Celebrating Spring

Spring has officially begun, and we're kicking off the season with performances at two of our favorite venues next month!

Did you know that the cherry blossom is the symbolic flower of spring in Japan? During this season, people have cherry blossom parties where they enjoy food, drink, and music underneath the cherry trees, a thousand-year-old tradition called hanami. This year, the Missouri Botanical Garden will be hosting its own garden party on Saturday, April 7, and with a little luck, the cherry blossoms will be in full bloom! Join us at the Japanese Garden’s northeast lawn for an evening of Sake and Sakura. Sample several varieties of sake, explore the Japanese Garden’s Teahouse Island, and enjoy a live taiko performance under the trees to celebrate the arrival of spring! Tickets are available for purchase though the garden; admission includes a keepsake tasting cup and five sake samples.

Sunday, April 29 we will be returning to the St. Louis Art Museum for the museum's annual Passport to Japan celebration. This free event will include origami demonstrations, traditional Japanese dance, taiko drumming, shishimai (lion dance), and other activities for the entire family. Our performance will begin at 1:30 PM in the outdoor sculpture garden. This event is presented in collaboration with the Japan America Society of St. Louis.

Sake and Sakura
Saturday, April 7 - 5:30-8:00 PM
Missouri Botanical Garden
Northeast Lawn of Japanese Garden
Purchase Tickets

SLAM Passport to Japan
Sunday, April 29 - 1:00-4:00 PM
Saint Louis Art Museum
Grace Taylor Broughton Sculpture Garden*
Free
*In case of inclement weather, our performance will move indoors to Farrell Auditorium.

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Taikoza at the Touhill

Not only are we excited about our upcoming shows, we're also thrilled to be welcoming another taiko ensemble for a performance this weekend! New York-based ensemble Taikoza will be performing at the Touhill Performing Arts Center this Saturday, March 24, at 8:00 PM. Taikoza brings drums, dance, fue and shakuhachi for what's sure to be an exciting evening. The performance is presented by UMSL International Studies and Programs as part of the Touhill International Performing Arts Series and tickets are available through the Touhill box office.