Peruvian Japanese band to perform for Okinawan benefit, Jan. 22
Topic: Okinawa
The Okinawa Association of America, Inc. will sponsor Alberto Shiroma and the Diamantes Benefit Concert in Los Angeles on Sunday, Jan. 22, 2:00 p.m. at the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Theater, 1935 Manhattan Beach Blvd., Redondo Beach. Tickets are $25. All general seating.

This will benefit the OAA Elevator Fund for senior citizens and disabled members and to celebrate Peru’s 100th Anniversary of Japanese Immigration. The Diamantes will go to Peru to participate in the 100th Anniversary Celebration after this concert in Los Angeles.

Alberto Shiroma and the Diamantes are third generation of Peru-born Japanese who sing in Japanese and Spanish. They currently live and perform their music in Japan.

In 1985, Shiroma won the best vocalist award in Peru’s singing competition with a prize of a trip to Japan. A year later, he started to perform his music in Japan. In 1991, he formed his group “Diamentes” (diamonds in Spanish). In 1993, they debuted with their first album and have since released 6 albums through 1999.

Shiroma received his Grand Prix award with his “Kono Aoi Sora O Kimini” at Manila International Music Festival in the Philippines.

In August 2000, Shiroma released his first solo album in the U.S. His second solo album was recorded in New York in collaboration with Latin artist Marc Anthony.

Shiroma’s popularity grew when he composed the theme song “Kata Teni Sanshin Wo” for the Second and Third Worldwide Okinawan Festival in Okinawa which was attended by thousands of Okinawans who came from overseas.

He has gained his popularity among all ages because his songs bring powerful messages of love, dreams and encouragement.

Tickets are sold at: OAA Office, Gardena (310) 532-1929; Restaurant Kotosh at Kamiyama, Lomita (310) 257-1363; Mickey Seki Jewelry, Little Tokyo (213) 617-2662; Mario Peruvian Sea Food Restaurant, Hollywood (323) 466-4181; Uyehara Travel, Little Tokyo (213) 680-2499.

For more information about the concert, call OAA Office at (310) 532-1929 or Helene Shimane at (310) 323-7965.

(Photo)
Third generation of Peruvian Japanese “Alberto Shiroma and the Diamantes”