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The 81st Nisei Week Japanese Festival Returns to Little Tokyo: Celebrate Japanese Heritage and Tradition

08.10.23

Get ready to immerse yourself in a vibrant celebration of Japanese and Japanese American culture as the 81st Nisei Week Japanese Festival comes to life in the heart of Los Angeles. From Saturday, August 12 to Sunday, August 20, 2023, Little Tokyo will be transformed into a hub of free, family-friendly cultural events, interactive experiences, live music, and more, making it one of Los Angeles' most significant Japanese cultural experiences.

Nisei Week, renowned as one of the nation's oldest and longest-running multi-weekend ethnic festivals, pays homage to the pioneers of Japanese-American traditions in the dynamic city of Los Angeles. Over two weekends, a range of activities will unfold, inviting visitors to partake in the rich heritage and traditions that shape this vibrant community.

Key Events:

Nisei Week Coronation: Witness the official presentation of the 2023 Nisei Week Queen and Court in a captivating program at the Aratani Theatre on Saturday, August 12, from 7 - 9 p.m.

Grand Parade: Join one of the country's largest Japanese American parades on Sunday, August 13, from 4 - 7 p.m. The streets of Little Tokyo will come alive with Japanese dancers, colorful displays, festive music, talented musicians, and stunning floats.

Nisei Week Awards Dinner: On Monday, August 14, from 6 - 8 p.m., the Little Tokyo community will honor individuals who go above and beyond, including community service honorees and parade marshals.

Nisei Week Pioneer Luncheon & Spirit Awards: Show appreciation for Southern California's Japanese American leaders and friends on Wednesday, August 16, from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. at the Omni Hotel.

Nisei Week Plaza Festival & Beer Garden: On August 19 & 20, from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., head to the JACCC Plaza for live music, captivating performances, Japanese delicacies, and more, in collaboration with the Japanese American Cultural & Community Center.

Nisei Week Taiko Gathering: Experience the captivating art of Taiko drumming by Southern California groups on Sunday, August 20, from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. at JACCC Plaza.

Nisei Week Closing Ceremony and Ondo: Join the vibrant Japanese tradition of street dancing with live entertainment to conclude the festival on Sunday, August 20, from 5 - 8 p.m.

Mark your calendars and be a part of this extraordinary celebration of Japanese heritage and culture. For more details and updates, visit NiseiWeek.org. To explore the charming world of Little Tokyo, check out LittleTokyoLA.org/GoLittleTokyo.

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Discover a Month of Art, Music, and Community at Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens

08.09.23

Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens, renowned as the premier cultural hub for arts and culture in San Clemente, is excited to introduce an exciting array of events and series set to grace its calendar in the upcoming month of August. Following a period of temporary closures and limited programming, Casa Romantica is thrilled to welcome back its patrons with a diverse and captivating lineup of events that pay homage to art, music, and the vibrant heritage of the local community.

Throughout the entire month of August, Casa Romantica is set to host an engaging series of experiences and special occasions suitable for individuals of all ages. 

Every Tuesday until August 29th from 5-8 p.m., guests can revel in the mesmerizing beauty of the sunset while indulging in wine and snacks on the newly reopened West Terrace, part of the Twilight Tuesdays series. Admission for adults is priced at $5, with children aged 12 and below enjoying free entry. Moreover, every Wednesday at 10:30 a.m., parents can bring their toddlers for an enriching experience of FREE Weekly Storytime sessions. These sessions include exploration of Casa's gardens, joyful singing, and dancing, as well as enchanting book readings led by dedicated Casa volunteers.

Art enthusiasts can immerse themselves in an extraordinary blend of historical masterpieces from the Boseker Family Art Collection, presented alongside contemporary creations by the acclaimed artist Rick J. Delanty. This stunning exhibition is showcased at Casa's Art Gallery until September 3rd, and access to the gallery is seamlessly included in the admission fee.

Show your support for San Clemente's historical gem on August 31st by dining in at California Pizza Kitchen, Laguna Niguel, where an impressive 20% of the sales for the day will be generously donated to Casa's Building Hope, Preserving History campaign.

August is also set to feature a robust lineup of Coffee Concerts in partnership with High Tide Coffee, with the main event scheduled for August 18th.

Introducing the exciting new College Dance Program, slated to debut from Monday to Wednesday, August 21-23, from 4-7 PM each night. This exceptional three-day program is a collaborative effort involving six esteemed higher education institutions. Its purpose is to prepare teenage students for the world of dance education, offer insights into potential careers in the arts, and provide a pathway to explore various opportunities. The program boasts masterclasses conducted by esteemed faculty from renowned Southern California colleges, Q&A sessions offering valuable information about specific dance programs, and a wealth of resources to aid in school applications and auditions.

In partnership with Los Molinos Beer, attendees can look forward to a night of dance and music under the stars in Casa Romantica’s Courtyard during Casa Vibes: Gal Musette, scheduled for August 10th at 7 p.m. On August 24th at 7 p.m., in collaboration with Jimmy John’s and Artifex Brewing Company, guests can enjoy an evening of musical delight as they groove to the rhythms of the Premier 80s live music experience, Pop Gun Rerun. Expect an electrifying performance featuring all your favorite hits from iconic artists such as Bon Jovi, Journey, Pat Benatar, and more.

Casa Romantica, cherished as a hub for diverse cultural experiences, has thoughtfully curated an exceptional program catering to individuals of varying ages and interests. This summer's lineup of events and series is set to captivate and inspire visitors, fostering a strong sense of creativity, community, and connection.

For those interested in delving deeper into Casa Romantica's rich cultural offerings, exploring the estate's history, or planning a memorable visit, please visit CasaRomantica.org. 

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