Odaiko Sonora Summer's End'08

From left: Sacramento Buddhist Church’s bon odori after dark; Karen’s shamisen teacher and vocal master Hideko Nakajima; kids at Fenster Ranch Camp enjoyed a monsoon-free recital this year; Odaiko Sonora sets up their info and hands-on booth before performing at the Durango, CO Natsu Matsuri.

Hard at Work & Play

In the midst of our summer hiatus, we got an unexpected invitation to play in Durango, CO, for the Jinsei Foundation’s first Natsu Matsuri (Summer Festival). The event raised funds for Jinsei’s Aikido Life Program, which focuses on at-risk youth. We jokingly referred to the trip as our 2008 “How the West was One” Tour, with its one stop. On our website, you’ll see we actually covered four states ....
Summer 2008 thus ends with a spate of travel by Odaiko Sonora members. This weekend, Karen travels to Silver City to teach, and Rome, Nicole and Rebecca will be at the San Jose Weekend Intensive. After that, classes and local performances will be our focus, as you can see from the lists at the bottom of this email.

RHYTHM INDUSTRY Review—Sept. 13

Two years after daring to buy the studio warehouse at 1013 S. Tyndall. We’re happy to say the risk is paying off. A number of Tucson’s award-winning performance groups now call the building home. These include Odaiko Sonora, Flam Chen Pyrotechnic Theatre, Afro-Brasilian percussion ensemble Batucaxé, Thom Lewis Dance, Movement Salon, Funhouse Movement Theater, Theatrical Mime Theatre, and many others who practice life-affirming disciplines such as tai chi and yoga. Together, these groups touch the lives of tens of thousands of lives each year!

The building’s new name, Rhythm Industry Performance Factory, captures its crucial function as a performing arts incubator. To acquaint you with the ongoing work it takes to put on public performances, we have launched a series of quarterly “Reviews.” The first will take place on Sat., Sept. 13th from 7pm to 10pm. Part showcase, part salon, part recital, the Reviews will provide a venue for new work, work-in-progress, student work and artistic exchange. Enjoy light refreshments and informal performances throughout the evening. $10 donation suggested. Please park at the NAPA Auto Parts on Park and enter through the east gate.

Arigatou gozaimasu!

[Upcoming Events and Classes list]