Southern AZ Taiko Showcase at CPAC in Green Valley on September 3

SOUTHERN AZ TAIKO SHOWCASE Wed – Sep 3, 2025 – 7:00pm MST “Japanese ensemble drumming, or taiko, is often described as a musical martial arts team sport. For the first time in its history the North American Taiko Conference will be held in Arizona in September 2025. This gathering of taiko players offers CPAC the opportunity to present taiko and Japanese traditions in music and dance by a variety of visiting artists. Musicians from Sacramento, LA, Minneapolis, and Maui will perform as part of the event.

A free to the public pre-show demonstration will include a mini-obon festival on the patio at 6:30 p.m.. Obon is the most beloved of Japanese festivals. Kay Fukumoto, founder and leader of Maui Taiko, will introduce the song and dance that her family brought to Hawai’s from Fukushima, Japan, and members of the community will have an opportunity to try out the simple dance. Come learn about the roots of taiko and gain a greater appreciation for this historical art form!

Tickets: https://performingartscenter.thundertix.com/events/241180

www.tucsontaiko.org

CPAC (Community Performance & Art Center) is at 1250 W. Continental Rd. in Green Valley.

Kanzashi Hair pin workshop on August 16 at Poppin’ Off Pop Culture Gifts & More (cancelled)

Event by Poppin’ Off Pop Culture Gifts & More

4570 E Broadway, Tucson, AZ, United States, Arizona 85711

Public  · Anyone on or off Facebook

🎀 NEW WORKSHOP ALERT! 🎀
Japanese Kanzashi Hair Pins Workshop
📅 Saturday, August 16th
🕚 11:00 AM
📍 Poppin’ Off Pop Culture Gifts & More – 4570 E. Broadway, Tucson
Dive into the elegant world of traditional Japanese hair accessories with our Kanzashi Hair Pins Workshop! 🌸 Learn to create your own stunning floral hair pins using folding and layering techniques inspired by centuries-old artistry.
✨ Open to all ages
💸 $25 per participant – includes all materials
🖐️ No experience needed – just bring your creativity!
Reserve your space here: https://ticketstripe.com/events/204107489077777
📌 Registration is not required, but recommended to ensure enough supplies are available for everyone.
Spaces are limited, so grab your spot and craft something beautiful you can wear or gift! 

Sumi-e brush painting classes at The Drawing Studio start on August 2 for Fall, 2025

Classes are August 2, Sept. 13 & 27, Oct.18 and Nov. 8

All classes taught by instructor Joy Mills.

“Immerse yourself in the quiet Zen practice of ink brush painting. Sumi-e is an ancient Japanese art used by Buddhist monks as a meditation. It is the tradition of capturing the spirit of simple subjects using a minimal number of brushstrokes. You will be guided step by step in using a bamboo brush, black sumi ink, and rice paper. You do not need to already be an “artist” to do Sumi-e. Just let Sumi-e to allow you discover the artist that’s already been INSIDE of you!”

The Drawing Studio is at 2760 N. Tucson Blvd. Register at www.thedrawingstudiotds.org.

https://thedrawingstudio.scadlr.com/event-gallery

Classes are from 1 to 4 p.m. except last class which is from 9 to 12 noon.

Mega Mania returns to PCC Downtown on July 19

“It’s almost time for MegaMania!

Our annual all-ages, FREE summer festival of cosplay, gaming, crafts, local authors and artists, and all-around geekery!!

This event will take place Saturday, July 19th from noon to 4 pm at Pima Community College Downtown Campus (1255 N Stone Ave).

A full list of this year’s MegaMania events can be found here:

https://pima.bibliocommons.com/v2/events?q=MegaMania