Arianna Basco’s artistry amplifies AAPI creative voices

Arianna ‘Lady B’ Basco | Photo from The Lounge Booth
LOS ANGELES – Arianna Basco, also known as “Lady B,” is a persistent leader in forging AAPI creative collaborations.
Lady B has led collaborations with Palms Up Academy, LA Getdown/Da Poetry Lounge, HiFi Coalition, SIPA, FilAm Arts, FilAm Creative, Sunday Jump and the Tuesday Night Project events.
During AAPI Heritage Month, the community enjoyed a special screening of Basco’s award-winning film “HEARTSTORM,” new song releases “Howling Gale” and “Scream at the Moon” and a poem installation called “Radical Empathy” at the Chinese American Museum’s (BE)spoken exhibit, which runs from May 2025 to January 2026.
Basco said these artistic contributions reflect a personal journey that enriches the societal outlook of the AAPI community through understanding and communication.
Born with only one ear, she learned to listen deeply in order to grasp the underlying intentions behind words and cultural behaviors.
“In many ways, everything I do now, everything I create, is an extension of those formative years,” she explains.
Her living room is a hub for gathering and sharing emotions through music, song, food and storytelling – which
shaped her early years growing up with her equally talented siblings Derek, Darion, Dante and Dionysio.

Arianna Basco’s parents, Aida and Darius Basco, view her poem installation, titled ‘Radical Empathy,’ at the Chinese American Museum’s (BE)spoken exhibit in Los Angeles. Photo from Arianna Basco
When it comes to art, “true growth is personal, not measured by popularity” and supported by “an environment of mutual respect, patience, and understanding for creativity to grow artistically,” says Lady B.
“The pivot has always been how do I dig deeper into what I know and communicate that in an accessible way,” she points out.

Arianna ‘Lady B’ Basco | Photo from the Lounge Booth
“How do I learn more from others’ behavior to evolve the way we treat each other?” she adds.
Basco said she is inspired by the artistry of Ruby Ibarra, as well as the creativity and generosity of comedian Jo Koy, executive producer of “HEARTSTORM,” which she co-wrote and starred in.
“We are the space; the mics, the podiums, the stages, the dinner tables—the world is just catching up to us,” Lady B stated about the contributions of the AAPI community.
As a single parent to Aurora “ROR” and Fenix Basco, she emphasizes providing a space for children’s ideas while also encouraging support and participation. “Let’s not be our child’s storm; let’s be part of their team that equips their wings to fly through.“
In the poem “We Left the Light On,” which she composed exclusively for Inquirer.net USA, Arianna ‘Lady B’ Basco highlights the numerous event spaces that promote connection through creativity and invites the reader to engage.

A poem by Arianna ‘Lady B’ Basco for AAPI Heritage Month | Photo by Paul Abesamis
“To witness all of that feels like what ‘living’ is supposed to be,” she says, recounting artistic growth at events.
“This is felt in every epiphany on a Wednesday night at #RECESSmic, Basco’s open-mic in Historic Filipinotown.”
Lady B’s commitment to the AAPI community provides space for others to pursue their creative dreams. Her wisdom highlights that there is more room to grow for herself, the AAPI creative community and the next generation of artists.