The Neighborhoods of Santa Fe, New Mexico – Matsuri 2012

Here’s something we look forward to every spring in Santa Fe. This Saturday, March 31st, from 10:00am  - 5:00pm is the annual Japanese Cultural Festival held in theSanta Fe Convention Center.   My wife, Tonia, will be serving traditional, whisked Japanese green tea in kimono.

I’ve included the schedule for the day:

10:00am    Opening Remarks: Performance by Santa Fe JIN Language School Students

10:15am    Norio Hayakawa: Solo artist. Specializing in Japanese “Oldies but Goodies”

10:50am     Chado: The Way of Tea demonstration by Chado New Mexico

The art of Japanese tea, or Chado, is a way to calm the mind, soothe the spirit, and share a special time away from the concerns of everyday life.

11:30am     Chizuko Matsumoto and her students: Traditional Japanese Dance

12:20pm     Japanese Pop Fashion Show by Santa Fe Community College Design Club with Snake The Fire Dancers

1:10pm      Seshami Street Boys: Special Guests from Japan.  Shamisen (Japanese 3-stringed instruments) musical comedy duo

2:00pm      Shihori: Special Guest from Japan.  Anime/Pop singer songwriter 

2:50pm      Koji Nakamura: a Master Taiko drummer and teacher for over 25 years.  Grammy winner in 2008

Madi Sato: Santa Fe local singer songwriter

3:30pm     Yukiko Matsuyama: Fusion Koto player.  Grammy winner in 2010

4:20pm      Smokin’ Bachi Taiko: Santa Fe’s innovative Taiko drumming group

4:50pm      Scholarship winner announcement /  Closing Remarks

Look for me.  I’ll be enjoying one of the complimentary bowls in the Tea Ceremony room!

Michael