is actually his first time in the US and he thinks it’s pretty.

Next up was our repeat performers ONEUS who performed the same set. With mixed emotions from the crowd, the next performers to watch were VIVIZ. The group started off with their newest track “Pull Up” and mentioned this is the first time they’ve come to the U.S. as VIVIZ. Umji spoke in English to the audience letting them know she appreciates them before ending their set with “Bop Bop”.

The Concert Continues!

Next on stage was BamBam who performed “Pandora” as his first song. He stated that Las Vegas is “a party so let’s party tonight!”. He also mentioned that he noticed a lot of aghasses(GOT7 fans) in the crowd with lightsticks so he thanked them. Last song he performed was his latest single “Sour and Sweet.” Last act of the night was headliners ENHYPEN who definitely had the most cheers. Started with “Fever” before introducing themselves showing off their favorite choreography from “Fever”. They also mentioned that the song on the new album is going to be the new “Polaroid Love”. They emphasized again that they’ll be back with a new album very very soon! Ended the night by performing “Polaroid Love” before ending the night.

The We Bridge EXPO and Music Festival in Las Vegas definitely wasn’t perfect for its first time around as it faced many challenges. However, we heard fans giving positive feedback and hoping it’ll return the next year with a few changes so we look forward to the future of this event!