The Music Center, 135 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles, will host a Bon Odori at its plaza on Friday, Aug. 24, from 6:30 to 10 p.m. as part of the “Dance Downtown” program.
Like Bon Odori dancing at Japanese Buddhist temples and community centers in Southern California, public participation is encouraged. Admission is free.
Miles Hamada, coordinator for the event, says, “Aug. 24 is the last ondo of this summer.”
Japanese folk fusion ensemble Minyo Station will provide live music for dances, and taiko player George Abe will be keeping the beat. Christine Inouye will give dance lessons.
Many favorite dances of Bon Odori and Nisei Week will be danced. Participants are invited to wear yukata and happi coats.
The plaza will be open around 5:30 p.m., and picnic tables will be provided for arrendees to have dinner. There will be a limited selection of booths selling food.
Parking fee is $9; the parking lot is located underneath the Music Center Plaza.
For more details, contact Hamada at (323) 620-0662 or mileshamada@yahoo.com.