On Saturday, March 7, the Watsonville Buddhist Temple is holding a benefit concert performed by the Otonowa Jazz Ensemble. Beneficiaries of this concert include Tohoku region of Japan that includes Fukushima-ken, neighboring prefectures still recovering from the tragic events of 2011, and our Kawakami Watsonville Sister City Association.

Otonowa means, “sound circle”. The group showcases traditional Japanese songs and pop culture through jazz arrangements. This jazz group features drummer Akira Tana and pianist Art Hirahara. Art is a member of the Hirahara family who are prominent in the Nikkei community (are you familiar with the Mas Arai mystery series by Naomi Hirahara?). Pre-sale tickets are available through buddhistt [at] wbtemple.org, at www.wbtemple.org, or through Eventbrite, https://www.eventbrite.com/e/otonowa-jazz-concert-tickets-90033345159.