Chidori Band Concert, May 19 in San Jose
The San Jose Chidori Band will present its 59th Anniversary Concert at 7 p.m. on Saturday, May 19, at the San Jose Buddhist Church annex.
A full program of live performances of popular Japanese songs, koto music, and Japanese classical dance is planned.
Shirley Kazuyo Muramoto and Brian Mitsuhiro Wong will perform songs on koto and shamisen with the band. They both give koto lessons and perform at various Bay Area community events. Shirley is the founder of the Murasaki Ensemble which performs jazz fusion music with koto, guitar, percussion, flute and bass.
Also appearing will be Japanese classical dancers from Bando Misayasu Kai. Madame Bando Misayasu, professional dancer and head instructor, began her studies in Japanese classical dance in 1960.
In 1977, she moved to Tokyo, to continue her studies, at which time she was bestowed the title, Misayasu, from Grandmaster Bando Mitsugoro IX. She commenced teaching in the Bay Area in 2000.
For the past 45 years, Madame Misayasu has an established career of performances, and presently strives to perpetuate the Japanese culture and traditions.
The Chidori Band will have its third CD ready for sale at the concert. The latest CD called, “Obon-Chidori Style” includes many of the songs performed by the band at Bay Area Obon festivals.
All three of the band’s CDs can be found at the following locations – Nikkei Traditions and Nichi Bei Bussan in San Jose’s Japantown, and the BCA Bookstore in Berkeley.
Other upcoming events at which the band will be performing are Nikkei Matsuri on April 29 in San Jose and various Obon festivals in July and August.
Pre-sale tickets to the concert may be purchased at Nikkei Traditions, through any Chidori Band member, and also be sold at the door for a $12 donation.
For more information about the concert or the CD, please call (408) 260-2533.