Japanese Music Expands Past Taiko with Two New Bands at Hatsume: Ensemble Otodama & EnV Add Musical Variety to Two-Day Festival March 20, 2010

Delray Beach, FL – February 2010 – Crowds turn out every year for the thundering sounds of Fushu Daiko’s awesome taiko drumming. But at this year’s Hatsume Fair, the showcase of Japanese music will expand beyond the power of taiko to include jazzy live performances by Japanese talent Ensemble Otodama and neon-accented pop vocals by EnV.

Hatsume Fair, the annual springtime festival at the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens, will be held 11 a.m.- 6 p.m. March 20-21. The festival lineup includes traditional favorites – such as the energetic shows by Fushu Daiko and martial arts demos featuring local talent – and some return appearances from last year’s Hatsume that focused “modern Japanese entertainment.” Coming back will be cosplay contests and panel presentations that offer visitors a deeper look into modern Japanese culture. Cosplay, or “costume play,” invites Hatsume guests to come dressed as their favorite anime character or action figure. The more outrageous and colorful, the better!
Headlining the two days of interactive, outdoor fun will be the new sounds Ensemble Otodama and EnV.

“We always try to introduce our audiences to what is new and exciting in Japan at Hatsume,” said Kizzy Sanchez, marketing and events manager at the Morikami. “It is an opportunity to highlight new groups, new personalities and bring modern-day Japan to life. We are especially excited about Ensemble Otodama and EnV because we have so many music-lovers in this area, and these two groups, along with Fushu Daiko, appeal to a wide range of tastes.”

Ensemble Otodama
Founded by Ryoji Yamaguchi, Ensemble Otodama is a collaboration of musicians from various genres. Guitarist Ryoji Yamaguchi, Jazz bassist Erika Sato, and percussionist Takashi Kaneko perform arrangements of Japanese traditional folk music as well as original works by the members. The ensemble blends rhythms and harmony of Jazz, Japanese music, Classical, and other world music. Ensemble Otodama has played in Jazz and Blues Festival 2007 in Montego Bay, Jamaica, among ABBA, Monty Alexander, Kenny Rogers, Earth, Wind & Fire and others. Ensemble Otodama’s first CD, “In Autumn,” was released in 2007. Currently based in Tokyo, the group performs internationally featuring local and guest artists. For more information, visit www.ensembleotodama.com.

EnV
Twins Estefania and Valentina Crespo are the lead singers of the pop rock duo EnV. Estefania, songwriter for the band, is also an actress and dancer, who was recently featured in the Internet Movie Database “Fresh Face Gallery.” Valentina, guitarist, is an award-winning designer, specializing in kawaii “cute” vector pop art: Kawaii Universe – Bleuh Meuh Design. The twins collaborated with New York/Miami, Grammy-nominated producer Giuseppe D. (Hot Head Prod) on their debut EP “Beautiful Thing,” instantly generating raves, excitement and many fans worldwide. EnV recently performed at The Film, Recording and Entertainment Council's “Star Gala” (FREC) honoring dynamic industry leaders and talent. For more information, visit http://www.myspace.com/estefaniaandvalentina.

Hatsume 2010 at a Glance:
When: March 20-21, 2010
Time: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. both days
Where: The Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens, 4000 Morikami Park Road, Delray Beach, FL 33446
Website: www.morikami.org
Phone: 561-495-0233, ext. 200
Cost: Purchase tickets online before Thursday, March 18 and SAVE! $10 for adults, $5 for kids (ages 4-17), children 3 & under and museum members FREE
Tickets at the gate: $12 for adults (ages 18+), $6 for children (ages 4-17), FREE for museum members and children 3 and under
Parking: Free parking available on-site
Featuring: Musical concerts by Fushu Daiko, Ensemble Otodama and EnV; cosplay contests, martial arts demos, children’s activities, Japanese panel presentations, retail sales, American and Japanese-inspired food and beverages; and Japanese gardening workshops.

Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens has been a center for Japanese arts and culture in South Florida since its opening in 1977. The Morikami invites guests to discover South Florida’s heritage and its connection with Japan, and explore a series of six diverse gardens inspired by a different historical period and style of Japanese gardening. Experience traditional and contemporary Japanese culture through world-class exhibits, varied educational programs and seasonal events, bonsai display, pan-Asian cuisine and a distinctive museum store.

Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. The Morikami is located at 4000 Morikami Park Road in Delray Beach, Florida. For more information about the Morikami, its exhibitions, programs and events, visit www.morikami.org or call 561-495-0233.

Official Website: http://www.morikami.org