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CONTACT

National Cherry Blossom Festival
1250 H Street, NW
Suite 1000
Washington, DC 20005
(202) 661-7592
alissa@downtowndc.org



Target Performance Stage at Sylvan Theatre

Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa  

PLEASE NOTE OUR NEW LOCATION:

Sylvan Theatre on the grounds of the Washington Monument


Performances held daily beginning at Noon.

The Target Performance Stage plays host to a wide range of performances, from Japanese culture groups to local acoustic musicians.

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Saturday, March 27    
12:00 - 12:45pm Japanese Choral Society of Washington
The Japanese Choral Society of Washington, DC will present a variety of Japanese songs, in Japanese, including some specifically related to cherry blossoms. The choral society is composed of Japanese who reside in the Washington area and enjoy getting together to practice Japanese songs. Visit: www.jchoral.org
 
     
1:00pm - 1:45pm Furia Flamenca
Furia Flamenca is a Flamenco dance company, under the direction of Estela Velez, which combines Flamenco's gypsy heritage with a modern touch to create an elegant balance of motion and energy. Visit: www.Furia-Flamenca.com
 
     
2:00pm - 2:30pm Aikido of Arlington
Performing Japanese Martial Arts, with a strong emphasis on weapons and taijitsu (open-hand techniques). Visit: www.aikidoofarlington.com
 
     
2:45pm - 3:15pm The South Vocal Ensemble
The South Vocal Ensemble, from Holland, PA, is an auditioned mixed choral group of high school students that performs a variety of music ranging from 14th century works to contemporary pop and jazz compositions Visit: www.southchoirs.com
 
     
3:30pm - 4:30pm The Four Star Combo
For a high-octane mix of 1950’s Rockabilly and Honky Tonk, check out The Four Star Combo! Visually, the group makes a big splash with its vintage clothes and guitars, “doghouse” bass, and dynamic stage show. Visit: www.myspace.com/fourstarcombo
 
     
4:45pm - 5:15pm Batala Washington
An all woman Afro-Brazilian samba-reggae percussion group; delivering a full range of reggae rhythms typical of Northeastern Brazil with roots in African traditions. Visit: www.batalawashington.com
 
       
5:30pm-6:00pm U Street Caravan
Belly dance performance consisting of 5-6 traditionally-flavored group numbers including, but not limited to: drum solo, veil routine, sword balancing, and pop fusion. Visit: www.yillahraqs.com/u-street-caravan.html
   
     
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Sunday, March 28    
12:00pm - 12:45pm The SAPAN Performance Company
.Preserving and promoting traditional South Asian performing arts, SAPAN is comprised of: singers, dancers, and musicians. Fusing classical arts with modern day music and dance, the performance displays traditional folk dance and fusion choreography. Visit: www.sapanarts.org
 
     
1:00pm - 1:45pm Ballet Petite & Youth Performing Art School's Ballet Performance Company
Youth dancers perform classical and contemporary ballet. The performance brings a rendition of the patriotic ballet "Stars and Stripes". Visit: www.BalletPetite.com
 
     
2:00pm - 2:45pm Judge Smith
Performs R & B, blues, rock and originals. Visit: www.judgesmith.net
 
     
3:00pm - 3:30pm Tempei Nakamura
Japanese composer and pianist, Tempei Nakamura, is influenced by classical music, jazz, and progressive rock. Visit: www.myspace.com/tempei
 
     
3:45pm - 4:15pm ChristylezBacon
Progressive hip hop, mixing world music instruments from the West African Djembe drum to the Hawaiian Ukulele, in an all acoustic performance with a message of cultural acceptance and unification. Visit: www.christylez.com
 
     
4:30pm - 5:00pm Kyo Daiko
Kyo Daiko is Philadelphia’s first community taiko drumming group. It is a collaboration of the Shefuso Japanese House and Garden and the Settlement Music School. Visit: www.kyodaiko.com
 
     
5:15pm - 5:45pm YSL Hapmudo Studios
Watch in amazement as these Martial Artists demonstrate weapons, self-defense, breaking boards, and tumbling and falling stunts. Visit: www.hapmudo.net
 
     
5:45pm - 6:00pm Washington DC Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. - Step Team
The award-winning step team of the Washington DC Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., brings the elements of the Broadway show "Chicago" fused with stunts and steps of traditional African-American Sorority stepping. Visit: www.wdcac.org
 
     
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Monday, March 29    
12:00pm - 12:30pm Hubbard A Capella
The South Side Chicago-based Advanced Touring Ensemble consists of 36 of Hubbard’s top choral students, who will be singing choral works of many great classical European composers.
 
