Ricky Van
Traditional Lao Saw
Ricky Van is a Central Valley local who has spent the last 10 years participating in the preservation of traditional Lao music and culture in Fresno, California. He has practiced music for about 15 years specializing in the Saw, and two stringed instruments descending from the same roots as the Chinese Erhu. It has been his passion to learn about and share the culture behind it with those interested in learning.
Living Cultures Grant
2026
Teaching Lao Saw: Preserving Tradition Through Music
This project, “Sustaining Lao Saw: Teaching and Repair,” supports weekly Lao Saw music lessons through instrument repair and replacement, while also covering travel and teaching time to ensure continued access to this culturally significant tradition. Success of this project will lead to the preservation of Lao Saw traditions in California.
Photo on the left is a visual of the handcrafted instrument made in Cambodia, gifted to Ricky by his Cambodian father. Lao and Cambodian people share many cultures and traditions, including the Lao Saw otherwise known as the Cambodian Tro.
