Gale Winds & Turiya by Lee & Wang Dance

LEE & WANG DANCE 2008 Fall Season San Francisco Los Angeles New York

Artist Directors: Lenora Lee & Elaine Wang Music Composition: Kaoru Watanabe With dancers Mina Nishimura (in SF/LA), Denesa Chan(in LA/NY), musicians Melody Tanaka(in SF) and Kenny Endo(in LA)

Gale Winds & Turiya by Lee & Wang Dance

<San Francisco> September 6th, 8pm September 7th, 1pm CounterPulse Theater 1310 Mission Street San Francisco, CA 94103 Admission: $15 general, $10 CounterPulse menbers, children 12 & under For tickets, visit www.brownpapertickets.com or call (800)838-3006

<Los Angeles> September 13th, 8pm September 14th, 7pm Rosalie and Alva's Performance Gallery 1417 W. Eighth Street San Pedro, CA 90732 Admission: $15 at the door for reservations, email YearofQi@yahoo.com or call (310)408-2020

<New York> October 29 Gala Performce, 7:30pm October 30 & November 1, 7:30pm November 2, 4pm John Ryan Theater as part of White Wave’s 2008 Wave Rising Series 25 Jay Street Brooklyn, NY 11201 Admission: $50 for Gala, $20 all others for information, visit www.whitewavedance.com

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Lee & Wang Dance http://www.leewangdance.org/

San Francisco Journal

San Francisco Sept 8th

I have spent the last week in SF with dancers Lenora Lee, Elaine Wang and Mina Nishimura, performing at a small dance studio called CounterPulse, sharing the bill the Melody Takada, Francis Wong, Genny Lim, Tatsu Aoki and Nishijima Sensei.  For me, this series of performances marks my debut as a "modern" dancer although I strongly hesitate in using the word in parenthesis.  I have trained and performed traditional Japanese folk dance extensively during my time with Kodo and have studied lots of movement and balance techniques though dealing with the very physical art of playing taiko, and studying and performing with great Kyogen, Ryukyu Buyo, Kabuki, Noh, and Butoh dancers.  With this performance however, I am doing what I suppose would be considered "modern dance" for the simple if not quite accurate argument that it is not any sort of Japanese dance, other folk dance, nor is it ballet nor jazz nor hip hop nor swing nor break etc.  In a very free form way, I am twisting, turning, bending, crouching and swaying and even lifting and catching my partner of one piece, the beautiful Elaine Wang - all while playing the flute.  It is all very new to me although Elaine and I have been working on it off and on for some time now.  Elaine taught me very basic ballet technique every time we got together to work on the piece and shared with me her knowledge and insight into dance.  People seem to enjoy the performances the last couple of days  and I have been able to abandon any self-consciousness that I may have had and am able to really put myself out there.  We take this show to LA this week and then will perform it in New York in October.  

This morning I woke up around 6:30 and went up into Buena Vista park and played fue in the hills for about an hour.  Walking up that hill with the sounds of birds accompanying the crunch of my footsteps and my breathing loud in my ears, I was reminded of what it was like during my apprenticeship with Kodo, living on Sado Island, waking before sunrise everyday to run six miles up and down along the coast.  It was very hard training but made easier by the routine of it and the fact that all your fellow apprentices are going through just as much as  I was.  When starting out, I felt my body gradually warm up and often very quickly find myself quite alone on the long stretch of road in the semi darkness.  Some days it rained, some it snowed but the guys, in our youthful exuberance, ran shirtless all year round.  As the sun rose and the trees, the sign posts, the guard rail, the small fishing villages, and - over the waves Japan Sea, far on the horizon - Niigata city slowly came clearer into view, my body fell into rhythm with my breathing.  It was peaceful and beautiful but the truth of the matter is, I don't think a day went by that I didn't think about turning back a little before the halfway mark and start heading home early- what's skipping a mile or two once in a while if you're running six miles everyday, six days a week for two years?  But I don't think a day went by when I actually did.    

