Our popular summer concert series kicks off with a celebration of all things "uke." The evening will include performances by Daniel Ho, Herb Ohta Jr., Bill Tapia, Dan "Soybean" Sawyer, Steven Espaniola, Makena, King Kukulele, The Bilgewater Brothers and more. This is definitely one not-to-be-missed concert for ukulele lovers everywhere. Guest Curator: Ali Lexa, Host, KPFK's Ukulele Spotlight.

FREE!

Made possible, in part, by the Los Angeles County Arts Commission; the Department of Cultural Affairs, City of Los Angeles; the James Irvine Foundation, and the National Center for the Preservation of Democracy. Media sponsors KPFK 90.7 FM and "Los Angeles Downtown News."

2007 1st & Central Summer Concerts schedule
June 28 - Prelude: Enzo Avitabile and Bottari
July 12 - Southern California Ukelele Showcase
July 26 - San Jose Taiko
August 2 - Ricardo Lemvo and Makina Loca
August 9 - For Alice with Love: Celebrating the Music of Alice Coltrane
September 13 - Celso Duarte and Sonex

Developed by members of the Akio Morita family, this exhibition commemorates the remarkable life and achievements of Mr. Akio Morita (1921-1999), co-founder of Sony Corporation.

While more widely known as an electronic innovator who left an incredible impact on music, movies, and entertainment, it was Akio Morita's efforts to produce closer ties between Japan and the rest of the world that brought him international recognition, including an Honorary KBE (Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) for strengthening Anglo-Japan relations.

The Akio Morita exhibition is comprised of photographs, videos, and artifacts which provide insight into a devoted husband, father, internationalist and visionary genius.

The Los Angeles presentation of the Akio Morita exhibition was made possible, in part, by the generous support of William G. & Carol K. Ouchi, the Sig & Betsy Kagawa Foundation, Yoshiko Morita, American Airlines, and Sony Electronics Inc. Additional support was provided by Hiroko Onoyama Sugawara.

Media Sponsors: Los Angeles Downtown News, LA18 KSCI-TV and The Rafu Shimpo.

Target Free Family Saturday

For over a thousand years, the Japanese have flown kites made out of bamboo and washi paper and decorated with cultural motifs. Drop in and let your imagination soar as plain pieces of paper, bamboo sticks, and string are transformed into beautiful, high-flying kites! All materials included.

FREE!

2007 Target Free Family Saturdays
July 14 - Let's Go Fly a Kite!
September 8 - Shake, Rattle, and Bang!
November 10 - Flower Power!

The East West Players Studio Conservatory Lab Project is a works-in-progress presentation by students who have completed the Fundamentals of Acting series. Their intensive sequence of classes led by veteran actor and director, Leslie Ishii, culminates in this performance at the National Museum.

''As the nation's premier Asian American theatre organization, East West Players produces outstanding works and education programs that give voice to the Asian Pacific American experience. For more information visit www.EastWestPlayers.org.

Formed by renowned pianist-composer, David Benoit, the mission of the Asia America Youth Orchestra is to provide young musicians with a rigorous training program to develop their talents and prepare them for multi-faceted careers in the arts. The program will reflect Mr. Morita's visionary legacy of promoting U.S.-Japan relations through innovation, exchange, and respect. $8 National Museum Members; $13 non-members. Seating is limited; call 213-625-0414 to purchase advance tickets.

Made possible by the generous support of Ted Tokio Tanaka Architects and the Asian American Symphony Association.

For over 30 years, American taiko pioneers San Jose Taiko has been celebrated for its fierce beats and unwavering dedication to the community. Their hallmark dynamic choreography coupled with brilliant playing create performances filled with passion, wit, and spirit. In a rare appearance at the National Museum, the ensemble will pull out all the stops as they express the beauty and harmony of the human spirit through the singular voice of taiko. Additional artists to be announced.

FREE!

Made possible, in part, by the Los Angeles County Arts Commission, the Department of Cultural Affairs, City of Los Angeles, The James Irvine Foundation, and the National Center for the Preservation of Democracy. Media sponsors KPFK 90.7 FM and "Los Angeles Downtown News."

Purchase their CD from the Museum Store Online.

2007 1st & Central Summer Concerts schedule
June 28 - Prelude: Enzo Avitabile and Bottari
July 12 - Southern California Ukelele Showcase
July 26 - San Jose Taiko
August 2 - Ricardo Lemvo and Makina Loca
August 9 - For Alice with Love: Celebrating the Music of Alice Coltrane
September 13 - Celso Duarte and Sonex

Relive history and learn about present-day Little Tokyo with National Museum docents on this historic walking tour. $8 for National Museum members and $13 for non-members, includes Museum admission. Reservations along with comfortable walking shoes and clothes are recommended. Weather permitting.

In conjunction with the exhibition Landscaping America: Beyond the Japanese Garden,
the National Museum presents a four-part series of gardening demonstrations led by horticultural experts.

PART1
For centuries, gardens have been touted across cultures for their many medicinal properties. Getty Center and Getty Villa horticulturist Michael De Hart demonstrates how you can cultivate the healing potential of your garden. Single demonstration price: $8 National Museum members, $10 non-members. Series price: $25 National Museum members, $35 non-members. Includes Museum admission. Reservations strongly recommended.

Made possible, in part, by the Department of Cultural Affairs, City of Los Angeles and The Boeing Company.

Four-Part Gardening Demonstration Series
July 28 - The Herbal and Healing Garden
August 11 - An Introduction to the Art of Bonsai
August 26 - Water in the Japanese Garden
September 9 - Urban Gardens for Small Spaces: A Container Gardening Demonstration