Entertainment at Torrance’s Cherry Blossom Cultural Festival includes taiko performances.
The 12th annual Cherry Blossom Cultural Festival will be held on Sunday, March 30, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Columbia Park, 4045 190th St. (at Prairie) in Torrance.
Presented by the City of Torrance Community Services Department, the festival celebrates Japanese and other Asian cultures and coincides with the blooming of the park’s cherry trees.
Performers include:
Rafu Mutsumi Kai, which performs each year in the Nisei Week Grand Parade, will demonstrate a traditional mikoshi (portable shrine) parade.
The Kewpies, a dynamic J-pop band and dance group formed in Torrance, inspired by the legendary ’70s idol group Candies.
South Bay Little Angels, a children’s dance group.
Asano Taiko U.S., based in Torrance, will bring the energy and power of traditional Japanese drumming.
Southern California Naginata Federation will demonstrate the use of a traditional Japanese weapon consisting of a pole with a bamboo blade.
Matsutoyo Kai will share the rich tradition of Japanese folk music.
Master Don Martial Arts will showcase traditional Japanese combat practices, including striking techniques, kata, and more.
Bollypop, which brings the vibrant energy and beauty of Indian dance to the stage.
Dr. Christine Marie Li, a celebrated Taiwanese American mezzo-soprano.
Food vendors include Chicken King, Felice Italian Catering, Deli Doctor, Mad Dumplings, Okamoto Kitchen, Fuego Me Up, 838 Thai Street Food, Creamy Boys, Pinch of Flavor, Travelin’ Tom’s Coffee Truck, Doskoi Food Truck, Rice Balls of Fire, Cousins Maine Lobster
Craft vendors include Likohina’s Tropical Butter, Art by Yuli (handmade shawls), Kelly Kreates 4 U (handmade jewelry), Only Imagine Art (hand-painted scarves, jackets, shirts and dresses), Aerides General Store (hand-crafted items), Cheeky Asian’s Art World (original paintings and merchandise), Tutu’s Space Candy and Treats, Kawaii Craft Shop
Various local organizations, including the Torrance Sister City Association and the World War II Camp Wall, will have information booths at the festival.