     
12:45pm - 1:15pm Deanne Dove
Come see an exclusive performance by “the Island Girl” for an entertaining musical trip about the life and love of the Chesapeake Bay. Visit: www.deannadove.com
 
     
1:30pm - 2:15pm Natananjali School of Dance
Dancers will present the dance form 'Bharatanatyam', a dance form that originated in Indian temples. Choreography displays intricate footwork and hand gestures, while storytelling to make a show of dynamic rhythms. Visit: www.natananjali.com
 
     
2:30pm - 3:00pm Tempei Nakamura
Japanese composer and pianist, Tempei Nakamura, is influenced by classical music, jazz, and progressive rock. Visit: www.myspace.com/tempei
 
     
3:15pm - 4:00pm The Justin Trawick Group
Justin Trawick is a singer/songwriter whose music is upbeat folk rock with lyrics about life, love, and everything in between. Visit:
 
     
4:15pm - 5:00pm Lloyd Dobler Effect
LDE plays multi-layered and upbeat rock music, which appeals to both modern rock fans and culturally diverse crowds. Visit:
 
     
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Tuesday, March 30    
12:00pm - 12:45pm RichPatrick
RichPatrick performs Celtic music from Ireland, Scotland and other lands. They use guitars, whistles, Irish bouzouki and fiddle to create a unique and pleasant mix. Visit: www.myspace.com/irishrichpatrick
 
     
1:00pm - 1:30pm G Major and MDK
Local R&B singer G Major will be performing songs from his upcoming yet-to-be-titled album along with teen sensations MDK.
 
     
1:45pm - 2:15pm Warrenton Ballet
The Warrenton Ballet Company, a community-wide, non-profit dance company, will perform Prokofiev’s famous children’ story, “Peter and the Wolf.” Visit: www.warrentonballet.org
 
     
2:30pm - 3:15pm Lilia Doldan y Elenco Juvenil de Danzas
Paraguayan singer, Lilia Doldan, and students of Dance School JMA in Asuncion, Paraguay, perform choreographies of Paraguayan folk dance. Visit:
 
     
3:30pm - 4:00pm Kalavaridhi
Kalavaridhi is a premier dance institution that will perform Bharatanatyam, a rigorous form of Indian classical dance. Visit: www.kalavaridhi.org/
 
     
4:15pm - 5:00pm Runakuna
Traditional Andean pipes and flutes Visit:
 
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Wednesday, March 31    
12:00pm - 12:30pm The Marquees
Vocal harmony, DooWop, and family oriented, The Marquees give you an elegant, smooth, and strong presentation, with rich full harmony of days gone by. Visit: www.reesepalmersmarquees.com
 
     
12:45pm - 1:15pm Bartow County Bootscooters
The Bartow County Bootscooters are an energetic, senior citizen line dance group from the Bartow County Senior Center, Cartersville, GA. www.brtc.us
 
     
1:30pm - 2:15pm The Russell Sledge Continuum
The Russell Sledge Continuum focuses on mainstream jazz of the 40’s, 50’s, and 60’s, and includes such great performers as Duke Ellington, Miles Davis, Dexter Gordon and Charlie Parker. Visit: www.zamarentertainment.com
 
     
2:30pm - 3:15pm The National Hand Dance Association (NHDA)
The NHDA is an organization whose mission is to preserve, educate, and promote the traditional and contemporary swing style dance known as DC Hand Dance. Visit: www.nationalhanddanceassociation.org
 
     
3:30pm - 4:00pm NRITYAKI Group
NRITYAKI is an Indian Classical - Semi Classical group of dancers who will present a North Indian form of dance. They will perform fusion dances (East meets West). Visit: www.nrityaki.com
 
