NATIONAL MUSEUM SETS 2008 'SUMMER FESTIVAL' FOR AUGUST 16

The Japanese American National Museum announced the schedule for its free 2008 "Summer Festival on the Courtyard: A New Spin: Past Meets Present" for Saturday, August 16, from 1 to 7 p.m., featuring live performances by TaikoProject, NSU Modern, Kanani Kalama Hula Studio, and Magic Andrew plus a book reading and signing by author Naomi Hirahara of her latest book, 1001 Cranes.

The National Museum has held free festivals in August, usually coinciding with the opening of the Nisei Week Japanese Festival, since the opening of its Pavilion in 1999. Besides the free live performances, the Summer Festival features arts and crafts activities from 1 to 5 p.m. including origami, kite-making and sun prints. There will also be a toddler room for hands-on play for youngsters.

The live stage performances will be held from 5 to 7 p.m., highlighted by TaikoProject, one of the premier taiko (Japanese festival drumming) groups in the United States. An ensemble of some of the most accomplished taiko players in the country, TaikoProject incorporates unconventional and innovative concepts to expand artistic boundaries. The group is committed to preserving taiko as a dynamic element of Japanese American culture and heritage. For more information, go to www.taikoproject.com.

NSU Modern is the first competitive collegiate Nikkei dance group, based out of the Nikkei Student Union of UCLA. The dance team is composed of students who share the same passion for dance, performance, competition, creativity and community. To see video clips of past performances, go to www.myspace.com/nsumodern.

Magic Andrew has made a name for himself at the age of 19, having performed for clients such as Nordstrom and Barnes and Noble. An international award winner, he has developed his own fresh approach to magic. To see video clips of past performances, go to www.MagicbyAndrew.com.

Hirahara, author of the award-winning Mas Arai mystery series and writer of non-fiction books such as An American Son: The Story of George Aratani, Founder of Mikasa and Kenwood, has written a children’s book, 1001 Cranes: A Novel. The book focuses on a young Japanese American girl sent to live with her grandparents and help in the flower shop, where she is asked to help fold origami (paper) cranes, something often done for weddings for good luck. The experience helps the young girl deal with her family problems. Hirahara will read from the book at 4 p.m. and sign copies of her book, which will be released August 12.

Arts and crafts activities include Ruthie’s Origami Corner and origami paper cranes. Participants can make a kite out of everyday materials or use plants to make a sun print. The day also features a free raffle for Japanese American National Museum members. Anyone who joins or renews his or her membership that day will receive a free gift. For more information, call the Japanese American National Museum at (213) 625-0414.