New Directions in Nikkei Music presented by Sustainable Little Tokyo

ART @ 341 FSN PRESENTS:
As a continuation of conversations initiated in Nikkei Music Reclamation, New Directions will feature performances of new interpretations the Issei songbook (arranged by Nikkei artists), followed by an open invitation to share other interpretations of selected songs from the issei songbook.

Cultural reclamation is an act of resistance to the attempt to eradicate our heritage, and to raise consciousness of our community’s immigrant history; in response to post-WWII cultural repression at the hands of the U.S. government, many sansei musicians and ensembles initiated an effort to revitalize our connection to our heritage, particularly through music. It is essential to not only in the preservation of our own cultural identities, but the urgent need for solidarity with other marginalized communities in our present political climate.

With the displacement of our Japanese American community here in Los Angeles, as well as the passing of our issei (and many nisei) who have been our primary connection to our immigrant history, it is now the responsibility of sansei and yonsei musicians to continue this legacy.

Organized by Tomi Kunisaki and Taiji Miyagawa.

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About ART @ 341 FSN
Aug. 3–Sept. 29, 2018
341 E 1st Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012 Photo booth, Nikkei jazz, art workshops, and more! SLT transforms the 341 FSN experimental storefront into a community art space, and brings to life our community’s vision for First Street North—a block critical to the past, present, and future of Little Tokyo.

A partnership with JACCC, LTSC +LAB and Sustainable Little Tokyo.