     
4:15pm - 5:00pm 2nd Story Band duo - Meagan and Geoff
Sassy World Beat Blues. Visit: www.2ndstoryband.com
 
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Thursday, April 1    
12:00pm - 12:45pm Kendal Conrad
Kendal Conrad is an experienced 18-year-old singer/songwriter hailing from Pottstown, PA. She brings a unique style to the pop/country genre. Visit: www.myspace.com/kendalconrad
 
     
1:00pm - 1:45pm The Sears Trio and Friends
The Sears Trio delivers a full-bodied collection of standard acoustic blues, jazz, and Bossa Nova, with an emotive tone. You don’t just hear the Sears Trio. You feel them! Visit: www.myspace.com/sherylsings
 
     
2:00pm - 2:45pm Cross Kentucky
Roots-Americana musings from DC-based singer/songwriter Ken Francis Winzel. Visit: www.Kenwenzelmusic.com
 
     
3:00pm - 4:00pm Marilyn Duncan
Singer/songwriter Marilyn Duncan is a veteran performer whose songs touch on folk, blues, jazz and rock influences. Her penchant for story reaches deep into the American past and through family history. Visit: www.marilynduncan.com
 
     
4:15pm - 5:00pm Kim Cameron and the Side FX Band
The Side FX Band hails from Washington DC, with an alternative pop sound that is all their own. Visit: www.sidefxband.net
 
     
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Friday, April 2    
12:00pm - 12:45pm The Paper Jets
“The band’s emphasis on songwriting and intricate lyrics is a satisfying homage to folk music, while the jangly guitars and bright melodies are given an edge thanks to a bit of distortion and the wavering tenor of vocalist Brian Erickson.” –The Aquarian Magazine. Visit: www.myspace.com/thepaperjets
 
     
1:00pm - 1:45pm Wes Tucker + The Skillets
Wes Tucker + The Skillets play an eclectic mix of folk-rock, funk, and R&B. Visit: www.westucker.com
 
     
2:00pm - 2:45pm Levi Stephens
Levi Stephens’s lyrics will touch your soul, while his Easy Listening music will inspire your heart and mind Visit: www.levistephens.com
 
     
3:00pm - 3:45pm Anil Rock
Anil Rock plays his own musical style, RockaLypso, a fusion of rock, reggae, and calypso. Visit: www.anilrock.com
 
     
4:00pm - 4:45pm The Pocket Band
The Pocket Band is an original band from Washington DC and Jamaica, that blends rock and roots reggae to form a sound for today’s diverse audience. Visit: www.thepocketband.com
 
     
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Saturday, April 3    
11:00am - 12:00pm lululemon
2nd annual Yoga with lululemon athletica. Bring your own mat. Visit: www.lululemon.com
See also lululemon athletica's yoga at the Washington Monument facebook page.
 
     
12:00pm - 12:15pm Japanese American Student Association
JASA will be performing a Japanese traditional dance known as Soran-Bushi, which is about fishermen in Hokkaido (northern Japan). Visit: JASA Facebook Page
 
     
12:30pm - 1:15pm Eric Meany
Singer/songwriter Eric Meany accompanies himself on acoustic guitar, while performing mostly original folk/pop songs. Visit: www.myspace.com/ericmeany
 
     
1:30pm - 2:00pm Nen Daiko
Nen Daiko’s kumi daiko (ensemble taiko drumming) performance includes traditional festival songs, as well as more contemporary compositions. Visit: www.nendaik.org
 
     
2:15pm - 2:45pm Aikido of Arlington
We are a Japanese Martial art with a strong emphasis on weapons and in Taijitsu (open-hand techniques). It is strictly self-defensive and non-competitive. Visit:
 
     
3:00pm - 3:45pm Tamagusuku Ryu Keisho Kai – Kinjo Hirae Ryubu Dojo
Dressed in colorful kimono, this exciting dance group from Kin, Okinawa will be led by Head Master Kinjo Hirae in presenting lively folk dances from the farming and fishing villages of Okinawa, Japan. Visit: www.hiraekinjoryubu.com
 
