2012 / Nibei Foundation to present “Shakuhachi” lecture and performance, May 29

Shakuhachi will be the subject of the Nibei Foundation Japan Study Club’s May lecture.

Professional singer and composer George Abe of Los Angeles will lecture and perform Shakuhachi on May 29 from 7:30 pm at the Nibei Foundation, 11570 W. Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90064.

Admissions are $10 including dinner.

Reception and dinner will start at 6:30 pm. For reservation, visit www.nibei.org or call (310) 479-6101 ext. 134.

George Abe was born in Manzanar internment camp in California during World War II in 1944. His mother was American-born with Japanese education. She moved to Japan when she was nine years old, and returned to Los Angeles about 26 years old. His father was an Issei.

He was one year old when his family relocated to Los Angeles.

George grew up among artists and musicians, often attending biwa (lute) recital with Japan-educated mother. He played multiple instruments in his school band, including the clarinet, saxophone and oboe. As an adult, George remained fascinated with music, and learned to play the shakuhachi.

He was a founding member of Kinnara Taiko, a taiko group based at Senshin Buddhist Temple in Los Angeles, and remains associated with them today. Kinnara Taiko which started in 1969 is the oldest taiko group in Southern California, and only the second oldest taiko group in North America.

George believes in the influential power of art and the energizing effects of taiko. He uses his art to bring cultural, spiritual and community awareness to others.