"Chimugukuru:Japan Earthquake and Tsunami Orphan Benefit Concert". In celebration of its 10th anniversary, all the proceeds from this concert will be donated to the Ashinaga education and scholarship organization, which administers support for orphans of the Japan earthquake and tsunami. For 50 years now, Ashinaga has been providing educational and psychological support to children worldwide who have lost their parents. Two years ago, Vancouver Okinawa-ken Yuaikai held another benefit concert for the same cause. Proceeds from that concert went toward the completion of three Rainbow Houses-support centres for orphaned children-in the cities of Sendai, Rikuzentakada and Ishinomaki in the Tohoku region
Chimugukuru means "compassion" in the Okinawan language, and this concert features renowned Okinawan performing artists Chijinshu Wakatiida and Hidekatsu.
Chijinshu Wakatiida is an Okinawan taiko group that was formed in 1992, under the auspices of the Urasoe City legislative assembly in Okinawa. Chijinshu refers to people who play taiko, and tiida refers the Sun in Okinawan language. Chijinshu Wakatiida's mission is to represent the region's tradition and culture such as the Ryukyu-Japanese taiko drums, Eisa drum-dancing and Okinawa lion dancing.
Chijinshu Wakatiida is known not only for its members' sophisticated technical skills but also for its efforts in the preservation and legacy creation of Okinawa's traditional performing arts. The group contribute to youth development through their taiko instructions to young people, and is active in charity concerts and volunteer activities.
Hidekatsu is an Okinawan musician, producer, and representive of Okinawan progressive sound from Taketomi Island in the southern islands of Yaeyama. He is best known for his beloved song "Mirukumunari", which hit the air in 1993. He produces and composes music for eisa dancing, Ryukyu Buyoh (Okinawan traditional dance), commercials and movies.
The concert also features the large Hira taiko, 4'in diameter, made by taiko maker Dan Lindenmeyer. Sadly, his studio "World Sphere Taiko" was greatly damaged by the mudslide that hit Arlington, Washington State last spring.
We look forward to seeing you at A Celebration of the Heart, Soul and Spirit on October 16th, at 7 p.m. at the Michael J Fox Theatre in Burnaby.
