Chinese American Bear at The Independent

Chinese American Bear brings its playful, bilingual mandopop to The Independent in San Francisco. The Seattle duo, married couple Anne Tong and Bryce Barsten, create groovy, food-loving tunes that blend English and Mandarin, drawing comparisons to The Flaming Lips and MGMT. Their live shows are interactive spectacles, with Tong leading the crowd in singing Mandarin and dancing, while a background dancer in a dumpling or bear hat tosses plushies into the audience.

Opening the night is Indigo Elephant, a Bay Area indie rock band known for their eclectic sound and groovy arrangements. The trio, featuring members Julius Pasion, Cliff Yang, and Brenden Phung, gained attention with their 2024 debut album *The Art of Erosion* and have supported acts like Sure Sure and Naked Giants. Together, the two acts promise an evening of vibrant, genre-blending music.

Chinese American Bear’s latest album *Dim Sum & Then Sum*, released in May 2026 on Moshi Moshi Records, continues their tradition of hook-laden indie pop. The band has earned acclaim from KEXP, Paste Magazine, and BBC Radio, and their music has appeared in film, TV, and video games. This show offers a chance to experience their whimsical, high-energy performance up close.