     
4:00pm - 4:30pm “Soles of Steel” Tap Company
Directed by Vikki Weinberger, “Soles of Steel” is an explosive group of young tap dancers that pushes the limits of tap with their high-energy performance pieces! Visit: www.joyofmotion.org
 
     
4:45pm - 5:15pm Diafanes
From Sao Paulo, Brazil, Diafanes is a rock band whose music shows a strong Japanese influence. The band plays exotic instruments, such as the koto (Japanese harp), mixes with Japanese music and sometimes sings in Japanese. Visit:
 
     
5:15pm - 6:00pm Gibraltar
A North African band from Nigeria and Morocco, Gibraltar’s music is inspired by different ethnic groups of the region. Visit: www.gibraltarband.com
 
     
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Sunday, April 4    
12:00pm - 12:30pm Arin Maya with Pulchritudinous Sound
Arin Maya and her band will provide a jazz and soul inspired performance, which will include both original and cover songs. Visit: www.arinmaya.com
 
     
12:45pm - 1:15pm On a Sensual Note
American University’s premier all male a cappella group performs a variety of selections from Doo-wop to Pop. Visit: www.onasensualnote.com
 
     
1:30pm - 2:15pm Yakima High School
The Yakima High School Band will perform a variety of musical pieces. Visit:
 
     
2:30pm - 3:15pm Diafanes
From Sao Paulo, Brazil, Diafanes is a rock band whose music shows a strong Japanese influence. The band plays exotic instruments, such as the koto (Japanese harp), mixes with Japanese music and sometimes sings in Japanese. Visit:
 
     
3:30pm - 4:15pm Brent Peterson
Taking queues from folk, reggae, and soul music, Brent Peterson believes music should move people, ideally towards dancing. Visit: www.myspaace.com/FunkyFolk
 
     
4:30pm - 5:00pm Singo Lodoyo USA
Singo Lodoyo USA performs an Indonesian traditional show known as Reog Ponorogo.
 
     
5:15pm - 6:00pm Asia Heritage Foundation
Asia Heritage is presenting “Colorful Asia,” a mini-variety showcase that features the multi-talented Asian Performers, including dancers & musicians in the DC metro region, as a sampling for the upcoming Fiesta Asia Street Fair on May 22, 2010. Visit: www.asiaheritagefoundation.org
 
     
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Monday, April 5    
12:00pm - 12:45pm Fletcher + Friends
Fletcher + Friends brings a touch of sass and a lot of musical camaraderie to classic blues and swing tunes.
 
     
1:00pm - 1:45pm Chris Ayer
DC’s own singer-songwriter will perform a fun, energetic, get-you-dancing kind of music. Visit: www.merrittmgmt.com
 
     
1:45pm - 2:30pm John Schmitt
Singer-songwriter from New York City will perform a blend of acoustic, pop, and funk music. Visit: www.merrittmgmt.com
 
     
2:45pm - 3:45pm Brad Linde’s “Sax of a Kind”
“Sax of a Kind” features 5 saxophones and a rhythm section playing music inspired by jazz arrangers and composers, such as Gerry Mulligan and Bill Holman. Visit: www.bradlinde.com
 
     
4:00pm - 4:45pm Hotspur
Hotspur combine intricate piano and heartfelt melodies with enough electronics to keep pop-punk and club kids content. Visit:
 
     
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Tuesday, April 6    
12:00pm - 12:30pm The Black and Gold Brigade
The Black and Gold Brigade is an Orlando, Florida based high school marching band that will be performing their ½ time music in concert format. Visit: www.bishopmoore.org
 
     
12:45pm - 1:15pm NRITYANIKETAN
Dr. Janaki Rangarajan and students of her dance school, Nrityaniketan, will present Bharatanatyam, a classical dance style from South India. Visit: www.nrityaniketan.com
 
     
1:30pm - 2:15pm Chuck Durfor & Ed Kernan
A mixture of original and popular instruments and vocal music played on fretless electric bass and finger style acoustic guitar. Visit: www.chuckdurfor.com
 
