|
LA's 33 Strings
三十三絃の会
Newsletter #4 |
|
|
🎶Hiroshi Yamaguchi Excites Audiences with Tsugaru-jamisen🎶 |
|
|
On June 2nd, we were very lucky to host a workshop and concert featuring Tsugaru-jamisen artist Hiroshi Yamaguchi. In another rare opportunity, attendees were granted the opportunity to ask Mr. Yamaguchi questions regarding the Tsugaru style and various techniques/advice. For the second half of the night, guests were treated to performances by Mr. Yamaguchi with a special duet with our very own, Kozue Matsumoto.
|
|
|
Upcoming Appearances
|
|
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
|
Anime Expo 2025 Panels and Performances!
Want to learn about the koto, bass koto, and shamisen? Don't miss our panel at this year's Anime Expo in Los Angeles!
We will also be performing there! Please come see us!
|
|
|
Schedule:
Performance
Thu 7/3 - 2:45 PM - 4:00 PM at AX Crossing
Fri 7/4 - (7/5) 12:20 AM - 1:35 AM at Lounge 21 (midnight performance)
Sun 7/6 - 1:30 PM - 2:45 PM at Lounge 21
Panel/Workshop
Sat 7/5 - 11:30 AM - 12:20 PM at Room 406AB
Sun 7/6 - 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM at Room 406AB
Location:
LA Convention Center
1201 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90015
|
|
|
|
|
|
Updates! 🛒 Online Store Launch!
We are set to launch our new online store! Grab yourself a set of LA's 33 String's merchandise to help our cause. 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.
|
|
|
Member Highlights 🤩
Susan Xie
Susan Xie is one of the founding members and a current board member of LA’s 33 Strings. She joined the ensemble in 2021, back when it was still a class taught by Kozue Matsumoto at the California Institute of the Arts. At the time, Susan was studying film and had almost no experience with music or playing instruments. Still, an interest in Japanese culture drew her to the class.
“I was scrolling through the course catalog, hoping to find something fun outside of my major, and stumbled upon a class about traditional Japanese music and instruments like the shakuhachi and koto. It sounded fascinating, and I thought—why not?”
Because of the pandemic, the class was held online, and opportunities to play in person with others were limited. Despite this, she quickly became immersed in the koto and continued lessons with Kozue after graduating. What started as a curious detour turned into a lasting connection with both the music and the community.
|
|
|
In those early days, the ensemble was small and performances were rare, but Susan was committed to growing alongside it. A performance she’ll never forget is her very first one on stage.
“At the time, there weren’t many members, so it was just me and Kozue-sensei on stage. I was incredibly nervous—I sweated the entire time. It felt almost like a solo performance, which made it both exciting and terrifying. To be honest, I really enjoy performing within a group much more!”
|
|
Since then, Susan has become an integral part of the ensemble’s growth. As a board member, she participates in organizational meetings and decision-making. She also contributes her creative skills to the organization such as designing posters and graphics, help photographing and video recording performances and events. Though music isn’t her career, it’s become something deeply meaningful in her life. |
“Playing koto has become a creative escape from the pressures of daily life. It’s something I do for myself—for peace, for joy. It reminds me to slow down and reconnect.”
Susan continues to support LA’s 33 Strings with the same spirit that first brought her in: curiosity, creativity, an appreciation for the culture and a love for sharing music and meaningful moments with others.
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
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:
|
|
|
- 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
|
|
|
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
|
|
|
