On Sunday, Nov. 24, the Hawai‘i chapters of Azama Honryu Traditional Okinawan Dance School and Nomura Ryu Dento Ongaku Kyokai (Denon), a school of classical Ryukyu music, will present their first concert entitled, “Uchinamun Family Variety Show,” at 2 p.m. at the Hawaii Okinawa Center in Waipahu.
The performance will highlight the Hawai‘i members of Azama Honryu and Nomura Ryu, under the guidance of Allison Yanagi. Other featured performers include: Grandmaster Akemi Azama, Dazzman Toguchi and the Hatoma Family from Ishigaki, Yaeyama.
Akemi is the daughter of the late Sumiko Azama, who is the founder of the Azama Honryu dance school in Okinawa, and was a student of Ryosho Kin, a descendant of the family that provided dance and music performances for the Ryukyuan royal court.
The Hatoma Family, from Ishigaki Island — one of eight islands that make up the Yaeyama Islands of the Okinawa Archipelago — last performed in Hawai‘i in 2013. The group is fronted by Kanako Hatoma, and her father, Takashi Hatoma. Kanako is best known for her albums produced by the famous Sadao China. Kanako’s mother and husband, Chiyoko Hatoma and Shunsuke Hatoma, complete the Hatoma Family. They will provide dance music with the Hawai‘i members and present a minyo live performance as part of the concert.
This variety show will feature an eclectic mix of performers and performances. To purchase ticket, or for more information, call 295-3828 and leave a message, or email uchinamun808@gmail.com.