     
2:30pm - 3:15pm Margot MacDonald
Washington Area Music Award winner, Margot MacDonald, plays original acoustic rock. Visit:
 
     
3:30pm - 4:00pm Michael Bowie and E44
Instrumental modern jazz meets hip-hop. E44’s music takes the listener through a retrospective of traditional jazz up through, and beyond its modern outgrowth. Visit: www.michaelbowie.net
 
     
4:15pm - 5:00pm True Witness
True Witness is a national touring band, whose music is a blend of acoustic and electric rock. Visit: www.truewitness.com
 
     
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Wednesday, April 7    
9:00pm - 12:30pm Port Angeles High School
The Port Angeles High School Band will perform a variety of musical pieces. Visit:
 
     
12:45pm - 1:15pm Nigeria
Abiodun Koya perfoms classical music infused with Nigerian folk music. Visit: www.abiodunkoya.com
 
     
1:30pm - 2:15pm The Bahamas
Come and hear what makes “Bahamian” music different from “calypso,” or “soca,” or “reggae” – and also come hear what they have in common. At the Embassy Day performance, we will have Bahamian poetry, both modern and older, and Bahamian music, representative of older and more modern styles.
 
     
2:30pm - 3:00pm Russia – Passion Runway
A presentation of exquisite traditional Russian costume is accompanied by composer and guitarist Serge Khrichenko. Visit:
 
     
3:15pm - 4:45pm Paraguay – Hector Munoz
Harpist and guitarist born in Paraguay, providing classical and popular music from Mexico and Central and South America. Visit:
 
     
4:00pm - 4:30pm Kenya – Anna Mwalagho & AfroFloetry Band
Anna Mwalagho and AfroFloetry will entertain and educate through Afrobeat music and dramatic poetry. Visit:
 
     
4:45pm - 5:15pm Spain/Columbia - Cartegena
Cartegena will perform a variety of Latin music, including Cuban, Bolivian, Peruvian, and Columbian songs, as well as a special performance with Spanish musician Tito Aguilar. Visit:
 
     
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Thursday, April 8    
12:00pm - 12:30pm Angie Head
Angie Head is a local singer/songwriter, whose soulful vocals and skillful guitar playing can be characterized as “acoustic soul.” Visit: www.angiehead.com
 
     
12:45pm - 1:15pm Troupe Eshveh
Troupe Eshveh is a professional dance troupe, which performs the exuberant, folkloric dances of Egyptian and Persian cultural traditions. Visit: www.katayoundance.com/8.html
 
     
1:30pm - 2:00pm Pearce High School Mustang Stampede
This Texas high school dance team combines traditional country western dancing with high-energy stunts and throws, to bring a bit of Texas to the Nation’s Capital!
 
     
2:15pm - 3:00pm Bad Hair Day
Bad Hair Day is an accomplished group of musicians playing a wide variety of music from the 60s to the 00s. They specialize in British Invasion with rich and powerful harmonies and solid musical chops. Visit: www.myspace.com/badhairdayeah
 
     
3:15pm - 4:00pm Wirt-Emerson Choir
The Wirt-Emerson Choir is from Gary, Indiana. Visit:
 
     
4:15pm - 5:00pm A+ Dropouts
Northern Virginia’s A+ Dropouts is comprised of 4 middle school kids ages 12-14. They play a mix of originals and classic and punk rock covers. Visit: www.aplusdropouts
 
     
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Friday, April 9    
11:00am - 11:20am Se-Shami Street
Se-Shami Street presents a Japanese style street performance while using a Japanese traditional musical instrument called a shamisen. Visit:
 
     
11:20am - 11:40am Marie and the Soap Bubble High School
Jonetsu Marie and Shambon High School are a 1970's style retro pop music group from Kyoto, Japan that adds a lot of Kansai comedy and fun to its performances. Visit:
 
     
11:40am - 12:00pm Spirit + Noise
Spirit + Noise combines traditional Japanese instruments such as the shamisen with modern Western instruments, including electric guitar and drums, to create a new genre of music that the group calls "Japanese junction." Visit:
 
