New to the US, sisters from Vietnam bring smiles to Tarrant seniors through their music

The Phan family, being new to the United States, are still learning the customs, such as trick-or-treating at Halloween.

However, a visit to a nearby senior center in their new home of Keller resulted in a gift that far exceeded even the tastiest candy. Now, sisters Linh, 16, and My, 10, entertain seniors throughout the area with piano recitals as often as they can.

While trick-or-treating, My discovered a piano and started playing, captivating the residents. Touched by their heartfelt reactions, their father, Vinh Phan, decided to organize recitals to brighten the holiday season in senior centers, nursing homes, and memory care centers.

“I reached out to event managers through the Keller Neighborhood Facebook group, who generously supported this idea,” he said.

Regulars at senior centers

The sisters are now regulars at such places. They perform recital themes changing based on the holiday or season.

“Performing for seniors is incredibly special to me. I love seeing their smiles, how their faces light up when they recognize a song, and how they sometimes sing along,” Linh said. “Music creates meaningful moments, and I feel honored to be part of that connection.”

They have made friends with many seniors. Some even request their favorite songs for future recitals, making every visit more meaningful.

Vinh said many seniors smile, clap, and sing along when they recognize familiar tunes.

“One of their favorite songs is ‘Can’t Help Falling in Love with You,’” he said. “Some seniors, especially those in memory care, recall lost memories through music.”

He noted that after performances, seniors often approach Linh and My, hold their hands, hug them, and share their own music stories.

“Their gratitude and joy make these performances deeply meaningful,” he said.

From Vietnam to the United States

The Phan family arrived in the U.S. last year from Hue City, Vietnam. The journey was both exciting and challenging as they embraced a new life in Keller.

Vinh said the reason behind the move was a pursuit of education, opportunity and giving back.

“We wanted to provide Linh and My with the best learning experiences while immersing ourselves in a diverse and welcoming community,” he said. “The warmth and kindness we received inspired us to use music as a way to connect and contribute.”

He recalled before Thanksgiving being asked by My, “Will we have a big Thanksgiving dinner, Dad?”

“I replied, ‘Not really, honey, it will just be our family since we don’t know many people here,’” he said. “When I shared our story on the Facebook group, many families invited us to celebrate with them. I cooked Vietnamese dishes to share, and my daughters played the piano at the gatherings.”

The girls’ recitals, including a special one titled “From Vietnam with Love,” reflect the family’s journey. They blend their heritage with their new home by sharing joy, culture, and music, and not just in Keller. They’ve also performed in Lubbock, Fort Worth, Southlake and Colleyville.

Linh and My carefully select pieces that resonate with their audience, aiming to evoke nostalgia, joy, and warmth. They choose a mix of modern compositions and classic holiday-themed music.

Author of 2 books about America

Vinh himself is no stranger to the American way of life and is the author of two books about America, “Eureka America” (2019) and “America in My Backpack” (2022). In the summer of 2026, he will publish his third book, “America, I Am Back,” which he said will include the story of the girls and their connection with seniors.

“Through my writing, I aim to build a cultural bridge between Vietnam and the U.S., fostering a deeper understanding between the two nations,” he said.

With over 200 articles about everyday life in America, his goal is to bring the American experience closer to Vietnamese readers and contribute to strengthening ties between the two countries, especially as the world marks 50 years since the end of the Vietnam War.

In addition, he and his daughters run Eureka America Charity Kids, an initiative dedicated to supporting orphans and children with disabilities in their hometown. “We organize events and field trips to provide these children with opportunities to explore and learn beyond the walls of their care centers,” he said. “In the future, my daughters hope to participate in charity events and fundraising efforts to expand our impact and bring even more joy to these children.”

“I love playing for them. It makes me happy when they clap, smile, and share their stories with us after the recital,” My said. “I can’t wait to go back and play for them again.”

Vinh said, as parents, watching Linh and My bring joy to others is incredibly meaningful.

“Music is a powerful tool for connection, and these performances fill us with pride,” he said. “It’s more than just playing the piano — it’s about giving back, building relationships, and enriching lives through kindness.

“This experience has strengthened our family bond. Moving to a new country was a big change, but these performances have given us a sense of purpose and belonging.”