Chanson Vocal, June 18
Topic: Music
Singer and vocal instructor Hiroki Konno of Gardena presents the sixth annual Pari Sai music concert featuring French songs chanson on Sunday, June 18 at 2 p.m. at El Camino College Campus Theatre, 16007 Crenshaw Blvd. Torrance, CA 90506.

Guest artists are Yuki kaiyama from Tokyo for vocal and Harumi Baxer from New York for piano. Proceeds will benefit Nikkei Accessible Information and Services in Torrance.

Tickets are $35. For seats call (310) 415-3161 or e-mail info@konnohiroki.com.

Yukiko Matsuyama Koto Concert, May 20
Topic: Music
Koto artist, Yukiko Matsuyama, will perform in concert on Saturday, May
20 at 7:30 p.m. at the Sozenji Buddhist Temple in Montebello. The
concert theme is “Universe”.

Osaka-born, Ms. Matsuyama was classically trained in the Ikuta School of Koto from age 9 and received her professional certification teaching credential in 1986. She came to Los Angeles in 1993 and began composing original music, blending the traditional sound of the koto and contemporary music. The results were a unique combination jazz, new age, and world music. Ms. Matsuyama has performed at the Japan America Theatre, John Anson Ford Theatre and many music festivals, cultural and community events, universities and schools.

Also performing in the concert with Ms. Matsuyama are John York on guitar, vocals and shakuhachi, Diana Dentino on keyboards, Gary St. Germain on drums and Rev. Tom Kurai on the taiko.

John York is a singer, composer and instrumentalist welll known as a former member of the 1960’s rock band, the Byrds. Diana Dentino has performed with recording artists such as James Ingram, Jeffrey Osborne, Daniel Ho and Kitaro. She is currently the lead keyboardist for the Grammy Award winning vocalist, Peabo Bryson. Gary St. Germain is a music teacher in the San Bernardino School District and a member of Satori Daiko. Rev. Kurai is the director of the Taiko Center of Los Angeles.

Ms. Matsuyama will perform original contemporary songs from her previous recordings “Blossom” and “Koto” as well as other new collaborative compositions at the concert. Her last concert in February of 2004 sold out, so please order tickets early.

Sozenji Temple is located at 3020 W. Beverly Blvd. in Montebello near the corner of Beverly Blvd. and Garfield Ave. Tickets are $15.00 in advance and $18.00 at the door. For tickets and information, call (626) 307-3839 or (323) 724-6866. Log on to Ms. Matsuyama’s website at www.kotoyuki.com

Cultural Twist, Feb. 23
Topic: Music
“Cultural Twist” will be held at The Second Street Jazz, 366 Second Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012 (Little Tokyo) 213-680-0047, on Thursday, February 23 at 9 p.m.

It will be a variety of music from Taiko Drums, Enka, J-pop, moving towards Contemporary Jazz to American Music Comedy and finally Psychedelic Hip Hop...

Performing artists are: Shin3, Kiyu, Milk:Blood, Heaven Bound Train, Webb, Christal, Herbal Influence.

Door Open at 8:30 p.m. Cover charge: $3 Drink special price between 8:30-9:00 p.m.

Fen-X Productions presents CULTURAL TWIST

By Marisa Kosugi - Doozo Yoroshiku Onegaiitashimasu!
aka: Lisa Ishikawa - Whassup, ya'll !! Come down and chill!

We would like to welcome you and your friends to this event. The theme is CULTURAL TWIST and by reading the performer's info, you will understand why!

The opening of this program will start with sounds from the Far East? The pounding beats of the Taiko Drums by Shin3, celebrating tonight's event with true spirit by 3-performers who believe in the value of 'Shin to the Power of 3'- the Heart-Mind, Truth & Trust}, you will definitely feel their energy so go on and stomp your feet and bob your head to the beat!

We will then sway your mood into a calm but mysterious way of this beautiful artist, Kiyu, who will sing Enka & Pop. She carries a true sexiness & soulfulness in her every movement which will capture your emotions with her voice that will be irresistible.

It is intriguing to say that being caught between cultures is a blessing and Webb, Christal is proof of this. After living in Japan for two years, she has been inspired to challenge of embracing and performing a whole new culture of songs. The uniquely composed pieces will share an amazing transition from Pop to R&B, as well, the natural flow from Japanese to English.

The uniqueness of Heaven Bound Train, an alternative indie band, carries a passionate, powerful and honest blend of worldly sounds with American, Carribean and Japanese Influences. This creation of music will make you want more but not in an aggressive way. Their energy will flow in your heart and you will remember.

Now, moving towards the West Side, you?ll need to hold on to your seats or is this possible? Milk:Blood will definitely pull you away from the monotony of life. A world unknown and sometimes misunderstood, but if you open your hearts and drop your masks, you will understand the meaning of Freedom in their music.

Have you heard of Psychedelic Hip Hop? Not only will you exist in a dream world of heavy based beats with Herbal Influence, their message is to keep it real, straight forward and to the point!

Looking forward to see everyone.. Peace!