Sakura Matsuri 2007

Sakura Matsuri 2007

For an up-close look at Japanese culture, both pop and traditional, Brooklyn Botanic Garden's Sakura Matsuri is the place to be…April 28 & 29, 2007 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. just $8. www.bbg.org

AnimeNEXT will be there with the Manga Library!

Performers include: ZAN- one of the most popular j-pop bands in japan—both musicians learned to play traditional japanese instruments, koto and shakuhachi from their super-famouns dads. They now use their expertise to write and perform thoroughly modern j-pop hits.

happyfunsmile brings its eclectic mix of Okinawan pop, electric folk songs (ultraminyo), supersweet ballads (enka), festival rhythms and obon beats to Sakura Matsuri. Utilizing the sounds of the taiko drum, sanshin, accordion, bass, and keys, happyfunsmile unites the best of Okinawan pop music and energetic chindon street music.

Akim Funk Buddha's Urban Tea Ceremony by dancer, performer and holistic hip-hop practitioner, Akim. Witness a riveting, highly entertaining exchange of perspective and philosophy—the worlds of traditional Japan and urban hip-hop—through dance and music home-grown in both cultures.

Plus…taiko drumming, samurai sword fighting, the flower hat dance parade, traditional tea ceremony and lots more.

Anime Fans are always encouraged to come out in costume. See you there!!