Sound the Drums for Japan

On April 10, Friends of Third Place Commons in Lake Forest Park hosts a benefit to raise funds for disaster relief in Japan. 

Instead of a moment of silence, we will experience an energetic burst of sound with Seattle Kokon Taiko, one of the most established Japanese-American drum performance groups in the Pacific Northwest.  Taiko is a dynamic synthesis of rhythm, movement and spirit originating in Japan and evolving as a folk art over the last several hundred years. Seattle Kokon Taiko combines the ancient with the modern, and creates a uniquely Japanese American art form --Japanese in origin, American in expression-- that weaves threads of continuity between generations and builds bridges of understanding among people of all nationalities and walks of life.

 After taiko, Shorecrest High School’s Soran Bushi team will take the stage to perform their version of the traditional Japanese Fisherman’s Dance.  Based on a sea shanty said to have originated in Hokkaido, Northern Japan, Soran Bushi depicts fisherman dragging nets, pulling ropes, and carrying luggage over their shoulders.  Come see Shorecrest students draw from traditional dance and make it their own.

 Throughout the event, participants will have a chance to fold origami cranes for a local Senbarazu project organized by Laura Fournier.  Traditionally, one thousand cranes symbolize world peace, and these will be sent to Japan as an expression of support.

 This event is free of charge, but donations will be gladly accepted by Peace Winds America, a disaster relief organization serving the Asia Pacific. 100% of all contributions to Peace Winds America will go directly to Peace Winds Japan for emergency supplies and services to disaster survivors.  A representative from Peace Winds America will attend the event to tell us about current progress in Japan, and to receive donations.

 Taiko music at this event is part of the Third Place ~ One World series hosted by Friends of Third Place Commons, and supported by a generous grant from 4Culture.

 Third Place Commons is upstairs in the Lake Forest Park Towne Centre at the intersection of Bothell and Ballinger Ways, Lake Forest Park, WA 98155.   More information is available at programs@thirdplacecommons.org, 206-366-3302.