Since the apprentice center was deep in the mountains, the final mile or so of the run was a steep climb up from sea level road.  I would do a hard sprint for the final fifty yards up hill and finally stop running when I crested the hill that lead to a short gentle downhill slope to the grounds of the center.  I would practice some shouts and songs during that final short walk, shouting "HA" repeatedly from the diaphragm and singing various folk songs at the top of my lungs.  Not only was it good singing and shouting practice- your vocal chords are all warmed up and your lungs feel very strong and loose after such a long and intense run- but I realize in retrospect that it was also a sort of declaration of triumph- not to sound overly dramatic, but like the roar of an animal after catching their prey.  It was the satisfying completion of the morning ritual that started another day of even more strenuous drumming and dancing.  I not only conquered the 6 mile road and the long final uphill, but, even if only for one more day, by sheer will I was able to push through the fatigue to make it back home.  Then it was time for breakfast.  

  

Mare Serenitatis (Sea of Serenity) (Sep.19)

On Sept 19th, I will be a part of a piece called Mare Serenitatis (Sea of Serenity) at the JACCC(Japanese American Cultural & Community Center) in Los Angeles as part of the Sacred Music Festival. Information at JACCC's website: www.jaccc.org/08summerfall.htm

Synopsis:

A program of the UCLA World Festival of Sacred Music, Mare Serenitatis (Sea of Serenity) is a performance in 3 movements, blending traditional rites from Japan with classical and contemporary Western influences. The evening ends outside with a large 12-million candlelight searchlight beaming across the night sky, illuminating a path to the moon. Conceived and performed by JACCC's Artistic Director Hirokazu Kosaka, Mare Serenitatis also features choreographer and Japanese Butoh dancer Oguri, IKKYU Zen Archers, flute player Kaoru Watanabe (Kodo 1998-2006), harmonica player Tetsuya Nakamura (80's rock band, War) the dance troupe BodyTraffic, court musicians Kinnara Gagaku and Okinawan dance troupe Majikina Honryu.

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Mare Serenitatis (Sea of Serenity) A Contemporary performance inspired by the moon

Friday, September 19, 8pm @Aratani/Japan America theatre $25 General Admission, $20 JACCC Members, Seniors & Students Buy ticket online at http://www.theatermania.com/content/show.cfm/show/145660

Performance at the Stone (Aug.27)

This August 27th (wed) at 8pm, I will be performing at the Stone with wonderful bassoonist Sara Shoenbeck and Rueben Radding. Sara Shoenbeck http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendID=115237321

Reuben Radding http://www.reubenradding.com/

The Stone is on the corner of 2nd street and Ave C.

Live at Caffe Vivaldi (Aug.19)

August 19th, Caffe Vivaldi in the West Village at 9:30, I will be playing a random assortment of originals and covers (Stevie, Horace Silver, Rick James, etc) with Mike Block and friends.  In his words:Dear NYC friends-  this TUESDAY TUESDAY TUESDAY!!!! August 19 at 9:30-11 at Caffe Vivaldi Vivaldi Vivaldi!!!! I'll be joined by some very special PEOPLE PEOPLE PEOPLE! We will be playing Jazz as well as some World music (with Japanese and Indian specialists!) Kersten Stevens - violin (www.kerstenstevens.com/home.asp) Trina Basu - violin (www.myspace.com/trinabasu  Kaoru Watanabe - western and Japanese Flutes (http://www.watanabekaoru.com/e/) Mike Block, cello (www.BlockBlockBlockBlock.com)

At Caffe Vivaldi in the West Village -- FREE FREE FREE! all ages welcome!  32 Jones Street (inbetween 6/7 avenues just south of W4th)  1 train to christopher st., or A/C/E/F/V/B/D trains to W 4th http://caffevivaldi.com/-   bring an appetite - they have good food AND AND AND beer! ******In other news, the Mike Block Band's first CD, "Get In Line" is for sale online at www.CDBaby.com/mikeblock! hope to see you on tuesday and hang OUT OUT OUT after!**********

