 May 4
Iraida Noriega & Trio @ JANM |
 Global Jazz artists Iraida Noriega & Trio will perform at the Japanese American National Museum on Friday, May 4. Jazz is widely considered to be the quintessential American art form. Musicians from Nairobi to Tokyo have embraced its porous inventiveness by adding new sounds to make it their own. In keeping with the spirit of celebrating the best of American cultural contributions to our world, the National Center is launching Global Jazz @ the National Center. The occasional series opens with a rare visit by Mexican vocalist and composer, Iraida Noriega. Her voice has been called nothing short of "incandescent" and an exciting glimpse into the future of Mexican jazz. Tickets $10. Advance purchase recommended by calling 213-625-0414.
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| May 6 YOKO AWAYA KAI @ Marsee Auditorium,
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| Yoko Awaya Kai will perform a koto concert at El Camino College’s Marsee Auditorium in Torrance on Sunday, May 6. The performance is scheduled to begin at 2:00 pm. Rakugo artist Bill Crowley will be the host of the event. The Koto performers of the Yoko Awaya Koto Music Conservatory are under the direction and instruction of Madame Awaya who is a 10th Degree performing artist. Yoko Awaya Kai is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the art of Koto and Jiuta Sangen music and to contributing to Japanese cultural awareness. The Conservatory’s members have performed in over 1000 engagements throughout California and the United States. El Camino College
is at 16007 Crenshaw Blvd. |
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| May 11 Dave Iwataki's J-Town/Bronzeville Suite @ The Getty Center
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| Filled with stunning music performed by stellar traditional Japanese and jazz musicians, Dave Iwataki's J-Town/Bronzeville Suite explores a fascinating and seldom told chapter of Los Angeles's history. While Japanese Americans were incarcerated, newly arrived African Americans from the South settled in Little Tokyo, where they remained until the war's end. The Japanese American National Museum will co-present the show at 7:30 pm on Friday, May 11 in the Harold M. Williams Auditorium at the Getty Center. The concert is free, but reservations are required and can only be made by contacting the Getty Center after April 19. For information and reservations, visit getty.edu or call 310.440.7300. The Museum is at 1200 Getty Center Drive in
Los Angeles. |
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May 19 JACCC Benefit Performance in Little Tokyo |
 A special celebration featuring artists from the “J-Town Beat Series” coming together to share the stage and show their support for JACCC, will take place on at Aratani/Japan America Theatre on Saturday, May 19. The show is set to begin at 7:30 pm. Artist who will perform include: June Kuramoto (of Hiroshima); Daniel Ho with members of Kilauea; Amy Hill ("Tokyo Bound", "Cat in the Hat"); Zendeko Zenshuji (Taiko Ensemble); and Alison De La Cruz (multi-disciplinary artist). Proceeds will support JACCC community programs. There will be a post performance reception following the concert on the JACCC Plaza. Special VIP Seating $100, $50 Orchestra, $45 Balcony.
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| June 9
Keiko Matsui with Asia America Symphony Orchestra |
 On Saturday, June 9, Jazz Superstar Keiko Matsui will perform with the Asia America Symphony Orchestra conducted by Music Director, David Benoit. The show will take place at the Aratani/Japan America Theatre in Little Tokyo and will begin at 8pm. Works by Ravel, Copeland and others will be included in the program. The Theater is at 244 South San Pedro Street. Tickets are $75 VIP orchestra and reception, $35 Premiere orchestra, $25 orchestra and balcony. For more information please call (310) 377-8977, or visit asiaamericasymphony.org.
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| June 28-30
On Ensemble Live in Santa Monica
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 The taiko group “On Ensemble” presents its annual concert from Thursday, June 28 to Saturday, June 30 at the historic Miles Playhouse in Santa Monica. It will be a full-length taiko concert featuring the group's eclectic blend of traditional Japanese music and contemporary aesthetics. This year’s performance will present the group's newest music in revised and refined form. Pieces with a decidedly contemporary feel, utilizing electric guitar with taiko, taiko and turntable, and dance and movement-oriented drumming, will be performed along with the traditionally-inspired works incorporating aspects of Japanese folk and classical music. Tickets are $20 general admission, and can be purchased by phone at 323-960-7822 or online at OnEnsemble.org |
