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JapanFest
Atlanta, GA -JapanFest Weekend will be held on September 27-28, 2008, from from 10 am to 6 pm (Saturday) and 10am to 5pm (Sunday) at the Convention Center at Gwinnett Center.
JapanFest, now in its 22nd year, is the largest Japanese festival east of Houston and south of Washington, DC, and typically draws crowds exceeding 18,500. Organized by The Japan-America Society of Georgia (JASG), The Japanese Chamber of Commerce of Georgia (JCCG), and the Consulate General of Japan, JapanFest Weekend is the highlight of a month-long series of events designed to promote understanding between Japanese and Americans in the Southeast.
JapanFest 2008 will explore the fascinating culture and history of the Heian Period (794-1185), with particular attention paid to The Tale of Genji as we celebrate the millennium anniversary of what is considered to be the world's first novel. Written by a noblewoman named Murasaki Shikibu in the early eleventh century, The Tale of Genji delves into the life and culture of the Japanese imperial court. Professor Junco Pollack of Georgia State University, Professor Yuki Takatori of Georgia State University, Professor Robert Steen of Oglethorpe University and Professor Douglas Reynolds of Georgia State University will present lectures on the history, culture, fashion, and language of this fascinating period at JapanFest 2008.
This year's festival will feature a spectacular variety of performances showcasing a full range of Japanese performing arts. Yoko Hiraoka will give a rare performance on Sunday on the biwa, a Japanese-style lute. Hiraoka is a native of Kyoto, Japan and has studied classical Japanese music for many years. Since moving to the U.S in 1993, she has performed extensively at festivals, concerts, lecture-recitals, and on television/radio and studio recordings. Her performances have included performing at the Art Institute of Chicago, Portland Art Museum, UCLA, Smith College, Bowdoin College, Emory University, Colby College, Northwestern University, Princeton and Yale universities and major music festivals throughout the USA. Tomi Isobe Blues Band will rock the house with its fusion of rock and blues, while Madoca will present her blend of jazz, fusion, and funk. Matsuriza and Chambers County Taiko will shake things up with taiko drumming, and Lisa Furukawa will soothe your soul with her unique fusion of folk, pop, electronica, and classical music. Hiko no Kai and International Mai no Kai will present graceful classical Japanese and Okinawan dance, while young gymnasts from Golden Ribbon Rhythmic Gymnastics will show off their amazing flexibility. The Nebula Dance Theater will perform jazz, modern dance and ballet set to Japanese music. And all are invited to join in the spirited Bon dance! Also, new this year will be an Urban Kimono Fashion Show. There is truly something for everyone at JapanFest!
Tickets are $8, children age 6 or younger free. Tickets are available at the door; cash only please. No checks or credit cards accepted. Most vendors do not accept credit cards either. For more information, visit japanfest.org
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