     
12:00pm - 12:45pm The Highballers
Original Country music with the sounds of Grim Parsons and Emmylou Harris mixed with alternative country arrangements and slick guitar. Visit: www.myspace.com/battersdc
 
     
1:00pm - 1:45pm Dust Bowlers
The Dust Bowlers are a Washington, DC based trio of transplanted mid-westerners who play original rock and roll with heaping helpings of folk, country and blues. Visit: www.thirtyfiveforty.com
 
     
2:00pm - 3:00pm RyuKyukoKu Matsuri U.S.A. and Imajin Taiko of Okinawa, Japan
Students from Okinawa, Japan and Madison, Wisconsin will do a joint performance featuring traditional Okinawan Taiko drumming and dances. Visit: www.otdw.com
 
     
3:15pm - 4:15pm Villa Joseph Maria High School
An all women's Catholic High School located in Holland, Pennsylvania. Villa will be performing four concert songs, including the “Asian Folk Rhapsody,” which was written for the Cherry Blossom Festival.
 
     
4:30pm - 5:00pm Blue Ridge Thunder Cloggers
The Blue Ridge Thunder Cloggers bring a twist to traditional clogging by dancing to music of all styles, ranging from bluegrass to pop. Visit:
 
     
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Saturday, April 10    
12:00pm - 12:45pm YSL Hapmudo Studios
Martial Arts consisting of traditional techniques such as Forms, Weapons, Self-Defense, Broad Breaking, and Falling. For ages 3 and older. Visit: www.hapmudo.net/
 
     
1:00pm - 1:30pm Monty Wells
Monty Wells is a singer/songwriter from Washington DC, who combines elements of pop, rock, R&B and folk, to create a sound all his own. Visit: www.montywellsmusic.com
 
     
1:45pm - 2:30pm Metropolitan Youth Tap Ensemble, MYTE
From Fairfax County, VA, MYTE consists of 12 dancers, ages 12-17, who will perform choreographed routines to a variety of music. Visit: www.metroyouthtap@gmail.com
 
     
2:45pm - 3:30pm Paddy D. Trio
Weaving an eclectic tapestry of jazzy folk/ blues, Paddy Dougherty’s voice is the thread that will pull at your soul. Visit: www.paddyd.com
 
     
3:45pm - 4:15pm Penn Chinese Dance Club
Penn Chinese Dance Club is a non-profit organization dedicated to performing and propagating Chinese classical and folk dances. Visit: http://sites.google.com/site/pennchinesedanceclub
 
     
4:30pm - 5:00pm Dhoonya Dance School and Performance Company
Dhoonya Dance brings dynamic Bollywood performances, from pop styles to the more traditional, Dhoonya. Visit: www.dhoonyadance.com
 
     
5:15pm - 6:00pm Yamatai
Yamatai is Cornell University’s Taiko team. They practice the art of traditional Japanese drumming. Visit:
 
     
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Sunday, April 11    
12:00pm - 12:45pm Halau Hula O Ke Anuenue Punahele
The Halau is composed of children and adults who are trained in the traditions of Hawaiian dance, language, and cultural crafts. Visit: www.luv2hula.com
 
     
1:00pm - 1:45pm Lucky Day
Lucky Day’s blend of urgent hooks, ethereal vocals, and textured guitars creates an ear-pleasing Brit-pop sound. Visit: www.luckydayband.com
 
     
2:00pm - 2:30pm The O’Neill-James School of Irish Dancing
Dancers perform traditional and modern Irish dances. Visit: www.O'Neill-JamesSchool.com
 
     
2:45pm - 3:45pm Ryu Kyu KoKu Matsuri U.S.A. and Imajin Taiko of Okinawa, Japan
Students from Okinawa, Japan and Madison, Wisconsin will do a joint performance featuring traditional Okinawan Taiko drumming and dances. Visit:
 
     
4:00pm - 4:45pm Flo Anito
Flo Anito is a classically trained singer, pianist, and cellist who has gone pop! Visit: www.floanito.com
 
     
5:00pm - 5:45pm Emi Meyer
Having had a childhood exposed to both Japanese and American cultures, Emi Meyer’s music spans borders, and channels an old soul gained from clearing her own place. Visit:
 
     
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