KAORU WATANABE TAIKO CENTER

KAORU WATANABE TAIKO CENTER

Now offering ongoing weekly Japanese drum workshops for all ages and skill levels. Every wednesday and sunday/ 4-6pm and 6-8pm $30 per person per class / $250 for ten classes

TAIKO (Japanese drum) Since ancient times taiko has been used as a medium to communicate with ancestors and gods in rituals both secular and sacred. Because the sound of the taiko is something that anyone can feel, taiko maintains its relevance in the modern world, bridging musical, cultural and geographic boundaries. Participants in the workshop will learn rhythm and movement while developing balance, stamina, flexibility, strength and mental discipline.

place: VILLAGE@GUREJE Renate Albertsen-Marton Space 886 Pacific Street, Brooklyn (A/C to Clinton-Washington, 2/3/4 Brooklyn Museum, NRQW to Atlantic/Pacific)

for more information, please call 646-624-9405. 

Two workshops in Aug.

Just to clarify, I will be beginning two workshops this month.  The one beginning on Aug 3rd in Brooklyn, NY will be ongoing for an undetermined length of time - possibly decades!  These classes will take place every wed and sunday.  For more info please click here.

The other one, presented by Otatsu taiko will take place for five weeks in Stamford, CT.  For info, please click here.

O-Tatsu Taiko Special Taiko workshops Aug.2008

o-tatsu-info-brochure-2008 (PDF) Kaoru Watanabe, former performing member and artistic director of internationally acclaimed taiko ensemble, KODO, based on Sado Island, Japan will be leading a special 5-session workshop series.

Kaoru will teach fundamental drills and techniques- starting with conditioning the body with warm ups and stretches and continuing with some basic drumming exercises that will develop control, speed and strength. No drumming experience is necessary to participate in this special workshop series.

There are sessions for both children and adults. In addition, Kaoru is also available to teach fue (Japanese flute) upon request.

This 5 session series will commence on Monday, August 4th and classes will be held on the following dates: Monday, Aug 4 Thursday, Aug 7 Monday, Aug 11 Monday, Aug 18 Thursday, Aug 21

Taiko Workshop Series for Kids with Kaoru Mondays, 3:30-4:30pm (Aug 4, 11, 18) Thursdays, 3:30pm-4:30pm (Aug 7, 21)

Fees $85 for 5-session workshop series, $19 per class with advance reservation and payment or $22 walk-in

Taiko Workshop Series for Adults Mondays, 6:00pm-9:00pm (Aug 4, 11, 18) Thursdays, 6:00pm-9:00pm (Aug 7, 21)

Fees $135 for 5-session workshop series, $33 per session with advance reservation and payment or $40 walk-in

Registration Call Sandra at 203-323-3950 or send an email to: info@otatsutaiko.com

Place: Connecticut Ballet Studio 20 Acosta Street Stamford, CT

Performing at Symbiosis (Aug.1)

In commemoration for the beginning of my taiko school, I will be giving short performances on both fue and taiko at Village@Gureje on the 1st of August during a 21 artists group show.  Please come down and check it out. 

Symbiosis - An Art Exhibition / Sale

The Village @ Gureje presents its indoor and outdoor art exhibition/ Sale and workshops celebrating diversity in global warming.   Opening date: Aug.1, 2008 Time: 3pm-11pm   Music: Kaoru Watanabe (Japanese Flute/Taiko drums)            Marvis "SWAN" Poole (Jazz Vocals)   Venue: The Village @ Gureje ( 886 Pacific Str. Brooklyn, NY 11238) Tel: 718 857 2522   THE VENUE; The Village @ Gureje is an all-round hub for community activities ranging from serving as a meeting place for local block associations, community board meetings to product launching and promotional events.

