Playing Auld Lang Syne on Barrington Beach, RI, 5:06pm. Dec. 31, 2011

Click on the arrow to play the tune. (Played on Earth Model 1.8.)

Hello dear friends, as we close 2011, I’d like to share with you some of thoughts that cross my mind, and guide my hand. As many of you know, I have two careers, one as a performing artist of the stage and the other as a shakuhachi craftsman. (The full time job of being a supportive partner and father is a whole other thing!) I am always thankful and grateful that some find me talented enough to hire me to perform in their plays, musicals and performance art pieces. I have been in New York City for over twenty years practicing art in various forms and I am the first to understand that much of what amounts to success can often be attributed to luck - meeting the right people at the right time etc… I can say with all honestly that I am somewhat lucky to be a working artist in New York City, a city that is boundless in what it offers, but yet can reap more than what an individual can give. I was lucky that I managed to become part of a wonderful, supportive theatre community, a group of people who give more than take. Most performers do it for the love of the stage or the craft, but underneath the lights the greater reward, for me, is the sense of community that is created. (You gotta love people to be in the theatre business). They remind me that we are happiest when we are part of a community with a shared goal. And because of them, I bring this sense of community to my workbench where I am usually alone when crafting and repairing flutes. I can not physically feel most of my shakuhachi friends in the same way since we are spread all over the world, but I know in my heart that we are all striving for the same thing. I may be wrong, but I think this is called peace. So, my message at the end of 2011 is to say a sincere, “Thank you”. Thank you for your support, comments, suggestions and for listening. And, a special thank you to those who have joined me in support of UNICEF. Many of you know that a portion of every shakuhachi I sell on eBay goes to UNICEF to help the world’s neediest children. Here is one such live auction: http://www.ebay.com/itm/2-0-DAILY-ZEN-SHAKUHACHI-BAMBOO-FLUTE-PERRY-YUNG-UNICEF-SPECIAL-DONATION-100-/140671809650?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item20c0b17872

100% of this auction goes to UNICEF. Thank you for joining me in helping to make the world a better place.

These Japanese Madake pieces are from my friend in Japan. Soon, these will be in my shop.
Aside from some repairs such as this one:

I have a bit of commissions I intend to finish soon. 2012 is going to be filled with the usual challenges and I can’t wait to learn and grow from them all.

May you and your family have a healthy, safe and joyous 2012.

A deep bow, Perry