1ST & CENTRAL FREE CONCERT SERIES TO BEGIN JULY 10

"1st & Central Summer Concerts," the Japanese American National Museum’s popular outdoor music series, returns from July through September for a fourth season in the heart of Little Tokyo in downtown Los Angeles. As in years past, thousands are expected to turn out on the National Museum Plaza to enjoy an eclectic program of master musicians and not-to-be-missed newcomers, with sounds ranging from world music to jazz.

"Our 2008 season emphasizes artists who are consciously and inventively exploring traditional music from around the world as well as from their own backyard, and making it speak to their unique vision," says series curator and KPFK 90.7 FM Global Village host Sabrina Lynn Motley. Free and open to the public, the series opens with an exuberant ukelele celebration, continues with a tribute to historic Central Avenue, and closes with a high-octane global dance party.

Refreshments will be available for purchase from Homegirl Café, Chado Tea Room, and Black Tie Event Services.

Performances will take place on five Thursday evenings beginning at 6:30 p.m.—July 10 and 24, August 21, and September 18 and 25. See detailed program listings beginning on page 3 and at janm.org.

"This year, we’re excited to be working with a number of wonderful inspiring of community partners," adds Motley. The July 24 concert, organized in partnership with Los Angeles City Councilmember Jan Perry’s office, among others, is a prelude to the Central Avenue Jazz Festival. The September 18 concert, exploring soulful songs of Iran and the Mediterranean, is part of the World Festival of Sacred Music–Los Angeles 2008.

"Music is a powerful way to connect with people’s basic humanity." Motley explains. "Our concerts are about bringing communities together, fostering an intimate connection between the audience and the performers, and also with the city itself."

And connections abound. "This area of Little Tokyo, at the northern end of Central Avenue, was once known as 'Bronzeville' after Japanese Americans were incarcerated during World War II and southern Black migrants moved into the area. Composer Dave Iwataki helps us remember this history, teaming up with African American jazz instrumentalists and traditional Japanese musicians to perform part of his powerful J-Town to Bronzeville Suite."

The neighborhood has a deeply sacred past as well. The Museum’s first home, across the Plaza from where it stands today, was the former site of the Nishi Hongwanji Buddhist temple. "The Museum’s very origins are tied to a spiritual community center and so partnering with the World Festival of Sacred Music was a natural. Of course, one doesn’t have to believe in anything in particular to enjoy the music of acclaimed vocalists Savina Yannatou and Mamak Khadem—it is beautiful just for what it is.",/p>

The "1st & Central Concerts" series is 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 National Museum members and donors. Media sponsors are KPFK 90.7 FM, Los Angeles Downtown News, The Pasadena Weekly and Folkworks.

Concert-goers are also invited to visit the Museum’s galleries, open Thursdays until 8:00 p.m., with free general admission after 5:00 p.m. Summer exhibitions include Living Flowers: Ikebana and Contemporary Art, an innovative presentation that brings together representations of three traditional schools of ikebana (Japanese flower arranging) with the works of international contemporary artists such as Isamu Noguchi, Robert Mapplethorpe, Sherrie Levine and Judy Fiskin (through September 7). In the exhibition Glorious Excess (Born), musician/producer/artist Mike Shinoda—of Linkin Park fame—premieres a series of his paintings and digital work, and coincides with the release of his new DC Remix Shoe (July 12–August 3).

CONCERT SCHEDULE
(images and sound clips available upon request)
Thursday, July 10, 6:30 p.m.
Southern California Ukulele Showcase II

By overwhelming demand, the "ukes" are back! This year’s showcase features up-and-comers including Paula Fuga, Brittni Paiva, Abe Lagrimas, Moana, The Monnlighters, and King Kukulele

. Co-curated with Ali Lexa, host of Ukulele Spotlight, KPFK 90.7 FM. Visit janm.org for an updated list of performers.
Thursday, July 24, 6:30 p.m.
Prelude to the 2008 Central Avenue Jazz Festival

The National Museum, in collaboration with the office of Los Angeles City Council Member Jan Perry, presents a very special jazz concert, fittingly located right here on the northern end of Central Avenue. Inspired by the rich and diverse history of one of the city’s most fabled streets, this evening includes Dave Iwataki, LA Jazz Collective, Gary Fukushima Ensemble, and Dwight Trible. Co-curated with pianist-composer Gary Fukushima. For more information about the Central Avenue Jazz Festival visit centralavenuejazzfestival.com. Community partners: Coalition for responsible Community Development, Los Angeles Conservation Corps, and Concerned Citizens of South Central Los Angeles.

Thursday, August 21, 6:30 p.m.
The Cheap Landscape and zocaloZüe

East LA meets the downtown New York music scene as these two emerging bands offer Afro Caribbean sounds with a twist. From The Cheap Landscape’s distorted Colombian cumbia to zocaloZüe’s pumped-up Mexican son jarocho, the night will be filled with more than a few sonic surprises. Festivities begin with a spirited performance by LA’s very own La Santa Cecilia. Co-curated with independent producer Betto Arcos.

Thursday, September 18, 6:30 p.m.
Mamak Khadem and Savina Yannatou & Primavera en Salonico

This extraordinary evening of traditional and original sacred music by two intrepid explorers of Mediterranean culture is presented as part of the World Festival of Sacred Music–Los Angeles 2008. Groundbreaking singer Mamak Khadem performs a special program of mystic Persian music, followed by internationally acclaimed Greek vocalist, Savina Yannatou—a true force of nature, ethereal and exhilarating. For Festival details, visit www.festivalofsacredmusic.org.

Thursday, September 25, 6:30 p.m.
Chicha Libre and Etran Finatawa

Our series concludes with a global dance party featuring the Wes Coast debut of the wildly eclectic, Brooklyn-based Chicha Libre and the transcendent desert blues of Niger’s Etran Finatawa. Chicha Libre starts the party with their signature mix of Latin rhythms, surf music, and psychedelic pop inspired by Peruvian music from the Amazon. They’ll be followed by Etran Finatawa’s driving guitar riffs that will transport you deep into the heart of the Sahara. Be sure to bring your dancing shoes!