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An evening of gratitude to all our patrons and supporters 

Featuring artist:   Donavan Nelson, Nephrii Ameni, Otto Neals, Abou Ndoye, Elle Balk,Al Johnson, Onyedike Chuke Danny Simmons, Joseph Bell-Bey, Melissa SafiOrenzo, Trevor Brown, Wayne Summerlin Snr. Ramona Candy, Margulis Natalia, Herb Schiffrin, Karl McKintosh, Trevor Todd, Tafa Kim Chang B, Nate Ladson, Peter Giscombe

TAIKO workshop will start

taikoworkshopflyer (PDF)

I will be starting a taiko (Japanese drum) classes in Brooklyn August 3rd.  Please come down to try it out and spread the word!  Based on my 20 some years of taiko experience and extensive training and performing experience with KODO, classes will deal with developing form, balance, strength, flexibility, hitting technique, repertoire, voice and learning some of the cultural and historical background behind the drum.

The classes will take place every wednesday and sunday, from 4 to 6 and 6 to 8 and open to people of any age, and any level of musicianship- absolute beginners more than welcome.  $30 dollars for one 2 hour class with discounted rates if you buy classes in advance.

Performance at Zebulon(Jul.25)

I will be performing with the great Adam Rudolph and Tatsuya Nakatani at Zebulon in Williamsburg this fri at 9 pm for free.

July 25, 2008 Fri 9PM @Zeblon Cafe 258 Wythe Ave. Brooklyn, NY 11211 718-218-6934

Adam Rudolph Kaoru Watanabe Tatsuya Nakatani Special guest: TBA

Performing with Kenny Endo (Jul.4)

I will be performing with Kenny Endo on July 4th in Denver, Colorado as part of the Japanese American National Museum Conference 2008.  I believe you have to attend the conference to see the show - which will be worth doing even if we weren't playing.  July 4th, Denver CO 11:45 am to 12:15 Hyatt Regency, Denver at the Colorado Convention Center

For details please visit: http://www.janm.org/projects/ec/conference/

Show at the STONE(Jul. 6)

Kaoru has a show at the STONE in the East Village on JULY 6th.  I will bring on board with me tabla player Suphula and my old friend percussionist Tatsuya Nakatani.  Please join us at 10 pm.  THE STONE the corner of Ave C and 2nd street $10 10pm More Information at: http://www.thestonenyc.com/index.html

P.S. Please come and celebrate Kaoru's birthday (July 3rd) at the Stone on the 6th at 10 pm.  There will be no cake, food or drinks, but there will be lots of music.

MAKE MUSIC NEW YORK & CAVE's BLOCK PARTY POTLUCK(Jun.21)

JUNE 21stMAKE MUSIC NEW YORK & CAVE's BLOCK PARTY POTLUCK

On the sidewalk of 58 grand street 5:00pm-8:00pm, Saturday June 21st

POTLUCK TABLES & GRILL will be set outside on our sidewalk and across the street on 69 grand at 5:00pm. Free Concert will start at 6:30.  "Please, bring a dish to share"  And come to have fun with us!

http://www.wikihow.com/Bring-Food-to-a-Potluck-Dinner

First set : Bryan Camphire (CAVE resident) and Bleakley Mcdowell Second Set: Tatsuya Nakatani Solo Third Set: Kaoru Watanabe with Tatsuya Nakatani

About the musicians: Tatsuya Nakatani: www.hhproduction.org/TATSUYA_NAKATANI_WORKS.html Kaoru Watanabe: www.watanabekaoru.com Bryan Camphire / Bleakley Mcdowell: www.bloodypanda.com, www.viva-radio.com/promiseandwarning, www.myspace.com/bryancamphire

Astoria Music Society Jazz(Jun.21)

We'll be doing a set in the Make Music New York festival at Astoria Park this Saturday. Our set is at 5:15 til' 6. Local bands are playing short sets there all day from 2 to 8PM. Everything is free and I think you will have a nice time. We're playing next to the historic Robert Moses pool-bring an ID and swim gear if you'd like to swim too. Hope to see many of you Saturday. The outstanding musicians playing with me Saturday are:

Kaoru Watanabe, flute Toru Dodo, keyboard Kevin Thomas, bass Brian Woodruff, drums

Astoria Music Society Jazz @ Astoria Park's Great Lawn 19th St. at 23rd Drive N/W to Astoria Blvd (walk West to the waterfront) Saturday June 21st 5:15-6PM

http://astoriamusic.org/programs/warmthofdreams.html http://www.timeout.com/newyork/make-music/events/music/65004/astoria-music-society

Perform with Jacob Varmus Quartet(Jun. 7)

Lovers of freedom, form and expression: The Queens Library series continues on Jun. 7th (Sat) at 2PM at Flushing Library on Main Street.

