Join the Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation (SBTHP) for a fun-filled celebration of Santa Barbara’s Asian American heritage during “Presidio Pastimes” on Saturday, October 12 from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM at El Presidio de Santa Bárbara State Historic Park.  This free family day offers visitors of all ages a chance to celebrate the history and culture of the Asian communities that once occupied the area in and around the Santa Barbara Presidio. 

 

Enjoy the opportunity to try origami, the Japanese art of paper folding.  Learn about the ancient art of calligraphy and Chinese brush painting. See bonsai and try your hand at children’s crafts. Various performers will demonstrate their art throughout the day (see Performance Highlights.)

 

On exhibit in the historic Canedo Adobe at El Presidio de Santa Bárbara State Historic Park: Nihonmachi Revisited:  Santa Barbara's Japanese American Community in Transition, 1900-1950.

 

Performance Highlights

 

12:15 p.m. – Dragon Dance Group from the Santa Barbara Chinese American Association.  The dragon dance is a highlight of Chinese New Year celebrations and an important part of festive occasions.  Performing in a dragon dance team incorporates several elements and skills - combining the training and mentality of a sports team with the stagecraft and flair of a performing arts troupe.

 

 1:45 p.m. – Sino West Performing Arts – Chinese Dance and Martial Arts.  Dragon Sun and Vicki Wang will amaze you with their power, strength, grace and beauty.  Together with their students from this Goleta dance and kung fu studio, they will perform choreographed dances and demonstrate martial arts.

 

 

2:45 p.m. – Japanese Folk Dance, Tanko Bushi, directed by Roberta Cook. Learn the steps to a traditional Japanese folk dance, Tanko Bushi with community members and friends.  Often referred to as the "Coal Miner's Dance," this dance is popular at the Obon festivals held during the summer months. Come join the fun!

 

3:00 p.m.  – Taiko Drumming performed by Togen Daiko of Oxnard

Togen Daiko, a Buddhist taiko group based out of the Oxnard Buddhist Temple, will be giving a heart-pounding performance of the taiko. This group embodies a "Buddhist Taiko" style.

 

 

Other entertainment will consist of martial arts demonstrations, UCSB's Kapatirang Pilipino's performance of Filipino dance, shakuhachi flute music, Hua Sheng Chorus, and UCSB's Iaorana Te Otea performance of Polynesian dances.

 

Food available for sale includes fresh sushi from Studio Nihon and Ayurvedic Indian food by Nimita’s Cuisine.

 

Visit the used book sale and support the Presidio Research Center. Used books for sale include a variety of hardbacks, paperbacks, fiction, and non-fiction; SBTHP is collecting book donations. Books may be dropped off at the Presidio Visitor Center at 123 East Canon Perdido Street.

 

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CALENDAR LISTING

 

Presidio Pastimes: Santa Barbara Presidio’s Asian American Neighborhood

Saturday, October 12, 2013

11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

El Presidio de Santa Bárbara State Historic Park

123 East Canon Perdido Street, Santa Barbara, CA

FREE Admission

For more information: (805) 965-0093