Hitting the right note with children

A universal language for all kids

"We want children here to hear the same great music as kids are hearing throughout the world and to bring together the world through children's music," Liu said, talking about their vision for the festival.

What keeps Liu and Kanthor, who both hold full-time day jobs, so motivated, is that they see the value that their festival can create, such as serving as a bridge among cultures for both Chinese audiences and the foreign artists.

For many Chinese kids, hearing the Lucky Band's songs might be the first time they learn what a Mexican taco is or how to play 'freeze', Liu noted.

"Hand in Hand is about connecting, especially in times where everything is so polarized," said Lucky Diaz, from The Lucky Band. He deems the festival an international event that can help shatter "preconceptions about what it's like to be American and what it's like to be Chinese".

With the bridge building up, the couple looks to make it wider. In every city they tour, they give a block of tickets to migrant children or children with special needs.

"These families may be unable to afford the tickets or are afraid to take their kids to occasions like this, but we want them to know it's for all kids," the couple said.