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LA's 33 Strings
三十三絃の会
Newsletter #4 |
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🌸Blossom Festival Recap🌸
Hosted at the California Institute of the Arts, the 2nd Annual Blossom Festival had another successful turnout! This year's sought collaborations with other cultural clubs on campus to showcase different cultures and great performances by LA's 33 Strings and students alike.
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Not just performances, but different experiences and great eats as well! With great people, food, experiences, and performances, there's nothing creative minds can't do together.
We also launched our new merchandise at the festival which will be available for online purchase soon.
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In the Presence of a Master!
On April 26th, we had the great honor of hosting a workshop and concert for renowned Jiuta Shamisen Artist Akiko Fujimoto. Partnering with LA Artcore, provided an intimate setting for everyone to enjoy. At the workshop, Fujimoto-sensei demonstrated how to properly care for a shamisen and answered questions from the audience. The concert portion showcased the perfected techniques and innate skills, passion, and finesse Fujimoto-sensei possesses with duet's from Northern California's own Jiuta Shamisen Artist, Naoko, and LA's 33 Strings own Kozue Matsumoto. It was great to see the community come to appreciate such a rare experience.
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Sushi 🍣 Sake 🍶 Music 🎵
LA's 33 Strings were invited to perform at Pechanga's 5th Annual Sushi & Sake Festival!
Nothing like enjoying bottomless Japanese cuisine and sake alongside musical entertainment from yours truly amongst other performers. We had a blast introducing our music to those near and far.
Hope to see you there next year!
EVENTS TO COME
🎭 Tsugaru-jamisen Concert & Workshop
Another rare opportunity has come our way! うだで！
Hosted by LA's 33 Strings and LA Artcore, Tsugaru-jamisen (津軽三味線) Master Hiroshi Yamaguchi is coming to LA for a special performance.
Seats are limited, so please register at https://www.zeffy.com/ticketing/hiroshi-yamaguchi-workshopconcert
Proceeding the concert, a workshop is held for shamisen learners. If you have a shamisen, please bring it with you. Again, please register using the link above.
山口ひろし Yamaguchi Hiroshi
Hiroshi Yamaguchi began his musical studies at the age of 4 from his father, Koji Yamaguchi, and first studied Tsugaru-jamisen soon after under the tutelage of Katsuhiro Chiba. Later, he studied under Nanbu Shamisen artist Kikuo Natsuzaka of Oku-Nanbu Minyo. He also learned Nagauta Shamisen from Hiroaki Kikuoka of Touon. As a Tokyo National University graduate, he has performed around the world upon requests by the Japanese Foreign Ministry and others.
His notable performances include:
- 2006 Opening Ceremony for the First Terminal of Narita Airport
- 2014 400th Anniversary of Establishing Diplomatic Relations between Japan & Spain
- 2016 50th Anniversary of Establishing Diplomatic Relations between Japan & Singapore
- 2017 60th Anniversary of Establishing Diplomatic Relations between Japan & Malaysia
- 2018 100th Anniversary of Establishing Diplomatic Relations between Japan & South Africa
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Upcoming Appearances
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LA Artcore Fundraiser
A gathering in the hills of Sierra Madre awakens an effulgent Los Angeles evening of food and drink, and jovial repartee. A silent auction with small artworks belie their maker's infinite visions. Performances by LA's 33 Strings, Mark Golamco (and more tbd) echo communion with nature and its vast multitudes.
Date:
Saturday, June 28, 2025
Time:
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Location:
At the Sierra Madre Hills House of hosts Eva and Krishna Malhotra
Tickets:
https://laartcore.org/forbidden-oasis-gala-fundraiser
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Anime Expo 2025 Panels
Want to learn about the koto, bass koto, and shamisen? Don't miss our panel at this year's Anime Expo in Los Angeles!
Dates:
Saturday, July 5, 2025, 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Sunday, July 6, 2025 10:30 AM - 11:30 PM
Location:
LA Convention Center
Meeting Room Concourse
Room 406AB
1201 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90015
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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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