Japan’s pre-modern folk dances and songs by Hanyui trio from Japan, Mar. 8

 

Cultural News, February 2008

 

Hanayui trio consists of original KODO members Yoko Fujimoto (center) and Chieko Kojima (right) and Okinawan dance expert Mitsue Kinjo. (Courtesy of JACCC)

 

    Woman performing group Hanayui, an offshoot of world renowned taiko ensemble KODO in Sado Island, Japan will be presented by the Japanese American Cultural and Community Center at Aratani/Japan America Theatre in Little Tokyo, Los Angeles on Saturday, March 8 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $37 for orchestra and $32 for balcony.

 

     Featuring veteran KODO members Yoko Fujimoto and Chieko Kojima and Okinawan dance expert Mitsue Kinjo, Hanayui explores the rich folk tradition of pre-modern entertainers who traversed the Japanese countryside in song and dance.

 

    Hanayui grew as an offshoot of Kodo in 1991 when original KODO members Fujimoto and Kojima envisioned a less taiko-centric performance, and a more intimate atmosphere of folk dance and song with the taiko drum as accompaniment.

 

   Together with Okinawan dance expert Kinjo, the trio has captivated audiences from local community centers to concert halls around the world with their enlivening interpretation of folk dances, vibrant percussive sounds and hauntingly beautiful songs.

 

    For their performance at the Aratani/Japan America Theatre, Hanayui will be joined on stage by Kaoru Watanabe, former KODO member and artistic director, performing on the shinobue bamboo flute.

 

     Aratani/Japan America Theatre is located at 244 South San Pedro Street, in the Little Tokyo area of downtown Los Angeles. Convenient parking is located on San Pedro, between 2nd and 3rd Streets.

 

     Tickets are $37 for orchestra, $32 for balcony. Student tickets are available on the day of show for $25. JACCC member discount is available. For on-line booking, visit www.jaccc.org. To charge by phone, call the box office at (213) 680-3700 during Monday-Friday, 12 – 5 p.m.