Centenary United Methodist Church is located at 300 South Central Avenue in downtown Los Angeles. The bazaar is from 10:00 - 4:00 pm.
Complimentary shuttle service from the 3rd Street Medical Building to Centenary United Methodist Church is available on May 3. Parking is provided at no charge, and kindly pick up a validation ticket at the ticket booth. This presents an opportunity to purchase Arigato Bazaar Tickets, redeemable for food and other items. Throughout the day, exciting drawings will take place, with prizes to be awarded.
The Art of Ikebana – the Social Hall
Coming again this year - the Ohara School of Ikebana - Los Angeles Chapter - Led by Shofu Hisako Shohara - Her students inspire, create and a share the esteemed cultural tradition.
Ikebana— “living flowers,” roughly translated—honors the innate sublimity of plants while mastering their very shapes in precise placement. With origins in sixth-century Japan, it has spawned countless schools of philosophy and technique. Giving life to flowers or arranging flowers.
Inside Social Hall
Pastry Booth – Featuring a Strawberry Shortcake and other dessert type foods.
Handcraft Goods – Items made by our crafters who spend hours creating all these wonderful items.
Silent Auction – Visit the Silent Auction Booth where you can bid on all sorts of items. See something you want? Make the high bid and it could be yours. Silent Auction Bidding closes at 2:30 PM.
Jewelry by Cindy – Visit her booth where she hand makes all the her unique Jewelry.
Country Store – 2nd hand goods – Where you may find your next treasure or an unexpected collectible.
Japanese Foods – Handmade by our Nihongo Ministry. Chirashi Rice, Futomakii, Inari, A bowl of Udon Noodles, and the signature Manjyu pastry.
All Proceeds benefit the Centenary United Methodist Church of DTLA. Providing Spiritual Well Being and our programs we offer during the year.
10:15 AM – Sweet Sounds of the Steel Drum
Jonathan Oyama is a Member of Centenary United Methodist Church. He learned to play the steel drum at Magruder Middle School and North High School in Torrance, California. Although he stopped playing when he moved to a college dorm, he always dreamed about picking up his mallets again. When he joined the local Rusty Steel Drum Band in Torrance, he rediscovered his passion for playing uplifting Caribbean music. He is the last of the lead pan soloists from the legendary #10 Tin Can Band of North High School.
10:45 AM – Polynesian Academy
Leiali’ inani Polynesian Dance Academy, formally known as Hiya Papaya, is dedicated to the continuum / Lawe i ka ma`alea a ku`ono`ono / Acquire skill & make it deep / practice makes permanent
Leiali`inani Academy is a family owned and operated Polynesian dance company located in Southern California; based in Cypress. Established in 2005 by Hileka Ali`inani, Leiali`inani Hula Studio is dedicated to the continuum of traditions surrounding hula & family.
12:15 AM – Hikari Taoko
Hikari Taiko was founded in 1978 and has called the Southeast Japanese School and Community Center in Norwalk home since its inception. Our songs range from traditional Taiko rhythms and stylized movements to pieces that convey a story or theme.
We’ve performed onstage at various amphitheaters; entertained people at weddings, corporate and private parties; educated students at schools and libraries; conducted workshops to introduce Taiko to our audiences, and celebrated various cultural events. We love doing the drumming for Ondo Festival dancing, the Disneyland Alumni Club's Gala Events, and even performed Taiko while marching in a Disney-themed parade!
1:00 PM – Kotobuki No Kai
Kotobuki No Kai is the Los Angeles Headquarters for the “Nippon Minyo Kenkyu Kai” under the direction of Sensei Imoto Hoshunjyu.
The group dances throughout the year in Southern California in events such as the Nisei Week Grand Parade and Closing Ondo, Monterey Park Cherry Blossom Festival, the Aquarium of the Pacific Autumn Festival, Nanka Minyo Kyokai Japanese Folk Song & Dance Show at the Armstrong Theater.
