GLENDALE — Friends of Shoseian and the Japan Foundation present the second annual Sakura Matsuri/Cherry Blossom Festival on Sunday, March 17, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Shoseian “Whispering Pine” Tea House, Brand Library Park, 1601 W. Mountain St., Glendale.
This year, 16 visiting tea masters and students from Japan will lead three public tea ceremonies. Dancers visiting from Japan will demonstrate a typical festival dance called Awa Odori.
There will be three food trucks just outside the garden, and some great food selections inside the garden as well. Live music performances will include koto, shamisen and the always awesome taiko.
The completion of the tea house’s interior renovation project, over 15 years in the making, will be celebrated. A crowdfunding site is being created to obtain the interior furnishings for the tea house.
Entrance to this event is free and no RSVP is needed. There is a requested $20 donation per person for any of the tea ceremonies. Seating is first-come, first-served.
Friends of Shoseian is a nonprofit IRC Section 501(c)(3) organization. Contributions can be tax-deductible under IRC Section 170.
The schedule is as follows:
11-11:30 a.m.: Koto by Saeko Kujiraoka
11:30 a.m.-12 p.m.: Awa Odori by Takarabune
12-12:45 p.m.: First Urasenke tea ceremony
12:45-1 p.m.: Reading of proclamation
1-1:30 p.m.: Kodama Taiko
1:30-2:15 p.m.: Second Urasenke tea ceremony
2:15-2:30 p.m.: Shamisen by Mike Penny
2:30-3 p.m.: Awa Odori by Takarabune
3-3:45 p.m.: Third Urasenke tea ceremony
3:45-4 p.m.: Closing ceremony
For more information, visit: http://shoseianteahouse.com