Toru Tagawa, originally from Hiroshima, Japan is the Music Director for these two orchestras — the Foothills Philharmonic and the Tucson Repertory Orchestra. He is also the director of the Sierra Vista Symphony Orchestra, and has played the violin since age 6. Note that the TRO concert conductor on Dec. 29 is Yudai Ueda.
Toru has taught orchestra at Canyon del Oro High School since 2008. His bio from the staff directory::
“The Japanese tea ceremony, or chanoyu (translated literally as “hot water for tea”), is a cherished ritual involving the preparation and presentation of powdered green tea in a highly stylized manner.
A host and a guest, wearing traditional Japanese kimono specific to the ceremony, will demonstrate how tea has been prepared, served, and enjoyed in Japan since the 12th century.
Tea will be served to participants adhering to current health and safety guidelines.
Cost: $25 per person (includes Gardens admission). Members of Yume pay only $15.”
Date & Times:
12/15
11AM – 12PM
and
12:30PM – 1:30PM
Tickets:
General Admission: $25
Members: $15
Advanced ticket reservation is required. This is a limited admission event.Get Tickets
“Kirigami is the Japanese art of cutting paper. It is an artform that has been used to make decorations, create masterful artistic works, and enhance the aesthetic beauty of things using natrual-made materials. This workshop will be led by Kristina Keiko McGaha, who has been doing kirigami for over 30 years. She will demonstrate more advanced techniques and discuss the histroy of this artform. This workshop will also be a hands-on crafting experience where participants will be able to create holiday themed kirigami including: snowflakes, flower vases, and holiday cards.
Supplies for this (paper and cutting tools) will be provided for use during the workshop. The creations you make are yours to take home. The workshop will also be family-friendly so children are welcome to participate.”
Dates & Time:
12/8
10AM – 12PM
Tickets:
General Admission: $20
Members: $15
Children age 3-15: $5
Advanced ticket reservation is required. This is a limited admission event.Get Tickets
December 6, at 7:30 p.m. , 117 W. Congress St.
“Ukulele master and jolly ambassador of aloha, JAKE SHIMABUKURO, will bring joy to the world this upcoming 2024 Holiday Season by delivering a special gift for all with the debut of his highly anticipated holiday show, JAKE SHIMABUKURO Holidays in Hawai’i.
With only four strings, Jake is a humble master whose mission is to connect and inspire people. Whether one on one or in front of an audience of thousands, Jake shares a deep emotional connection with the listener that is open, magical, and transcendent. Jake’s genuine love for people, the spirit of Holidays, and his beloved home of Hawaii are at the forefront of JAKE SHIMABUKURO Holidays in Hawai’i. It will be a warm welcome of merriment and wonder for the season.
In addition to his signature show favorites, this special show will draw on a vibrant catalog of holiday classics such as We Three Kings, Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer, O Holy Night, I’ll Be Home For Christmas and selections from his “Jake & Friends” album (Willie Nelson, Bette Midler, Jack Johnson, Michael McDonald, Vince Gill & Amy Grant and more).
Along with bassist Jackson Waldhoff and singer-songwriter Justin Kawika Young, JAKE SHIMABUKURO will spread good cheer to all with his world-renowned live show in a fun take on the holidays sure to keep spirits bright. Exceptional and spirited JAKE SHIMABUKURO’S Holidays in Hawai’i is sure to become an eagerly anticipated annual family event.”
“Decorated for Shogatsu during a Wee Winter Wonderland as part of Holidays Around the World and Through Time.
Shoichi Uchiyama
1992
Shogatsu is a three day New Year celebration in Japan. Though most families get together on December 31st for New Years Eve, Shogatsu actually begins with the most important national holiday in Japan, Gantan (New Year’s Day) January 1st. The Japanese greeting “ake-mashite-omedetou-gozaimasu” is expressed to everyone you see the first time in the New Year.
Holiday decorations are placed in and around the house beginning December 30th. Shimekazari is a traditional ornament hung over the front of the house to ward off evil spirits and welcome good luck. You will see bamboo and pine decorations tied with straw rope called kadomatsu at both sides of the entrance of houses set up to summon the New Year god Toshigami. It is believed that the god will bring good luck and prosperity in the New Year. The materials are symbolic- bamboo symbolizes strength and pine longevity. These decorations can be seen on the Japanese Family Farmhouse.
A special decoration called Kagami mochi is set out as an offering to Toshigami in the Japanese Kitchen. The decoration consists of two round mochi rice cakes of different size stacked (the smaller on top of the larger one) topped with a dadai (Japanese bitter orange). The Kagami mochi also symbolizes the continuity of the family; the mochi symbolize the past year and the year ahead and the dadai represents long life and the continuity of generations.
It is also a tradition to give children money during the Shogatsu holiday. Adults prepare small envelopes of money for the children called otoshidama. Look on the counter in the Japanese Kitchen for otoshidama. There is a custom of visiting a shrine or temple during the New Year’s holiday to pray for safety, health and good fortune.”
Carolyn’s note: This is one of 14 miniature exhibits in the “Holidays Around the World and Through Time” show at this museum at 4455 E. Camp Lowell Drive, west of Swan Rd. Hours are 9 to 4 p.m. Tuesday to Sunday. Happy New Year of the Snake in 2025.