The group performs Japanese Folk Dance or “Minyo Odori” in the classical “Minyo” as well as the “Shin” or “new” Minyo style to songs primarily related to work or specific trades like fishing, picking tea and working in the fields. Dancers also perform Kayo Buyo or dance accompanied by Popular Songs.
All are invited to attend classes held here at Centenary UMC – DTLA – held on Wednesday and Friday evenings at 6:00PM.
1:45 PM – Chikara Daiko
Chikara Daiko of Centenary United Methodist church was started in July 1996. Taught by members of Kinnara Taiko, the group initially practiced at Senshin Buddhist church, and our first performance was for 1,000 people at the Centenary UMC Centennial Celebration in October 1996. We currently have around 30 members ranging in age from teens to 70’s.
One of the first Christian based taiko groups, we have performed all over Southern California at assorted community events and local church functions. We have made most of our drums and equipment and feel this process is very important to the group’s unity and growth. We welcome all members to participate in our performances and activities.
2:25 PM – San Fernando Valley Taiko
Re-established in 2023 under the leadership of Walter Nishinaka, San Fernando Valley Taiko brings the art of Japanese drumming to the local community.
The group offers three dynamic classes: a Wednesday morning senior class (10–11 AM), a Sunday “Taiko for Fun” class (10–11 AM), and a Sunday performance class (11:15 AM–12:30 PM), welcoming participants of all ages and experience levels.
Los Angeles Taiko Collective is a taiko performing ensemble whose goal is to build a network of LA based taiko Players who are looking to perform. The group currently has 7 core members but has a list of taiko players who also join in on the fun.
3:10 PM – Kid City Bands
Their mission is to help low-income and youth of color to develop personally and professionally within an affirming community.
Through authentic programming and services, we foster agency in youth and first-generation college students to navigate and overcome systemic barriers in their education and careers.
Kid City’s college access and persistence, career readiness, and music programs are responsive to the holistic needs of youth and young adults and embrace the unique voices and experiences of each of them.
At the start of each semester, Kid City facilitates the formation of different ensembles tailored to the experience level of each student. Many of these ensembles are student-led and perform a variety of contemporary styles including rock, jazz, Latin and pop. Led by Music Program Coordinator Matthew Proft and Assistant Music Coordinator Alvaro Cuellar, ensembles meet weekly to prepare for upcoming performance.
Kid City Hope Place is a program of the Los Angeles United Methodist Urban Foundation and First United Methodist Church of Los Angeles. You can contact them at info@kidcityplace.org
The MC’s for the Centenary UMC-DTLA - Arigato Bazaar - 10AM to 4 PM
MC Richard – The Voice Richard Ferrin – aka: The Voice, The Mad Scientist, Theme Park Designer, & The Sax Man,
As a former Disneyland entertainer & musician of which included live shows and his 10 years of performance as “King Lion” in the Disneyland’s Main Street Electrical Parade.
Just a small note: Have you been to Hurricane Harbor at Six Flags Magic Mountain or Soak City in Buena Park??
He is also the Chairman of the Board of the Disneyland Alumni Club. Say Hello to Richard – He designed and themed them, as well as all the other accomplishments as a partner in R and R Creative Amusement Design, Inc. and Nisei Week Foundation Marching Band Musical Director. You all must check out the Old School Surf Band he plays in – “The Nocturnes.” Playing monthly in the OC. Loves Spam Musubi…
The Other MC Ted – AV Specialist None other than this year’s Arigato Bazaar Logistics/Entertainment Consultant - Ted Yamada – aka: The AV Tech, The Other Woodwind Player, Retired Chief Financial Director/Auditor, and Owner of KDI Music, LLC. Former Disneyland Entertainer, Nisei Week Foundation Marching Band Chair and President of the Disneyland Alumni Club.
Centenary United Methodist Church is located at 300 South Central Avenue in downtown Los Angeles. The bazaar is from 10:00 - 4:00 pm. Please share this information with your family and friends!!
