Do you still remember this concert from 2014? The Village Armed Youth Band took the stage in Canada for the first time, singing about the struggles of Taiwanese farmers trying to defend their homes, and spoke about environmental activists’ unwavering attitude in protecting the land. In Taiwan, their stage was in protests and on the streets, but this year will be the first time they perform on such a big stage at TAIWANfest, where they get to express all of their concerns and beliefs. This year, the story’s focus is on A-Da, the lead singer of this music group. In the streets of Taiwan, he has been through some extraordinary protests. Returning to his rural homeland, he has changed his “discrimination”mindset that he has been struggling with for a long time. Now, he will travel around the world to protect the “home” that we share!

Lead vocalist A-Da met “The Rice Bomber” Ru-Men Yang on one occasion. Inspired by Ru-Men Yang’s desire to express the need for Taiwanese farmers and agricultural protection, A-Da founded “The Village Armed Youth Band”. He wants to use music to change the face of society, and the group has been supporting the struggle of social movements for many years, with works linking Taiwan’s land with emotions that reflect the appearance of Taiwan’s agriculture and society. Lead singer A-Da believes that music should be a type of social practice, as singing can create simple, happy memories of life in people’s hearts, and we sing for the environment too.