Jeff Yang: A Life of Music, Art, and Cultural Fusion

EVOKED

Jeff Yang’s life is a mosaic of music, art, and a cultural journey that began halfway across the world. Born in Taiwan to parents who had fled wartime China, Jeff’s early years were shaped by stories of resilience, courage, and family legacy. When he immigrated to the United States at age eight, Jeff found himself in a world that felt foreign. Yet, amidst the disorientation, music emerged as a constant, becoming his language, his grounding force, and ultimately, his purpose.

Growing up in New Jersey and later Seattle, Jeff discovered that music transcends language and culture. “No matter where you’re from, music has a way of connecting you to others,” he shares. He embraced the violin at an early age, inspired by his older half-siblings and a violin left behind by his sister. As he progressed, Jeff’s skill grew, and music became a bridge that connected him to new cultures and communities. Pursuing this path led him to a scholarship at Northwestern University in Chicago, where he was able to dive fully into the world of orchestras, eventually performing internationally.

Jeff’s journey took him across the world, where he performed in places as far-reaching as Italy, Russia, and Israel. Performing in different cultures taught him the power of art to bridge gaps in understanding, and he noticed that regardless of language, music was universally felt. As he put it, “I was good at music and good at moving people.” His ability to convey emotion across cultures reinforced his belief that music has an unmatched power to connect people.

Beyond performance, Jeff’s career evolved into a unique blend of art and experience, integrating sensory elements to create immersive events. Jeff’s vision is to use music, scents, and visuals to craft moments that transcend everyday life. His first event, in 2018, was a test of this idea—a multisensory experience that brought together music, art installations, and carefully crafted scents. Collaborating with chefs, perfumers, and visual artists, Jeff’s event invited attendees to experience art through all senses. “The beauty of life is in its subtleties, in the things that make you feel alive,” Jeff explains.

For Jeff, it’s about more than the art itself—it’s about capturing those moments of wonder that modern life often pushes aside. In a world where technology makes everything instantly accessible, he believes we risk losing touch with what makes us feel deeply connected to the present moment. “We’re so used to things being fed to us that we stop paying attention,” he reflects. By combining multiple senses, Jeff’s events remind people to feel and engage in the richness of each moment.

Reflecting on his life as an artist, Jeff speaks to the value of risk-taking and self-discovery. He acknowledges that pursuing a life in the arts hasn’t always been easy; there were moments where he played on street corners or relied on side gigs to make ends meet. But for Jeff, it’s all been part of a larger mission—to create experiences that inspire people to see life from a fresh perspective. “Knowing yourself and what you’re good at is essential,” he says. By embracing his unique strengths, Jeff has been able to create something truly unique and fulfilling.

Through his creative events, Jeff has touched the lives of many, reminding us that art has a profound role in fostering empathy and understanding. His projects with In the Realm of Senses—a platform that uses art to explore humanity’s shared experiences—blend music, food, and fragrance to create transformative encounters. From multisensory dinners paired with classical music to immersive outdoor concerts, Jeff’s work speaks to the value of art in cultivating peace and harmony.

Today, Jeff continues to create these experiences in Chicago and beyond. By connecting people through shared sensory experiences, he hopes to inspire a deeper appreciation for art, culture, and life itself. It’s a reminder that, in a fast-paced world, the most meaningful experiences are those that make us pause and feel.