On September 14, Japanese musicians Kaoru Watanabe (flute and taiko practitioner) and Yumi Kurosawa (koto expert) joined with iconic local artists Earl Brooks ( pannist) and Sharda Patasar (sitarist), along with talented accompanying musicians Avianne Callendar (Rhythm guitarist), Tinika Davis (congas player) and Chris Ras Cas (box bass player), to create a historic evening of musical fusion at the National Academy for the Performing Arts. This event was hosted by the Embassy of Japan in colloboration with the Japan Foundation.
The evening's performance began with a dramatic entrance by Watanabe on the flute, which led to a duet with Kurosawa. Both artists introduced themselves and their instruments. Watanabe then invited a few audience members to participate in a drumming exercise, which was conducted by the audience. The local artists were then invited onstage to showcase the melodies of Trinidad and Tobago. Popular pieces such as the chart topping "Sukiyaki" by Kyu Sakamoto and "Ole lady walk a mile" by the Late Lord Kitchener were featured.
In closing, Watanabe challenged the group to prodcue an impromptu piece which was led by box bass player Chris Ras Cas. This performance received the most resounding applause of the evening from the audience.
(Above: Yumi Kurosawa describes the Koto instrument to the audience. Holding the instrument is Kaoru Watanabe)
(Above: an overwhelming attendance at Theatre One, NAPA)
(Above: members of the audience participating in the drumming exercise)
(Above: Local and Japanese musicians on stage (from left to right) : Chris Ras Cas (box bass), Earl Brooks (pan), Avianne Callendar (rhythm guitar), Yumi Kurosawa (koto), Kaoru Watanabe (flute and taiko expert), Sharda Patasar (sitar) and Tinika Davis (Congas).
The Embassy of Japan wishes to thank the University of Trinidad and Tobago and the Ministry of the Arts and Multiculturalism for merging their ideas with those of the Embassy to create a memorable event.
Embassy of Japan in Trinidad and Tobago 