From Cara Kallen, Santa Rosa, Sonoma County, California
We have several events coming up and I want to be sure you are all aware of them. We've had three successful workshops leading up to Matsuri on June1st and there are three more to go - four if you count the workshop with Riley Lee on June 2nd. Here's a rundown of all the events:
Saturday, May 25 is a busy day for all of us - in the morning from 10 am to 12 noon there is a choice of workshops: Taiko Drumming with Arnold Shimizu at Sonoma County Taiko Dojo.
Come experience the excitement and spirit of Japan. Reserve your space today at Brush with Japan Taiko Workshop
Not interested in drumming? How about a morning learning the art of paper folding - Join Origami Master, Henry Kaku, at this hands-on workshop you will learn how to make the Crane, known throughout the world as the Peace Crane, which means prosperity and good fortune in Japan.
Also you will learn how to make various flowers and animals. This workshop will be held at Seishin Studio in Santa Rosa from 10 am to 12 noon.
Reserve your space at Brush with Japan Origami Workshop
Grab a quick lunch and head to Seishin Studio for an afternoon Workshop on Traditional Japanese Music Appreciation.
Join us for the afternoon as we explore the rewarding, diverse world of Japanese Traditional music.
In this workshop you'll learn about Japan's rich legacy of solo and ensemble music, from the meditative sounds of the Shakuhachi to the exciting virtuoso vocal and instrumental music called Sankyoku, featuring Shamisen and Koto. Using live performances of music from the late 17th century to the 20th century as examples, Elliot Kallen and his partner Naoko will introduce you to the exquisite poetry behind the songs as well as explaining the history of their instruments and their notation. This workshop is from 1 pm to 3 pm.
Reserve your space at Brush with Japan Traditional Japanese Music Appreciation Workshop
All these events are leading up to Sonoma County Matsuri! 2013.
Start off Matsuri Weekend on Friday, May 31st at 7 PM - with The Empty Bell Concert featuring Grand Master of the Shakuhachi Riley Lee in performance with Elliot Kallen, Naoko and the Voices of TenTen Taiko.
This special evening will delight you with traditional and contemporary Japanese Music (plus a few, non-traditional surprises!).
This concert will be held at the Church of One Tree in Juilliard Park - 492 Sonoma Avenue, Santa Rosa. Don't miss out - order your tickets at The Empty Bell Concert w/Riley Lee & Elliot Kallen
Then on Saturday, June 1st join us in Juilliard Park as we once again present Sonoma County Matsuri!
This free event runs from 11 am to 5 pm. There will be continuous live entertainment on the main stage, food, vendors of traditional and contemporary Japanese arts and crafts, tea ceremony ($5 per person) and much, much more.
After all that fun and sun, join us on Sunday. June 2, at Seishin Studio from 1 to 3 pm for an afternoon workshop - The Art of Breathing - led by Riley Lee.
Breathing is something we take very much for granted - it just happens and we don't give it a second thought but learning the proper way to breath and how to control your breath will give you tools to relieve stress and promote well being in your everyday life.
For tickets, go to The Art of Breathing w/Riley Lee
Finally, to end the weekend, join us at The Glaser Center 547 Mendocino Avenue from 7 to 9 PM for a very special presentation, Noh in Santa Rosa. Featuring Noh Master Manjiro Tatsumi, with Masayuki Fujii, Theatre of Yugen, and David Crandall.
This is a unique opportunity to learn about and experience the world of Noh Theater. There will be a brief lecture/demonstration on Noh and Kyogen at the beginning so that those in attendance can appreciate the evenings performances.
Tickets are available at Noh in Santa Rosa
For more information, contact Cara Kellen at cskallen@gmail.com
