Mujitsu and Tairaku's Shakuhachi BBQ

Thanks Damon. Let's wait and see if there are others in the Southeast that are interested. 

I'm hoping that this could be the start of an annual Southeast regional meeting of players and teachers.   

I think there are at least 5 or 6 of us down here in the Southeast.

Last edited by PSTL (2007-06-10 08:23:14)

i started playing shakuhachi while in College in Florida in the late 80's. My parents live in Broward County and i return once or twice a year to visit them; sometimes performing and giving lessons as well

phil

Hi to all!

Though I've played in total solitude (so to speak) for decades, I just thought I'd chime in here.  I just joined this forum the other day. 

Philip, do you remember meeting me at the Rosendale Cafe while I lived in Woodstock?... say around '95 or so?  I really enjoyed that.  Unfortunately, that cafe was pretty noisy!

Anyway, I live centrally to all of you, AND I'm near the beaches where I regularly surf.  This is Brevard County, Florida's "Space Coast." 

I think a Florida get-together sounds like a good idea.  I know there's much I could learn through such an encounter... so let's consider it seriously!

Chris Harazda

yes, Chris, of course i remember meeting you! And i could not get a sound out of your huge hochiku.

phil

Hmm, I thought I had written a post to this thread last week in response to Philip Gelb's post, but I guess it evaporated into the ether somewhere.
I had just gotten home from a surprise lesson with Brian Tairaku, who had just come to town for the weekend and contacted me to see if I would be interested in a lesson (like I would say no?). I had a great time trying to relearn some long lost techniques (thank you once again Tairaku sensei). I also had a chance to see him play one of those huge Taimu's that he so loves (and is built to play). The sound is incredible! He even let me 'attempt' to play this monster - even though it was only a 2.6 - I was almost able to get a very feeble RI out of the thing. The hole spacings are just too far apart for my hands.
I also was fortunate enough to meet Philip Gelb here in Atlanta about 6 years ago when he performed here in town. I don't know if you remember me Philip. I was wondering if you have any plans to get back into this corner of the globe anytime in the future? There seems to be some kind of shakuhachi vaccuum here in "the ATL".
I would be very interested in making an excursion to Gainsville to play with y'all (yes, the yankee said y'all). Please keep me in the loop. Would love to play along with other shakuhachi.
Damon

Thanks Damon, that was a good lesson for me too. I enjoy teaching the far flung people who have no teacher at hand. It's an honor. I hope Phil goes down there and does a workshop for all the people in that area.

Here's another FL player (I am in Gainesville), though I am without a shakuhachi since my son irreparably broke mine.  It was a cheap P.O.S. anyhow (and by cheap, I mean $20!!!).  It is laugable, because (and I can prove it), he is not yet 2 years old, his name is Ronin, and he was wearing a basket on his head when he did it!!!  But, I am saving up for a new one...

Has anyone here gone to visit Veronza Bowers?  If you don't know what I am taking about, he's an incarcerated Black Panther in the Fed. Pen. in Coleman.  He's a shakuhachi Master. You can read about him here: http://www.veronza.org/  He was found guilty, but as a former Public Defender, I can say this:  I am fairly certain that his trial was botched and he was found guilty despite being factually innocent.  That he's been locked up for almost 32 years, has served his sentence in full, and is denied release or parole, is tragic and unjust.

I am eager to find a local instructor once I get my hot little hands on a new shakuhachi. 

Brian

i will be in the southern part of Florida, from jan 24-29. Not able to travel around the state this time as it is mainly a family visit but i am available for lessons during part of my stay. I will be in the western part of broward county

phil