CONCERT FOR JAPAN Held at NY's Japan Society March 11

Japan Society presents CONCERT FOR JAPAN, 12 hours of music and special activities to benefit Japan Society's Japan Earthquake Relief Fund. 100% of proceeds from the event and tax-deductible contributions made on site to the relief fund will go to organizations that directly help victims recover from the devastating effects of the earthquake and tsunamis that struck Japan on March 11, 2011. With dozens of performances throughout the day, confirmed gala blocks organized by John Zorn feature Philip Glass & Hal Willner, Lou Reed, Laurie Anderson and Zorn (starting at 1:00pm); and Ryuichi Sakamoto and Bill Laswell and gigi band (stating at 6:00pm).

Other artists participating in CONCERT FOR JAPAN include Masayo Ishigure (koto), Mutsumi and Masumi Takamizu (ji-uta sankyoku), James Schlefer (shakuhachi), Sadahiro Kakitani (ryuteki), Taikoza (taiko), Taka Kigawa (piano), and Yumi Kurosawa (koto) and NY-based Japanese female-led bands: Echostream, Hard Nips, The Suzan and Me & Mars. Additional artists to be announced.

CONCERT FOR JAPAN promises many of the offerings originally slated as part of j-CATION: Beyond Cute, the second annual day-long open house festival previously announced for Saturday, April 9.

In addition to the music, CONCERT FOR JAPAN offers special activities for all ages over the course of the event: making origami cranes and washi lanterns for good wishes and recovery, basic Japanese language lessons with the theme "Reach out to Japan," and unlimited access to Bye Bye Kitty!!! Between Heaven & Hell in Contemporary Japanese Art, Japan Society's current gallery exhibition. Food and drinks will be available for purchase on site. Throughout the day, visitors are invited to explore the Japan Society landmark building from top to bottom capturing images with a camera or phone, to redeem a gift from Gifu Prefecture or MUJI.

In Japan Society's classrooms, visitors discover a new side of Japan through inventive and instructive workshops:

Reach out to Japan by learning basic Japanese phrases to show support and offer help. During the 30 minute sessions led by Toyota Language Center teachers, participants practice basic language for reaching out to those in need and common phrases to use when sending messages to Japan. The sessions are designed for those with no previous knowledge of Japanese. Ticketing opens at 11:00am for classes between 11:45am-2:15pm and at 2:15pm for sessions scheduled 2:30-5:30pm.

Master calligrapher Masako Inkyo introduces the basics of shodo calligraphy, an art form using a brush and charcoal ink on paper, wood plaques and fabric. Participants are invited to create messages of peace and hope to take home, and also enjoy Ms. Inkyo's exhibition of calligraphy on display. Ticketing opens at 11:00am for classes between 11:45am-2:15pm and at 2:15pm for classes scheduled 2:30-5:30pm.

Origami USA volunteers teach participants how to use the Japanese art of paper folding to transform ordinary paper into beautiful flowers and elegant cranes. From kid-friendly designs to complex challenges, there is something for everyone. A selection of inspiring origami artwork will be on display. Reservations not required; participation on space-available basis 11:00am-6:00pm.

Kamishibai Storytelling transports children and families to a world of mythical creatures and folktale heroes. Kamishibai, literally 'paper drama,' is a form of storytelling that flourished in Japan 1920s-50s, and is now enjoying a renaissance in Japanese and American schools, libraries and cultural centers. Lively stories combining visuals, song and movement and promoting themes of cooperation and generosity, will delight all ages. Stories told by Teri Gindi, Keiko Sawaguchi and Kumiko Yamakado. Ticketing opens at 11:00am for classes between 11:45am-2:15pm and at 2:15pm for sessions scheduled 2:30-5:30pm.

And take part in art! Revel in a field of illuminated rice paper lanterns in Japan Society's stunning atrium, or create a lantern to add to the collaborative installation. Inspired by traditional Japanese lantern festivals, the project explores the use of light and shadow in Japanese architecture and celebrates the ephemeral, fleeting nature of materials traditionally used in Japanese rituals and events. Lantern-making and paper-shaping instruction given by architect Aki Ishida's students from the Rhode Island School of Design. Participation on space-available basis 11:00am-6:00pm.

Event admission includes unlimited access to the iconoclastic exhibition Bye Bye Kitty!!! Between Heaven & Hell in Contemporary Japanese Art, highlighting some of the most incredible and darkly breathtaking contemporary art from Japan. A taxidermy deer covered in thousands of glass bulbs; mutant noh theater masks; an arresting series of photographs, demonstrating the quiet power of life and nature; and a 23-foot mural of misty mountains made of millions of expired businessmen are just a few of the eye popping objects on display. In honor of the CONCERT FOR JAPAN, Japan Society's spring 2011 exhibition Bye Bye Kitty!!! Between Heaven and Hell in Contemporary Japanese Art (March 18 - June 12) offers extended viewing hours from 11:00 am-8:00 pm.

Nestled behind bamboo plants and an indoor waterfall, Japan Society's main floor reception room transforms into the comfortable j-LOUNGE - a place for guests to relax with a drink and watch a video feed of the CONCERT FOR JAPAN. Specialty beverages from Japan, such as beer, sake, plum wine, green tea, canned coffee, juices and sodas are available for purchase.

CONCERT FOR JAPAN takes place Saturday, April 9 from 11:00 am-11:00 pm.

Entrance Fee: $5, cash only at the door. (Does not include gala blocks; seating is first come, first served.)

Gala Blocks:
$100 per block (includes entrance fee and assigned seat), limited to two tickets per order, advance sales begin Tuesday, March 22 at 11:00 am available online at www.japaqnsociety.org, by calling Japan Society's box office at 212- 715-1258, or in person at 333 East 47th Street between First & Second Avenues.

1:00 pm Gala Block
Philip Glass, & Hal Willner, Lou Reed, Laurie Anderson and John Zorn.

6:00pm Gala Block
Ryuichi Sakamoto solo, and Bill Laswell with gigi band.

Full roster and schedule to be announced.
Visit http://www.japansociety.org/concertforjapan for the most up-to-date information.

All proceeds from CONCERT FOR JAPAN go to the Japan Earthquake Relief Fund. Taking advantage of Japan Society's expertise in bringing together American and Japanese experts to collaborate on social issues, the fund was established March 12 to work with Japanese and American nonprofit organizations that are on the frontlines of disaster relief and recovery in Japan. One hundred percent of the tax-deductible contributions to the fund will go to these organizations that directly help victims. In addition, Japan Society will give half of all ticket and admission sales made March 14-June 30, 2011, from all events to the fund. Those wishing to donate to the fund can go to www.japansociety.org/earthquake or mail a check to Japan Society, 333 East 47th Street, New York, New York 10017; Attn: Japan Earthquake Relief Fund. Checks should be made payable to Japan Society and indicate "Japan Earthquake Relief Fund" on the check. For additional information, email japanrelief@japansociety.org.

Founded in 1907, Japan Society is a world-class, multidisciplinary hub for global leaders, artists, scholars, educators, and English and Japanese speaking audiences. At the Society, more than 100 events each year feature sophisticated, topically relevant presentations of Japanese art and culture and open, critical dialogue on issues of vital importance to the U.S., Japan and East Asia. An American nonprofit, nonpolitical organization, the Society cultivates a constructive, resonant and dynamic relationship between the people of the U.S. and Japan.

Japan Society is located at 333 East 47th Street between First and Second Avenues (accessible by the 4/5/6 at 42nd Street-Grand Central Station or the E and V at Lexington Avenue and 53rd Street). For more info call 212-832-1155 or visit www.japansociety.org.

 

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