I had an amazing weekend exploring the city with the kids. Yesterday, we were in Brooklyn for a going away party (a long time friend is leaving for LA… Boo Hoo). The gathering was on Eastern Parkway just across from the magnificent Brooklyn Museum (and Japanese Garden) I was carrying a wooden shakuhachi around as I try to play as much as possible. It turned out that yesterday was quite eventful and I didn’t get a chance to play most of the day (not even on the subway platforms). But, when we exited and felt the amazing weather, we took the opportunity to soak up some of the rays before going indoors for the party. We saw an ice cream truck so the kids got to have a treat. As they ran in front of the museum, I found my moment to play. There were tons of kids screaming and yelling so the only piece found applicable to the moment was Kumoijishi (translated loosely as Lions in the Clouds). Soon after I began to play, I found a trail of children following me around. What a treat it is to have a captive audience! But, I also felt a little nostalgic as I used to visit and take lessons wtih Brian Tairaku Ritchie who lived just down the street.

It’s Monday, back to the work bench!

[ Read full blog entry ]

Welcome to the home of New York City artist, Perry Yung. In 2002, I received support by both the American and Japanese governments to specifically study shakuhachi making and playing in Japan. I received combined grants from the Japan-US Friendship Commission, National Endowment for the Arts and the International House in Tokyo that enabled me to travel throughout Japan to meet with both Zen and modern shakuhachi makers and master players. I was introduced to my main shakuhachi making and playing sensei, Kinya Sogawa, through my NYC shakuhachi teacher, Ralph Samuelson. Before I embarked on my journey to Japan, I had been performing on the shakuhachi in experimental theater productions internationally with La MaMa E.T.C. What I discovered in Japan was utterly fantastic and beyond the scope of an introduction. It would be both a privilege and honor to share that experience with you and encourage any questions what so ever. This unique flute is shrouded in the mysteries of ancient folklore and much of the information on the internet is a little muddy. My Blog would a great place to start your explorations with a solid foundation.

[ Read more about Perry Yung ]