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LA's 33 Strings
三十三絃の会
Newsletter #12 |
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Japanese Instrument Workshop! |
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Interested in learning a traditional Japanese instrument without having to provide your own instrument? Look no further! We are hosting our very first workshop where we can provide 3 different instruments to try! We provide the instruments and materials while you can a relaxed hands-on experience. The goal at the end of the workshop? To play one Japanese folk song.
Spaces are limited so join now while you can. Each reservation is $5.00 per person/session. You can choose the instrument you'd like to learn as well.
This workshop is supported by the Eastside Arts Initiative Grant. With their support, we continue our journey on preserving the history and culture of traditional Japanese arts.
Event Details:
- Event: Traditional Japanese Instrument Workshop
- Date: Saturday, June 6, 2026
- Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM (Session #1), 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM (Session #2)
- Location: Neighborhood Unitarian Universalist Church (301 N. Orange Grove Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91103
- Registration: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/koto-and-shamisen-workshop
- Audience: All ages welcome
This workshop is part of an ongoing effort to promote and introduce cross-cultural appreciation of the arts through traditional and modern Japanese music.
This Spring
We had a lot of amazing performance opportunities this Spring!
Performance at a Luncheon in Pasadena
Thursday, April 16th, 2026
We were invited to perform at a Pasadena Community Foundation luncheon. This time we not only played as a koto trio, but also a trio with a koto and 2 violins! 🎻🎻 One of our interests is to explore new ways to appreciate Japanese music while respecting its long and deep history. It's been a great journey! Come to our workshop if you would like to talk more with us!
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51st Annual Bunka-Sai
Saturday, April 18th, 2026
We were proud to help support the city of Torrance at their 51st Annual Bunka-sai. Not only did we perform, we also held a Q&A session as well! It was an exciting experience meeting with the local community and sharing common interests in Japanese culture.
Bowers Museum Cherry Blossom Festival
Sunday, April 19th, 2026
Sakura/Cherry Blossom season was upon us! We had a great time sharing Japanese music to the curious audience, ranging from toddlers to seniors, along with teaching them about our instruments. It was a beautiful spring day in Santa Ana!
Nikkei Credit Union Annual Gathering
Tuesday, April 28th, 2026
Nikkei Credit Union was kind to invite us to play for their anniversary this year. It's always great to be part of Nikkei community in the greater LA area.
Blossom Festival
Thursday, April 30th, 2026
Blossom Festival first started as CalArts Matsuri by the ensemble students to raise funds for the ensemble 2 years ago. It has since evolved into the Blossom Festival where we can celebrate and appreciate all East Asian cultures. This year marks it's 3rd year and was another success showcasing a grand variety of live music, food, and arts and crafts such as henna and origami!
Little Tokyo Radio
Tuesday, May 5th, 2026
We went to Little Tokyo to record for Little Tokyo Rajio at Bunkado. It's always fun to visit there! The radio crew were all really nice, fun and professional, and we had a great time sharing music and our stories. I personally admire the Little Tokyo community for their passion, deep history, and its never-ending evolution. We are very happy to be part of the community and look forward to more collaborations! |
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🛒 Our Online Store Is Live! 🛒
LA's 33 String's online store is now live! We have t-shirts, tote bags, stickers, key Shipping and tax are already included in the listed prices. All proceeds will go to to maintaining our organization and our instruments.
Please visit our online store at https://www.33strings.org/shop.
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Ways to Support & Get Involved
LA’s 33 Strings Ensemble is dedicated to preserving and sharing the beauty of Japanese music, but we can’t do it alone! Your support helps us continue our mission in many ways.
🌸 Make a Donation
Your generosity allows us to:
- Purchase and maintain traditional instruments
- Organize performances, workshops, and cultural events
- Cover event travel expenses and venue costs
- Support educational programs, etc.
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Every contribution, big or small, makes a difference!
👉 Donate today at www.33strings.org/donate
🎶 Learn & Play
Interested in learning the koto, shamisen, or bass koto? Join our weekly group practice at San Fernando Valley Japanese American Community Center in Pacoima, and/or take private lessons with our instructor Kozue.
📩 Email us at info@33strings.org to learn more!
📸 Volunteer Opportunities
Love music and want to contribute your skills? We’re always looking for:
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- Photographers – Capture our events and performances
- Videographers – Record and document our musical journey
- Video Editors – Edit event footage for our website & social media
- Graphic Designers – Help create posters, newsletters, and web content
- Merchandise Specialists – Assist with designing and producing 33 Strings merch
- Social Media Promoters – Help spread the word about our events and programs
- Event Helpers – Support us with setup, logistics, and community engagement
Have other skills to offer? We’d love to hear from you!
📩 Contact us at info@33strings.org
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Thank you for reading! If you have some ideas for us or any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are always happy to hear from you!
Email: info@33strings.org
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