Shakuhachi Concert with Toji Kaido Perlman and Yodo Kurahashi II

Tuesday, August 12 at 7:00 PM (doors 6:30 PM), 75 minute performance with no intermission

Tickets are available for $20 in advance, $23 at the door, and $30 for preferred seating (pay-what-you-can available)

All Ages

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Kurahashi Yodo II of Kyoto, Japan and Toji Kaido Perlman of Portland, Maine will present an evening that will take the listeners on a journey through Japan’s rich traditions of Shakuhachi flute music.

Shakuhachi is a traditional Japanese end-blown bamboo flute that has been played for over a millenia. It is believed to have been brought to Japan from China in the 7th century. Wandering monks, ronin, musicians, and common folk all shaped and passed down this rich musical tradition. Both primitive and refined; practicing Shakuhachi can become a lifelong journey flowering into peace, self realization and mastery of breath.

It can also be the analogue antidote to digital oversaturation reminding us to simply breathe and listen.

Yodo and Toji Kaido will be playing pieces handed to them from a long line of Shakuhachi masters, focusing on Honkyoku solo music that carries along the spiritual and musical tradition of the wandering Komoso (straw hat monks of the 13th Century) and Komuso of the 17th and 18th centuries. These “monks of nothingness” used the shakuhachi as a religious tool as they wandered the country seeking alms and spiritual transformation. Each piece has its own story that reflects how music has shaped and been shaped by the unique cultures from the different regions of Japan.

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Artist Bios:

YODO KURAHASHI II

Kurahashi Yodo was born in Kyoto, Japan, in 1949. He studied classic shakuhachi music under Kurahashi Yodo 1st (father) and under Matsumura Homei. His first solo recital was in Osaka, Japan, and received the Encouragement Award from the governor and the mayor of Osaka in 1976.

His first solo recital in New York was in 1981. Yodo has played recitals in many North American cities including Boston, Washington DC, Atlanta, Dallas, Denver, San Francisco, and many other cities in the USA, and Canada. His international recitals include Bermuda, France, Belgium, Holland, Switzerland, Israel, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and China. Yodo teaches shakuhachi as the head of the Mujuan School in Kyoto, and spreads his knowledge through annual intensive classes in New York, Philadelphia, Washington DC, Dallas, Toronto, Rochester and Portland(ME). In 2022 he received Japan’s governmental Art Festival Award. In 2024 he was inaugurated as the Chairman of Kyochiku Zenji Commemorate Association of Kyoto Myoanji Temple which is the head temple of the most classical shakuhachi tradition.

https://geelvinck.nl/kunstenaars/yodo-kurahashi/

TOJI KAIDO PERLMAN

Toji Kaido Perlman is a Shihan (Master) Shakuhachi player and teacher from Portland, Maine. A life long ‘Mainer’; Toji was fortunate enough to first study with Phil Nyokai James and then Kurahashi Yodo II. Over the past twenty years Toji has developed a rich sound and thorough understanding of Shakuhachi music that supports his effort to faithfully transmit the tradition, while adding his unique voice and perspective to his performances and teaching practice. He has performed both in Kyoto, Japan and in the United States at various venues and events. This Summer he is performing at the Maine Fungi Fest, the Sea Dog’s Japan Day, and the upcoming Haiku festival held at Wild Graces in New Hampshire.

https://kaidoshakuhachi.org/

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PAY WHAT YOU CAN

No one will be turned away for lack of funds. Please use this online form or contact MSA at 207-879-4629 or info@mayostreetarts.org to take advantage of pay-what-you-can admission.

EVENT PARKING

Free on-street parking is available in Mayo Street Arts’ neighborhood.

There is one paid parking lot conveniently located a six-minute walk from the venue: Top of the Old Port Parking (119 Pearl St, Portland ME 04101)

Mayo Street Arts is accessible by Greater Portland Metro bus routes with nearby transfer points 7, 9A & 9B. Click here to learn more.

ACCESSIBILITY

All performances and most other events held at Mayo Street Arts are wheelchair accessible. There are two accessible spots directly in front of our building, however there is not yet a curb cut out at that location.

If you would benefit from additional information or accommodations, we invite you to contact us at info@mayostreetarts.org or 207-879-4629.

COMMUNITY HEALTH

Audience members — in addition to artists, staff & volunteers — who feel sick or exhibit symptoms of illness should stay home out of respect for others.

SEATING POLICY

We will save your reserved seat until showtime, at which point any unclaimed seats may be offered to other people. Please call our box office at 207-879-4629 if you are running late.

CANCELATION POLICY

MSA has a no refund policy for all reservations. In the event that MSA is forced to cancel an event due to weather, illness, etc., refunds will be offered via the Ticket Tailor platform.