William's China Report
I was asked to play at a festival in China. This was a big surprise. I chose to go with John king after figuring out - this is not a hoax from a friend. after finding out that this was real - I gave them figures and specifics and there were no arguments.
I arrived and with no hesitation I was welcomed and paid up front - that took that problem away.
the subsequent welcome was extraordinary it was inviting. the folks were warm and there was a welcoming dinner. I enjoyed it so much, the conversation and human interaction was just what was needed. it broke barriers. time to sleep... the next day was great. The sound was extraordinary because the venue was ready for anything and I felt like a true "artist" in control of the presentation / self and the facilitators .while a great welcome was begun (have to listen to the temptations treat her like a lady) I felt the depth of the Chinese people they're asking me deep questions I have to send them the concert of last night anyway ...I regress the temperature in the city was superb, the people were ready for my presentation, the sound check went extraordinarily well. they listened to me and John and they were with this music. I saw the sound ! the drums were perfect that is all I need. I ordered a sound check - a guitar - now drums , done.
then back to the hotel and a deep sleep.
Now the concert, we arrived just after the first set finished and I am totally ready. this place is packed. LIT ... I initially wanted an intro song but that did not happen - I wanted to bring the feeling of my home to China because they are inherently a soulful people. I felt this - the music kicked off and I was in the zone !!! undeniably loving this and my opportunity to give this to these people so far away yet so near.










I proceeded I was given to Lowi then Renew - these were my contacts and turned out to be great friends. happy and ready to go, they were assigned to be the babysitters (lol). going over - was very interesting because of the passport visa questions, these folks are very conscious in their scrutiny I went on and was assigned great seats on Cathay Pacific and prepared myself for a long flight complete with socks and then an exercise regimen.
Next it was time to rehearse for this. I intended to rock it. I rehearsed with John King - what would turn out to be a complete set / lasting me an hour or so - it included 3 improvisational sections, 2 solo sections and an ending - if they wanted more, I could create it. I had no idea what John's experience with this was. I looked forward to it then after a few days of writing I got the passport straight and proceeded to book the plane this was no problem. time to depart /got an Uber and off to the plane . looks good so far. there's a little question (at customs) of who I am and my reason to go there but after an hour they figured it out ,so I went off to the main city and my sponsors. whoa ... thank God.
I arrived and with no hesitation I was welcomed and paid up front - that took that problem away.
the subsequent welcome was extraordinary it was inviting. the folks were warm and there was a welcoming dinner. I enjoyed it so much, the conversation and human interaction was just what was needed. it broke barriers. time to sleep... the next day was great. The sound was extraordinary because the venue was ready for anything and I felt like a true "artist" in control of the presentation / self and the facilitators .while a great welcome was begun (have to listen to the temptations treat her like a lady) I felt the depth of the Chinese people they're asking me deep questions I have to send them the concert of last night anyway ...I regress the temperature in the city was superb, the people were ready for my presentation, the sound check went extraordinarily well. they listened to me and John and they were with this music. I saw the sound ! the drums were perfect that is all I need. I ordered a sound check - a guitar - now drums , done.
then back to the hotel and a deep sleep.
Now the concert, we arrived just after the first set finished and I am totally ready. this place is packed. LIT ... I initially wanted an intro song but that did not happen - I wanted to bring the feeling of my home to China because they are inherently a soulful people. I felt this - the music kicked off and I was in the zone !!! undeniably loving this and my opportunity to give this to these people so far away yet so near.
And now for the photos.









Upcoming Gigs
Sunday, 17 August 2025 1:00 PM
Sunday, 31 August 2025 11:00 AM
Funkadelic Studios
209 West 40th.,5th fl, NYC
The music brunch..... at Funkadelic Studios, NYC... William Hooker and featured artists...TBA More...
209 West 40th.,5th fl, NYC
The music brunch..... at Funkadelic Studios, NYC... William Hooker and featured artists...TBA More...
Tuesday, 09 September 2025 7:00 PM
BOWERY POETRY CLUB
NEW YORK CITY
WILLIAM HOOKER IN QUINTET W/ MARCUS CUMMINS,DAVE SEWELSON,JOHN KING,ALEX LOZUPONE W/ BOB HOLMAN / POETRY, THE HANS TAMMEN TRIO W/STEVE SWELL,DERIC DICKENS, LAURA FEATHERS/YANA DAVIDOVA DUO  More...
NEW YORK CITY
WILLIAM HOOKER IN QUINTET W/ MARCUS CUMMINS,DAVE SEWELSON,JOHN KING,ALEX LOZUPONE W/ BOB HOLMAN / POETRY, THE HANS TAMMEN TRIO W/STEVE SWELL,DERIC DICKENS, LAURA FEATHERS/YANA DAVIDOVA DUO  More...