This weekend's program is called Eastward and will feature Jacob Varmus Quartet with Kaoru Watanabe on flute and fue (Japanese wood flute).  The program is centered around music that explores the nature of personal identity by way of a sweeping Far East influence. All of the library programs are free and open to all.

Eastward

Jacob Varmus Quartet featuring Kaoru Watanabe, flutes

Jacob Varmus, trumpet, cornet Eishin Nose, piano Bob Bowen, bass Brian Woodruff, drums

Saturday, June 7, 2008, 2:00 PM

    Flushing Library Auditorium     41-17 Main Street Flushing, NY     Flushing , NY 11355     718-661-1200     http://w

ww.queenslibrary.org/index.aspx?section_id=12&page_id=44&branch_id=F

Refernces: Event Info http://www.queenslibrary.org/UserFiles/event_pdf/3046-04-08_3046web.pdf

Kari-On Productions: Jacob Varmus http://www.karionpresskits.com/jacobvarmus/jacobvarmus

Performing with GO:ORGANIC CHAMBER ORCHESTRA(Jun. 7)

Kaoru is performing again with Adam Rudolph's Go Organic Orchestra.

GO:  ORGANIC CHAMBER ORCHESTRA MUSIC COMPOSED AND CONDUCTED BY ADAM RUDOLPH

SATURDAY, JUNE 7, 2008 @ Belarusian Church 401 Atlantic Avenue (at Bond Street) 8:15 p.m

CELEBRATING A NEW CD RELEASE – THOUGHT FORMS

on META/RUBY RED Records - June 17, 2008

CHAMBER CONCERT ENSEMBLE FOR JUNE 7:

Sylvain Leroux, Ze Luis, Michel Gentile, Kaoru Watanabe – Flutes, Bamboo Flutes Ned Rothenberg, Charles Waters, Avram Fefer  - Clarinets  Charles Burnham, Sarah Bernstein, Trina Basu – Violins Kirsten Jerme, - Cello Batya Sobel – Oboe  Sara Schoenbeck – Bassoon  Harris Eisenstadt, Brahim Fribgane – Drums and Percussion Stuart Popejoy - Acoustic Bass Guitar Chris Dingman – Vibraphone

@ BROOKLYN MUSIC WIDE OPEN Evening session: 7:00–10:30 p.m.

Admission for all three shows: Adults: $15; Students: $10

 7:00 p.m TRIO MUSIC:  MICHEL GENTILE - flute/BRAHIM FRIBGANE – oud, percussion/ADAM RUDOLPH – handrumset, percussion    8:15 p.m ADAM RUDOLPH'S  GO ORGANIC CHAMBER ORCHESTRA    9:30 p.m MATT DARRIAU'S YO LATEEF, featuring PECK ALLMOND, BARNEY MCALL, DAVE AMBROSIO, and ROB GARCIA  

ABOUT GO: ORGANIC ORCHESTRA

" I was fortunate to have  attended two nights with Adam Rudolph's Go  Organic Orchestra at Roulette a few months back  and was blown away by Adam's distinctive blend of  jazz and world music as well as his conducting."   - Bruce Lee Gallanter - Downtown Music Gallery

"A pioneer in world music” - NY Times

"The music, performed by a large ensemble of wind and percussion players, rose like vines from hand drummer Adam Rudolph's written instructions and hand signals. And it truly is organic -- a blend of gentle sustained dissonance, heaven-crashing rhythm jams, and individual improvisations. No joke: a startling and involving development in roots music, with more to follow."   - Greg Burk, LA Weekly

