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 May 8
“Pippin” Opens in Little Tokyo
The play “Pippin” opens Thursday, May 8 at 8pm at the Henry David Hwang Theater in Little Tokyo. It will run through June 8. The Tony Award winning musical receives a revitalizing twist with theatre anime visuals, hip-hop dance influences, and contemporary music arrangements. Journey with Pippin as he braves the challenges found in the worlds of war, pleasure, politics, art, religion and love in an effort to find his true calling. From the composer who brought you Wicked and Godspell, the play is a stunning example of magic and merriment! Directed by Tim Dang. Featuring Jenn Aedo, Kari Lee Cartwright, Marcus Choi, and Ryyn Chua. Previews Thursday 5/8, Friday 5/9 and Saturday 5/10 at 8pm; Sunday 5/11 at 2pm. Regular performances will be Wednesday - Saturday at 8pm; Sunday at 2pm. Admission: Previews $25, $10 w/ student ID; Opening Night $70; Regular $50 Orchestra, $45 Balcony. Tickets available by visiting www.EastWestPlayers.org or by calling (213) 625-7000 ext. 20. David Henry Hwang Theater is at 120 Judge John Aiso St.
May 14
Yoshida Brothers @ El Rey Theater
The Yoshida Brothers will perform in concert at the El Rey Theater on Wednesday, May 14. The doors are scheduled to open at 8pm. Superstars in their native Japan, young Tsugaru-shamisen virtuosos Ryoichiro and Kenichi Yoshida have effected nothing short of a cultural revolution with their reinvention of the ancient three-stringed instrument, which is akin to a rustic three-stringed banjo. By coaxing startlingly vivid sounds out of their timeless instruments, they have reinvigorated the Tsugaru-shamisen for a new generation, incorporating elements of jazz, American folk, pop, Latin music, blues and more into their unique musical tapestry. As an artistic group whose activities go way beyond that of traditional Japanese music, the Yoshida Brothers continue to tour throughout Japan, Europe, Asia, and the U.S. The El Rey Theater is at 5515 Wilshire Boulevard in Los Angeles. For more info, go to yoshidabrothers.com or call 323-936-6400.
 May 17
Tomihiro Hoshino Art Exhibition Closes in Pasadena
A Watercolor Exhibition of deeply moving poems and superbly wrought flower paintings from Tomihiro Hoshino will close at the Shumei Hall Gallery in Pasadena on Saturday, May 17. It is hard to believe Hoshino created his paintings by wielding a brush in his mouth, but his poems help us to understand the depth and compassion of his thoughts as he faced life after a near-fatal accident in 1970 when he was 24 years old. His paintings and verses are magical and display unique harmony on paper. His simple, understandable poems inspired by natural beauty create a world of their own to which we are transported by the touch of his watercolor brush. Through viewing his paintings, we receive messages of the joy of life and the courage to live. Free Admission. Hours: 9:30 am – 6:00 pm (Monday – Saturday). Sunday by appointment, call (626) 584 8841. Shumei Hall is at 2430 Colorado Boulevard.
 May 31
Little Tokyo Walking Tour
Little Tokyo was once a thriving residential, business, and cultural center of one of the largest Japanese American community in the U.S. until World War II. At its peak, about 30,000 Japanese-Americans lived in the area that is bordered by the Los Angeles River to the east, downtown Los Angeles to the west, L.A. City Hall and the Parker Center to the north, and the Artist District to the south. On Saturday, May 31, relive history and learn about present-day Little Tokyo with National Museum docents on this historic walking tour. Reservations, along with comfortable clothes and walking shoes are recommended. The fee is $8 for National Museum members and $13 for non-members, which includes Museum admission. Weather permitting, meet at the National Museum on First and Central a 10:15 a.m. The tour concludes at 12:15 p.m. (213) 625-0414.
 June 7-8
2008 Grand Sumo Tournament in Los Angeles
Sumo is a competitive contact sport where two wrestlers (rikishi) attempt to force one another out of a circular ring (dohyo) or to touch the ground with anything other than the soles of the feet. Although wrestlers come from all over the globe, the only country where sumo is practiced professionally is Japan, where it is considered to be a modern martial art, although it has a history spanning four hundred years. Marking Sumo’s return to L.A. after 28 years, some of the world’s best Sumo wrestlers will compete at the 2008 Grand Sumo Tournament in Los Angeles on Saturday, June 7 and Sunday, June 8 at the Los Angeles Sports Arena. The gates open at 4pm on both days. The event will be a real tournament with professional wrestlers, and is sanctioned by Nihon Sumo Kyokai, the official Japan Sumo Federation. Sponsors include Yaegaki (sake), Famima, and Sakura (art supplies). For details, visit sumotour.com or call (213) 620-9723. Tickets range from $35 to $420. The Sports Arena is at 3939 South Figueroa Street.
  June 7
Asia America Symphony Orchestra in Little Tokyo
Japanese national treasure Sadao Watanabe returns in a very special appearance with the full Asia Symphony Orchestra on Saurday, June 7 at Aratani/ Japan America Theater in Little Tokyo. The show gets started at 8 pm. Also featured in the program will be Beethoven’s Symphony #6 in F Major “Pastorale” and the world debut of “Dolores Del Carmen” for Spanish guitar and orchestra composed by music director David Benoit. $75 VIP with reception /$50 Premiere tickets/ $35 general admission. For more information call the Aratani Theatre Box Office at (213) 680-3700 or visit asiaamericasymphony.org. The theater is at 244 S. San Pedro Street.
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