Tongva Park’s Family Saturdays in June, July and August
June 27, 2016 12:56 PM
SANTA MONICA, Calif. — Tongva Park’s Family Saturdays continue throughout the summer, featuring a performance of ancient music of the Americas in June, the traditional Japanese art of taiko drumming in July, and August’s “Family Dance Jam”, an inter-generational movement workshop designed for all ages.
On Saturday, June 25th, from 10am – 12pm, families are invited to watch and participate in Music of the Ancient Americas with Martin Espino. Martin is one of the world’s foremost experts in this rich culture, performing for over 45 years and crafting more than 60,000 instruments stemming from the tradition. This event will include a performance by Martin, as well as a show-and-tell experience in which the audience can play the musical instruments and learn traditional stories.
On Saturday, July 23rd, from 10am — 12pm, come to Tongva Park for a demonstration and workshop of taiko drumming, one of Japan’s oldest and most revered musical traditions. Performers from the Taiko Center of L.A. will be playing traditional taiko music and sharing insights about the history and cultural significance of this ancient art. The audience will also be invited to participate in a taiko workshop and play these beautiful drums themselves, culminating in an interactive performance with both musicians and audience.
On Saturday, August 27th, from 10am – 12pm, the “Family Dance Jam” comes to Tongva Park. Featuring two 45 minute sets, the “Family Dance Jam” is an inter-generational movement workshop designed for people of all ages, incorporating both open play and directed experience, ensuring that each participant and family gets their own unique dance party. Sadubas, a DJ duo that combines recorded music with live drums, will provide the soundtrack, and the “Family Dance Jam” team of dancers will be there to help create an environment of fun and creativity. This is an event that is guaranteed to provide a good time for all family members, both big and small.
Media Advisory:
Tongva Park Family Saturdays in June, July, and August
What: Tongva Park’s Family Saturdays continue throughout the summer and feature Music of the Ancient Americas in June, traditional Japanese taiko drumming in July, and a Family Dance Jam in August.
When:
Saturday, June 25, 2016, 10am – 12pm – Music of the Ancient Americas
Saturday, July 23, 2016, 10am – 12pm – Japanese taiko drumming
Saturday, August 27, 2016, 10am and 11 am – Family Dance Jam
Where: Tongva Park, 1615 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA 90401
Cost: This event is free and open to the public.
Getting there: Tongva Park is centrally-located in Santa Monica's Civic Center and is easily accessible by foot, bike, bus, or the new light rail Expo Line.
By train: Metro’s new Expo Line terminates at 4th St. & Colorado Ave. in downtown Santa Monica, one-and-a-half blocks from Tongva Park.
By bike: Ample bike parking is located near each park entrance (Ocean Avenue, Main Street, and Olympic Boulevard).
By bus: Several Metro and Big Blue Bus lines have stops adjacent to the park.
By car: Limited metered street parking is available. Parking is also available at the Civic Center Parking Structure (333 Civic Center Drive, enter off Fourth Street) - the first 30 minutes are free, $1 for each additional hour, up to a maximum of $5/day.
More Info: For updated information on the programming, visit smgov.net/tongvapark/events
ABOUT THE CULTURAL AFFAIRS DIVISION
The Santa Monica Cultural Affairs Division brings the City’s art scene to life for residents and visitors each year by supporting engaging and accessible cultural events for all ages throughout the year. Cultural Affairs nurtures local arts organizations, promotes artist involvement in the community, manages the landmark Santa Monica Civic Auditorium and presents and produces innovative programs citywide at the Annenberg Community Beach House, the historic Miles Playhouse, Camera Obscura Art Lab and in the city’s parks, enriching Santa Monica’s reputation as an international cultural destination. For more info visit smgov.net/arts.
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High-res images available upon request
Media Contact
Allison Ostrovsky
Cultural Affairs Supervisor
Allison.Ostrovsky@SMGOV.NET