For the centennial year of the cherry trees gifted to the U.S. from Japan, the Japanese American Cultural and Community Center (JACCC) in Los Angeles is celebrating its first annual Spring Festival: LA Bloom – a new season, showcasing timeless traditions, contemporary art, culture, performance and community activities.
The nine-day celebration will begin with an Opening Nigh: Mare Nubium (Sea of Clouds) on Friday, April 27 and ends with the Family Day on Saturday, May 5.
Ecoartspace: JACCC Artistic Director, Hirokazu Kosaka and Co-curator, Calvin Abe will transform the JACCC Plaza into one of the world’s largest Zen gardens with over 5 million pebbles raked to create puddles of raindrops.
LA Bloom Installation by Yokou Kitajima & Yuval Ron, from April 27 to May 6 at the James Irvine Japanese Garden. Admission free.
LA Bloom Sogetsu Flower Exhibition, from April 27 to May 8 at Doizaki Gallery. Admission free.
LA Bloom Opening Performance, Mare Nubium, Friday, April 27, 8:30 pm at the JACCC Plaza
Directed by Hirokazu Kosaka, featuring butoh dancer, Oguri in a section from the Getty Center Kapla performance. In the center of the JACCC Plaza, architect Calvin Abe will create one of the largest Zen gardens with puddles of raindrops made using over 5 million pebbles. Butoh dancer will create a rainbow using over 500 threads of different colors. 40-minutes performance. $30 for general admission, $25 for JACCC members, $125 for VIP including Gala reception from 6:30 – 8:00 pm.
Taiko performance by Taiko Center of Los Angeles, Saturday, April 28, 1:00 – 2:00 pm at the JACCC Plaza. Admission free.
On the Veranda Lecture Series, Sunday, April 29, from 1:00 – 3:00 pm at Garden Room. $10 for general admission.
Tuesday Night Café at the JACCC, Tuesday, May 1, from 7:15 – 10:00 pm at JACCC Plaza. Admission free.
Happy Hour, Wednesday, May 2, from 6:00 – 10:00 pm at Garden Room, admission free. Must be 21 and over with valid ID.
Jazz Night at the JACCC, Thursday, May 3, 8:00 pm at Aratai/Japan America Theatre
Live music performances by vocalist Mia Doi Todd at 8 pm and closing with a show by avant-garde jazz pianist, Motoko Honda, and her ensemble at 10 pm, playing contemporary and classical jazz compositions with mostly expansive acoustic sounds and stunning, colorful graphics. $25 for general admission.
Kinnara Bugaku/Gagaku/Taiko with Arpana Dance Company, Friday, May 4, 8:00 pm at Aratani/Japan America Theatre
In the tradition of the Japanese court musicians, the visually stunning Bugaku classical dance will be accompanied by Gagaku music. The show will also include the Arpana Dance Company performing its Bharata Natyam repertoire and a collaboration to a rhythmic sequence by Kinnara Taiko. $25 for general admission.
Family Day, Saturday, May 5, from noon – 4:00 pm at JACCC Plaza
Free event with free activities, but 3 paid/premium workshops.
Pacifico Dance Company, Saturday, May 5, 8:00 pm at Aratani/Japan America Theatre
This leading international dance company is based in Los Angeles and under the direction of Adriana Astorga-Gainey. They present spectacular performances of Mexican folklorico dances that combine the essence of traditional style with modern dance idioms. $25 for general admission.
The Japanese American Cultural and Community Center is located at 244 South San Pedro Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012. For tickets and more information, visit www.labloom.org or call (213) 628-2725.