Saxophonist Francis Wong and tuba virtuoso William Roper will join artist in residence Glenn Horiuchi on shamisen along with members of the Museum’s Shamisen Ensemble in a special collaborative concert.

Both Wong and Horiuchi are key figures in the Asian American creative music movement in which artists are creating distinct, individual languages which draw upon materials from traditional Asian music and the jazz avant garde.

Free with Museum admission. Reservations suggested. Limited seating available.

This program made possible through a grant from the California Arts Council, a State Agency.

Storytelling, multi-media performance featuring: Cynthia Gates Fujikawa

Cyndy joins us from New York to perform excerpts from her one-woman show, Old Man River, currently playing at Theatre West in Hollywood from January 23 through March 1 (for information, call 213.851.7977).

Old Man River chronicles the misadventures of her father, Nisei actor Jerry Fujikawa, and Cyndy’s revelations about him as a parent. Free with Museum admission. Reservations required by February 1.

This program is made possible in part by a grant from the City of Los Angeles, Cultural Affairs Department.

This talented, energetic, multicultural comedy improv group has an amazing assortment of entertainment techniques that will keep you laughing all night. Reservations suggested by February 19. Limited seating.

This program is made possible in part by a grant from the City of Los Angeles, Cultural Affairs Department.

Seattle writer and curator Mayumi Tsutakawa will present a slide talk on the lifetime career of her father, artist George Tsutakawa. Now 87, professor Tsutakawa is retired from his work of sculpture, painting, and teaching at the University of Washington. Born in Seattle, Tsutakawa is a Kibei who lived in Japan from the ages of 7 to 17 and later served in the U.S. Army Military Intelligence School. Free with Museum admission. Reservations suggested by January 18.

Featuring: Nancy Uyemura and friends

We invite you to an evening of exploration into the life and times of MIKE KANEMITSU. Discover the world of Kanemitsu—his influences, struggles, and at times, identity crisis. Hear from the voices of Kanemitsu’s friends, colleagues, and students as they reflect on this extraordinary artist of Japanese American ancestry. Free. Reservations recommended by January 8.

Thursday Evenings at the Museum

The new year begins with the 14th installment in this successful series of new play readings by East West Players. Actor and writer Jason Fong of the improvisational group Cold Tofu has written this story about a fractured memory of childhood love and loss. Reservations required by January 2. Free. Limited seating available.

This program is made possible in part by a grant from the City of Los Angeles, Cultural Affairs Department.