56th Annual Ginza Holiday, a Japanese Cultural Festival August 12, 2011

EVENT: 56th Annual Ginza Holiday, a Japanese cultural festival

LOCATION: Midwest Buddhist Temple, 435 West Menomonee Street, Chicago, IL 60614

DATES: August 12- 14, 2011

HOURS: Friday, Aug 12, 5:30 PM - 9:00 PM; Saturday, Aug 13, 11:30 AM-9:30 PM; Sunday, Aug 14, 11:30 AM – 6:00 PM



The 56th Annual Ginza Holiday, a large Japanese cultural festival, will be presented by the Midwest Buddhist Temple (MBT) on Aug 12, 13, and 14 at 435 W. Menomonee Street in Chicago’s historic Old Town.



Flown in from Tokyo for this event, four master craftsmen (Waza) will demonstrate their generations-old skills creating unique crafts. The public will have the opportunity to meet the Waza and purchase their crafts. Several other exhibits and booths will be filled with Japanese dry goods, snacks, kimonos and jewelry.



An abundance of traditional Japanese cuisine will be offered, including the famous grilled Chicken Teriyaki dinner, udon (Japanese cold noodles), sushi, edamame and grilled corn on the cob. For dessert try the kintoki (Japanese snow cone topped with sweet azuki beans). Japanese beer will also be available.



Featured in the festival will be ongoing stage performances with the energetic taiko drumming by Ho Etsu Taiko, Twin Cities Kogen Taiko Group and MBT Taiko, the MBT Minyo Troupe, Fujima Shunojo Classical Dance Troupe, martial arts demonstrations, and the Na Kupuna Ukulele group. Aikido, Judo and Karate schools will demonstrate self-defense tactics, while Kendo (Japanese fencing) will entertain the crowd.



Ginza expands into Saturday evening with Yoko Noge and her band. Yoko’s music can be described as a combination of Japanese ''Minyo'' folk music with “Chicago blues.” Performed with an electric piano, shamisen, horn section, and Yoko’s sweet and growly blues vocals, she will warm the August night with her appearance at Ginza at 8 p.m. on Saturday (August 14) evening.

The chapel will be open for guests who are interested in observing the place of worship and learning the basics of Buddhism. During stage intermissions, Rev Ron Miyamura will deliver short Dharma talks.



A benefit donation of $6 for adults, and $5 for students and senior citizens will be collected at the gate. Children under 12 will be admitted free when accompanied by an adult.



For more information please visit us online at www.ginzachicago.com or contact Albert Sora, Ginza Chairman, 312-943-7801 or Pat Harada, Ginza Publicity Co-Chair, at info@ginzachicago.com.

Official Website: http://ginzachocago.com