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LA's 33 Strings
三十三絃の会
Newsletter #6 |
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First Appearance at Anime Expo! |
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The Performances
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LA's 33 Strings were grateful to perform three times at AX. Kicking off the first day in the outdoor food vendor area, our 75 minute set was a great way to introduce our music alongside the great assortment of delicious bites offered. The sun was hot, but so were we! Our set included a mix of traditional to modern pieces. Our 2nd and 3rd performances were held in much cooler temperatures at the Lounge 21.
In line with the theme of the event, we performed famous music from various Ghibli films and anime: Princess Mononoke, My Neighbor Totoro, ムーンライト伝説 (Sailor Moon), etc. We would like to thank those who listened to our music and shared our performances on their social media platforms. We are so grateful and happy to share what we love with everyone!
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The Workshops
On Day 3 and 4, we held 50 minute panels/workshops to share the koto and shamisen with attendees. We weren't expecting both sessions to be packed with almost 200 people and it really shocked our group that so many had an interest in the instruments.
Our panel/workshop consisted of demonstrations, a brief history on the instruments, and a short lesson on how to play. During the Q&A session, attendees were able to try out the koto and shamisen led by LA's 33 Strings members.
If given the opportunity, we would love to come back next year as well!
Special thanks to friends were came to help our group at AX this year!
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The Photos
Upcoming Appearances
Chiho Harazaki Art Exhibition Opening
Unfolding Memories: Art of Testimony bridges past and present through art, storytelling, and music, illuminating the experiences of Japanese and Japanese Americans during WWII. Opening August 16, 2025, at LA Artcore, this three-week exhibition includes original artworks inspired by interviews with survivors of the bombings in Japan and incarceration in the United States. A rare and urgent panel discussion will amplify their firsthand accounts, followed by live performances by LA-based international musicians at the opening. By reflecting on the cost of war in both defeated and victorious nations, this project ensures that the lessons of the past resonate deeply within today’s sociopolitical environment.
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Date:
Saturday, August 16, 2025
Opening Reception:5–9 PM
Doors Open: 4:30 PM
Panel Discussion: 5:30 - 6:30 PM
Music Performance: 7:00 - 8:30 PM
Location:
LA Artcore, 120 Judge John Aiso St., Los Angeles, CA, 90012
Public Parking:
Aiso Parking Lot
101 N Judge John Aiso St., Los Angeles, CA 90012
$3 flat rate after 5PM
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Upcoming Events
LA's 33 Strings 1st Annual Fundraiser
Save the Date
We are holding our first annual fundraiser event as LA's 33 Strings!
Please come out to support our group and our mission.
There will be a mini-concert, guest performers, a silent auction, food, and more!
DATE
Saturday, October 11, 2025
LOCATION
Neighborhood Unitarian Universalist Church
301 N Orange Grove Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91103
More details (such as time and ticketing) to come!
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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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🤩 Member Highlights 🤩
Sue Chiong
During the formative months of LA's 33 Strings, Sue Chiong began taking koto lessons with our beloved Matsumoto Sensei. A musician born and raised in Los Angeles, she began playing the violin at the age of ten and would later go on to study under world class violinist Lorenz Gamma at California State University, Northridge. After graduating with a degree in Music Industry Studies, she decided she was going to learn the koto, as it produces such a beautifully ethereal sound. |
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Sue's goal is to become a recording engineer, although there are no complaints if she ultimately becomes a recording artist. She hopes to someday produce music that utilizes more world instruments, sharing cultures and uniting people in the process of developing a unique art style. Aside from music, Sue can usually be found playing video games, watching YouTube videos, or indulging in cute stationery. (Sometimes, all three at once.) So much to do!
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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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