Jade

My new movie, "Daim Duab" released in CA and MN theatres 2009!.My debut film "Tou & Mai" released 2006!***NEWS UPDATE***: Jade Lee's new and recent movie "Daim Duab" aka "The Picture" has hailed her by many as the Best Hmong Actress of our time. The movie premiered in Fresno, CA and was attended by California's first ever Asian council member, Mr. Blong Xiong, whom came on set to meet and greet and support the actors, crew and rest of cast. Daim Duab has received standing ovations and been sold out in Fresno, California where it was filmed and shot. ******** Jade Lee's debut film Tou & Mai, also came out to Sacramento, California to theatres in 2006 where it was sold-out and received standing ovations! ........ Houa “Jade” Lee was born on June 19th, 1987 in Saint Paul, MN to first generation Hmong immigrants. At an early age of five, Lee became captivated by music, specifically opera at the time, watching the famous Hmong-Chinese opera singer Mee Hang on VHS at home. Inspired by Mee Hang, Lee began singing and soon at the age of seven began dancing. At ten years old, she began singing in a group with her cousin and seriously began writing songs, choreographing dance moves and mainly developing and training herself as an artist. During her sophomore year at age 15, Lee stepped into the music world and began performing more shows on her own such as the: Asian Talent Show, Multicultural Shows, School Talent Shows, etc. Loved and respected by her high school, Lee appealed to many diverse crowds as a singer/dancer. She then won her high school’s singing competition, “Harding Idol” by the vote of a diverse student body of 3,000 people and by 17 as a senior, she had the honor to sing the national anthem for her entire school at the 2005 Pep Festival and received a standing ovation. Also that year Lee and her cousin reunited to write a song titled, “No More” which was dedicated to the Hmong Jao Fa whom were trapped in the jungles of Laos (a Southeast Asian country) by the Communist government. The cd compilation was called, “The H-Project” funded by CHAT (the Center for Hmong Arts & Talent) to bring awareness on the Hmong Jao Fa genocide occurring overseas in Southeast Asia. Out of many of the hundred nationwide artists whom submitted their songs to compete and get on the c.d. only 16 would be chosen. Lee and her cousin’s song was one of the few chosen. Lee also took participation in several solo public performances within the community such as: Rice Street Festival Talent Show, Hmong Idol, Hmong New Year Talent shows, In-Session Songwriting Contest, CHAT Ice Open Mics and Hmong Arts & Festivals. At the age of 18, Lee auditioned to get the lead role of a romantic/comedy titled, “Tou & Mai”, a Hmong film by one of the community’s top award-winning director by the name of Kang Vang. The 2006 film had great success and gained Lee much recognition and respect as an entertainer within her own community and also in the nationwide Hmong communities. The movie review/biography was featured in the Hmong Today newspaper and as well online forums, websites. Lee was also featured on the Hmoob Teen magazine cover in 2006 and then in early 2008, Lee was featured on the cover of the community’s leading newspaper Hmong Times and then in the Asian American Press being recognized as one of the best upcoming and talented Asian artists/entertainer. Appealing to every audience and fan-base, Lee has a golden personality, humble mentality and undying passion for her love in music, acting, dancing and writing. In spring 2008, Lee made a rendition of Cyndi Lauper’s hit, “Time After Time” and also shot a solo video for it. It received tens of thousands of hits online and also Lee’s original song, “I Promise” which she wrote for the soundtrack of “Tou & Mai” gained more than 130,000 hits on IMEEM. In 2007, Lee and her cousin reunited for one last performance on the stage at the Hmong New Year in front of a crowd of 10,000 people and sang their hit, “No More”. In return, the Hmong people’s leader, General Vang Pao and his wife deeply praised the song, giving recognition and thanks to Lee and her cousin for writing such a passionate song and not forgetting those who have been forgotten. Honored and driven, Lee believes she has a purpose being given the talents and skills she has and will persistently continue to strive for what she’s best and loved at. Along with success and ambition comes sacrifice. In 2007 after her first year of college, Lee left to pursue her true career in music and acting and although she faced cultural barrier and self obstacles, Lee persisted and pursued. Recognized as a songwriter and leader, Lee’s honesty and unique perspective is more than just mere words it touches and deeply moves people in many different areas of life, love, pain, inspiration, etc. Fallen into pop and soul, Lee brings something new, fresh and anticipated into the music business/industry not only as a pioneer but also as an artist with ambition to make her vision real. Lee has been praised for possessing wisdom beyond her years and having passion unlike any in her generation and time.