Colombian singer, songwriter, and rising star, Marta Gomez, effortlessly melds American jazz idioms with rhythms from throughout South America. Her work embraces traditional rhythms and pays homage to iconic composers from Simon Diaz to Joan Manuel Serrat, creating a style that one critic called a beautiful "mix but not a fusion."

Come early for a 6:30 DJ set of music from around the world by some of the city's best. Food from Mama's Hot Tamales Cafe and a no-host bar will also be available.

This series is presented in association with the National Center for the Preservation of Democracy and is sponsored, in part, by the City of Los Angeles Cultural Affairs Department.

Enjoy your lunch as you listen to the energetic and compelling rhythms performed by our guest taiko drummers. Every other Wednesday throughout the summer a different master drummer will share the power and meaning of taiko, exploring the diversity of the art form as practiced by master artists from across the Southland.

Approximately half of the 120,000 Japanese Americans interned during World War II were children. As we inaugurate our newest series, American Profiles, we continue to explore the theme of our 2005 Annual Gala Dinner by engaging in recollection and reflection with some of the educators who made a commitment to nurturing the intellectual lives of the youngest inmates. Reservations recommended.

Join us in New York!

Friday, September 16, 5:00 - 6:30 PM

We invite our supporters in New York to join us as we host a special event with Hawaii's former First Lady Jean Ariyoshi at the Japan Society. She will speak about her new book, Washington Place, A First Lady's Story. The lecture will be followed by a reception and book signing.

Washington Place, A First Lady's Story is an autobiographical account of her childhood in a small town in Hawai`i and her years at Washington Place, the state's gubernatorial mansion, where she lived with her husband, George Ariyoshi, the governor of Hawai`i from 1973 to 1986.

Japan Society
333 E 47th Street
New York, NY 10017

RSVP by Monday, September 12
(212) 715-1219

For further information, please contact
Japan Society at (212) 715-1219
Japanese American National Museum at (800) 461-5266 ext. 5631

We've created a workshop perfect for the entire family. Drop in and create your own vessel inspired by those created by renowned ceramicist, Toshiko Takaezu. Just add your own secret inside and take home your very own piece of art.

As a child, Lela Lee was ridiculed and humiliated for something she could not help -- her gender and her ethnicity. She used those experiences to create the wildly popular comic strip, Angry Little Asian Girl.

Now, in addition to an ultra-hip product line, the strip has been compiled in a new book published by Harry N. Abrahms. Book signing to follow.

Create a simple landscape in the art style of sumi-e. Class fees are $8 for National Museum members and $13 for non-members, includes supplies and Museum admission. Reservations are recommended.

Get messy in this beginners workshop and create your own unique ceramic art without the use of tools. Learn a myriad of construction techniques, guided by internationally acclaimed artist Setsuko Morinoue.

Finished pieces will be fired and ready for pick at the National Museum in two weeks. Workshop fees are $50 for members and $65 for non-members. Includes supplies and Museum admission. Ages 16 and up.

The second of three conversations featuring groundbreaking Japanese American ceramicists profiles Setsuko Morinoue. The Kona-based artist will "talk story" about the influence of Toshiko Takaezu, the deep connections Morinoue makes with clay, and her passion for teaching ceramics to children.

Welcome the change in season with a magical evening featuring a group of internationally acclaimed musicians, including Kenny Endo. Hailing from India, Indonesia, Burma, China, and the United States, each is a master artist who recasts traditional melodies and rhythms into new sounds and textures. Together, these longtime friends offer a joy-filled celebration of creativity, music, and song.

Come early for a 6:30 DJ set of music from around the world by some of the city's best. Food from Mama's Hot Tamales Cafe and a no-host bar will also be available.

This event is presented in conjunction with the 2005 World Festival of Sacred Music - Los Angeles. For a complete Festival schedule, visit www.festivalofsacredmusic.org.

This series is presented in association with the National Center for the Preservation of Democracy and is sponsored, in part, by the City of Los Angeles Cultural Affairs Department.