Watazumido at Zen Mountain Monastery
It was an amazing and enlightening weekend at Zen Mountain Monastery, to say the least. It’s difficult to put into words what has transpired as the experience touched all aspects of my being. But what I’ll start with is this gift I received when departing. I had seen this photos many times on the internet - Watazumi playing among people sitting in a temple. One of the monks at ZMM gave me this full collection of Watazumi’s music. The text on the picture reads “Watazumi Doso Roshi Zen Mountain Monastery 1983”. I was speechless. My teacher’s teacher’s teacher was here almost 30 years ago as a guest artist.
I’m incredibly swamped right now as I’m back into rehearsals for a new show. But, here’s some more photos of the retreat.
World’s Youngest Shakuhachi Maker
This was Jet two years ago helping me in the shop.
A Prayer for Japan
Here is an EARTH Model flute I am offering this week for Japan relief.
http://cgi.ebay.com/NICE-2-3-EARTH-SHAKUHACHI-BAMBOO-FLUTE-PERRY-YUNG-/140539555861?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item20b8cf7015
If you are in New york City, you should come to La Mama E.T.C. Prayer for Japan event: http://lamama.org/ellen-stewart-theatre/a-prayer-for-japan/
La MaMa has a deep and ongoing history of presenting the art and culture of indigenous groups and has gathered many of these performance groups, whose traditions honor the power of nature, to perform spiritual prayers, chants, and ritual dances, to help us reflect upon and bring attention to the recent natural disasters in Japan that have brought suffering to so many. The evening’s events will include spiritual prayers and chants to Mother Earth, and hope for the victims of the Tohoku region, where the earthquake hit.
I’ve been out of town all week due to the Kid’s Spring Break but will be driving into town to perform. I hope I don’t get stuck in traffic.
Shakuhachi Life.
New 2.1 Hocchiku made from Japanese Madake bamboo available at my Shop!
What a busy time right now. I read a thread recently posted by Brian Tairaku Ritchie at the new Shakuhachi Forum ( http://www.shakuhachiforum.eu/index.php ) about the Hocchiku maker, Kodama Hiroyuki, specifically about how he appears to be living a shakuhachi life. Then I wondered what that meant.
Shakuhachi Workshop, Gigs etc..
Hi everyone, Winter here in NYC has finally given way to spring (slightly). Its almost 54 degrees today, but it was snowing last Thursday.
Just a note on my schedule this week. I’m performing TAMUKE at a memorial this evening at NYU for a Jeffrey Seinfeld. Tomorrow, I’m playing with Richard Ebihara of SLANT at the Asian American Arts Allience Town Hall. It’s a special benefit event for Japan Relief: http://aaartsalliance.org/events/special-japan-benefit-town
On May 6-8. I’ll be leading a shakuhachi making workshop at Zen Mountain Monastery: http://www.mro.org/zmm/retreats/detail/2011/ART1151.php
Shelter Box for Japan
I’ll be playing at a memorial next week where my honorarium will be donated to Shelter Box. Shelter Box arrived in Sendai in less than 24 hours after the earthquake distributing boxes. Support them if you can.
Here are some other relief efforts around New York City for Japan.
Sunday March 27, 6pm Tenri Culural Center with Ronnie Ntogestu Seldin and friends, including my teacher Ralph Samuelson: http://www.tenri.org/artsat/currentseason.shtml#benefit_concert
I’ll be playing shakuhachi at his one on April 5, 6pm.: http://aaartsalliance.org/events/special-japan-benefit-town
The Asian American Arts Alliance (a4) community gathers together to help support relief efforts in Japan. We’ll have special artistic performances from the Japanese and the Asia Pacific region as well as a meditation Qigong practice dedicated to all those who have been affected by the earthquake and tsunami. During such challenging times, healing and remembering through the arts is a way we can engage in significant and meaningful issues as citizens of the world.
A representative from the Japan Society will be on hand to share updates about their Relief Fund and how their efforts are helping people directly on the ground. You’ll have an opportunity to ask questions as well as make a contribution if you wish.
CONCERT FOR JAPAN/ Japan Society: http://www.japansociety.org/event_detail?eid=10a81178
Gala Block Concerts
Saturday, April 9, 1 PM — Limited Availability
Philip Glass & Hal Willner, Lou Reed, Laurie Anderson & John Zorn
Saturday, April 9, 6 PM — Sold Out.
Ryuichi Sakamoto solo, M.O.D. Technologies, Bill Laswell, Gigi, Bernie Worrell, Hideo Yamaki and many others (sold out).
Jim Nyoraku Schlefer is coordinating a slot between 1-5pm.
Japan Earth Quake March 11, 2011
Brian Tairaku Ritchie played Tamuke on a 3.0 Chokan I made for him. I also played Tamuke. I used an Earth Model in the video above as the all natural, simple flute is close to my heart in this present moment. The offering made me feel better but as denizens of the planet (people without borders), we are in this together. Here is an online prayer for Japan on Facebook. We inhale, we exhale. The rest of our time on this planet is spent making choices. The following page includes links to concrete ways to help our brothers and sisters: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=156362977753089
Another option would be to donate to http://www.shelterbox.org. They were in Sendai distributing shelter boxes in less than 24 hours after the earthquake struck. Each box contains a tent, blankets, cooking stove, utensils, tools and much more. One box can sustain an entire family.
Shakuhachi Forum
Photo taken from flight back from CA, 7/10
The sun has set on the Shakuhachi Forum BBQ.
It was a warm bright day
at times a distant cloud grazed the sun
It was full of friends sharing their love
alas the ice chest was bare
they went home, to their loved ones.
I would like to thank Ken LaCosse and Brian Ritchie for starting and maintaining the Shakuhachi Forum for the past 6 years. As a moderator, I enjoyed my time immensely and tried my best to help spread the love of the shakuhachi with impartiality. It was time consuming even when I wasn’t contributing so I can imagine how much work Ken and Brian was doing. A deep bow to you my shakuhachi brothers! I look forward to the next incarnation.