More info:  http://www.metarecords.com/go.html "Using new creative processes and instrumental combinations. I hope to create a music that has not been heard before while expressing heartfelt thoughts and feelings." Adam Rudolph

For CD release info and/or press passes please contact: arudolph@earthlink.net

Overview: Trio Watanabe in Japan (May 14th through 21st)

Thank you to the organizers, presenters, venues who were instrumental in this mini-tour coming to be. It was a wonderful adventure for me, a spiritually enriching and emotionally rewarding. Here is a brief rundown of how the week went: 13th - arrive in Tokyo. Eat shabushabu to fuel the coming week of performance and travel. For those of you who don't know, shabushabu is the name of the sound raw strips of meat make when you briefly dip it in boiling broth before munching it down. Add ramen noodles to the broth after consuming all the meat and other vegetables and you are set.

14th - Concert at SuperDeluxe in Roppongi. Many friends and family came to this hip club, a venue more accustomed to presenting dj parties and rock bands than to a violin, harp and flute trio. My mother had so many classmates in the audience wanting to visit with her, she had trouble returning to the dressing room during the intermission.

15th - travel to Sado and return "home" to Kodo Village. It's as if I'd never left...

16th - school performances: Fukaura elementary, Hamochi high school and Ogi middle school. Some kids were quiet, some kids were talking, some were very attentive, while others were not... They were all a wonderful audience however. Who knows what sticks in their minds and subconscious? I wonder what effect did and will the music have on these kids years from now?

17th - rehearsal, barbeque with friends, enjoy the painfully beautiful Sado...

18th - performance at Hananoki. A beautiful old wooden building, lovingly maintained. The harp sounds especially sonorous in the room. Intimate show with lots of old friends in the audience. I make my parents improvise for the encore.

19th - travel to Tokyo. Performance at the jazz spot "In F" with pianist Kuroda Kyoko, tabla player Yoshimi Masaki and special guest Isso Yukihiro, the great Noh Kan player. After the show is over, Isso san and I sight read Teleman and Bach duets on the flutes.

I returned to the US but went directly up to Montreal to record and perform with my friend Patrick Graham. The music was fun and interesting, but meeting his son Hibiki left a stronger impression. At eleven years old, he had many Kodo songs memorized- some very involved, very long, through composed pieces. We got into an argument about the rhythm to one song and after we checked a DVD, it turns out he won.

'LOFT CONCERT' at Montreal (May, 23)

'LOFT CONCERT' Vendredi le 23 mai, 2008 20h

Kaoru Watanabe(NYC) Flûtes japonaises et occidentales. Ancien membre du groupe Kodo. www.watanabekaoru.com   Patrick Graham(MTL) Multi-percussioniste. Membre de GaPa, autorickshaw et La Nef. www.patrickgrahampercussion.com

Sattvika Danse 10 ave. des Pins O. Studio 228 Montréal, QC 8$ Info: (514) 603-1934

TRIO WATANABE performing with MITSUE WAKABAYASHI(May 1)

TRIO WATANABE performing works from the new CD [Song of Shinobué]with guest MITSUE WAKABAYASHI (dance).

A St. Louis Symphony violinist for over four decades, Haruka Watanabe has recently released an album of original compositions entitled Song of Shinobué.  Among other distinguished musicians, this album features his wife Ayako Watanabe - one of the most in-demand harpist in St. Louis who also has a distinguished decades-spanning history with the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra.  The shinobue of the title refers to the Japanese traverse bamboo flute that Haruka's son Kaoru specializes in, having studied and performed for close to a decade with the world renowned Japanese drumming ensemble KODO.  This newly formed family chamber music ensemble, TRIO WATANABE will be performing primarily songs from the new album and will be joined by dancer Mitsue Wakabayashi from Japan for this concert.

CDs will be available for sale at the concert.

Date: Thursday May 1 at 7 pm.  Place: The Palm House in Tower Grove Park             4526 Magnolia Avenue, St. Louis MO. 63110 Admission: $10