Shamisen concert at Yume Japanese Gardens on February 15

Posted by Carolyn Sugiyama Classen

As the Editor of the Southern Arizona Japanese Cultural Coalition (SAJCC formed last year), I publicize some of our cultural events here in Tucson.

Coming up is an exciting concert event on Saturday, February 15, featuring Japan-born, now  Canadian resident Aki Takahashi, along with Kyle Abbott (founder of Bachido.com).

“Aki is a Japanese traditional shamisen player and folk singer. She studied traditional folk music in Kyoto, and has given shamisen and vocal performances at numerous venues and events. Since arriving in Canada, Aki has furthered her pursuit of traditional Japanese music with the addition of taiko drumming, becoming a full member of Nagata Shachu in 2003. She is the founder of the Japanese Folk ensemble ten ten, and has performed with numerous artists from a variety of other cultural backgrounds and traditions. She also creates her own original compositions and has choreographed dance pieces to accompany her music.” (from Odaiko Sonora’s FB page)

Read more about Aki at our SAJCC website, or at co-sponsor Odaiko Sonora‘s taiko drumming website.

Buy tickets online at www.tucsonjapanesegardens.org. And if you haven’t viewed the beautiful new Yume Japanese Gardens, 2130 N. Alvernon Way, this is your chance! It’s just south of the Tucson Botanical Gardens on Alvernon, south of Grant Rd. Phone: 520-332-2928.