"Giant Puppets Save the World is a performance art collective founded and directed by artist Toni Tone Mikulka-Chang. Specializing in large-scale puppets, props, and costumes, the collective uses sustainably sourced materials such as silk, bamboo, reed, and papier-mâché, crafted with eco-friendly, nontoxic processes. Each creation is designed to inspire wonder, educate audiences, and promote environmental stewardship. The mission of Giant Puppets Save the World is to foster collaboration, creativity, and action through art that symbolizes hope, justice, sustainability, and community. Their work showcases species like hummingbirds, monarch butterflies, and other pollinators, emphasizing their ecological importance and the challenges they face, such as habitat loss and climate change. These puppets serve as living representations of teamwork, as many require multiple puppeteers, reflecting the collective effort needed to tackle global challenges. The collective has performed at numerous events, including the High Sierra Music Festival, Oregon Country Fair, Daybreaker, the City of Mountain View’s 40th Anniversary of the Shoreline Preserve, and corporate engagements like Nike’s “Just Do It” 30th Anniversary. They’ve also collaborated with environmental organizations such as the Center for Biological Diversity and the Sierra Club. Through immersive installations, parades, and workshops, Giant Puppets Save the World engages audiences of all ages, using art to inspire connection, environmental awareness, and a shared commitment to creating a better world."

Musician

CelloJoe is a pioneering musician from the South Bay, born to a first-generation Taiwanese immigrant and a Polish Jewish mother. His unique heritage informs his artistry, blending classical cello with beatboxing, live looping, and original compositions to create his signature “classical hip-hop” style. Known as “the wildest beatboxing cellist in the west,” CelloJoe captivates audiences with his dynamic performances that combine virtuosic cello playing, rhythmic beats, and thought-provoking lyrics about sustainability, cooperation, and environmental stewardship. An adventurer at heart, CelloJoe has bicycled around the world with his cello, performing at some of the largest festivals in Europe and the United States. His global travels and multicultural background inspire his music, which celebrates the interconnectedness of all life. Beyond the stage, he brings his creativity to private events, offering DJ and wedding entertainment services in the Bay Area. At the heart of CelloJoe’s work is a commitment to using music as a tool for connection and inspiration. Whether performing solo or collaborating with artists like Giant Puppets Save the World, his work transcends traditional genres, delivering powerful messages wrapped in unforgettable performances. CelloJoe’s artistry is a testament to the transformative power of creativity, diversity, and collaboration.