Join us for our annual Bon Fest at NEWCITY in Chicago on Saturday, August 17th, 2024
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BON FEST
Saturday, August 17th
8pm - 10:00pm
NEWCITY, Chicago
The Japanese Art Foundation and Culture Center in partnership with NEWCITY, Shubukai and Tsukasa Taiko from Asian Improv aRts Midwest invites you to the 4th annual BON Fest Chicago. Join us Saturday, August 17th at 8:00pm for taiko drumming, bon odori dancing, and festivities at a new location this year, NEWCITY! Come experience a traditional Japanese summer festival here in Chicago!
An Obon Matsuri / Bon Festival is traditionally held in the peak heat of summer when space between the natural and the supernatural world is thinnest. This is a time when individuals come together to remember ancestors and those lost as a community. As we continue to process the tremendous loss from the COVID-19 pandemic, we welcome our community to come together through the arts. Traditionally, Bon Odori dancing is performed by those in attendance to welcome spirits, though each community and region has their own style of dance and music.
Curious what a Bon Fest and Bon Odori dancing is all about? You can peek at 2021 year’s virtual BON Fest HERE!
Shubukai is honored to collaborate with Kimiei Fujima Sensei from Shizuoka, Japan and Ageha Bijo Sensei from the Nihon Bon Odori Association to provide seven Bon Odori for the 202４ Bon Fest Chicago will be on Saturday August 17, open from 7PM, Dancing from 8:30pm at the NEW location: NEW CITY Shopping Mall (1457 N. Halsted St., Chicago, IL 60642). The dances planned for this year are: Shizuoka Meguri, Shizuoka Ondo, Tanko Bushi, Tokyo Ondo, Sado Okesa, Zundoko Bushi, Hanagasa Ondo, and Maruchan no Shizuoka Ondo.
Bon Odori Dance Class Schedule
In collaboration with the Japanese Culture Center, Shubukai, Kimiei Fujima Sensei from Shizuoka, Japan and Ageha Bijou Sensei from the Nihon Bon Odori Association, we are able to to provide a series of Bon Odori classes at the various locations listed below.
The dances planned for this year are: Shizuoka Meguri, Shizuoka Ondo, Tanko Bushi, Tokyo Ondo, Sado Okesa, Zundoko Bushi, Hanagasa Ondo, and Maruchan’s Shizuoka Ondo.
Bon Odori is made for people to come together to honor their ancestors, express their joy, respect, and feeling of community; to feel a connection with their ancestors and with everyone. One does not have to be a professional dancer, the dances are simple and fun.
Join the in person class and learn with Yoshinojo Fujima of Shubukai!
Each lesson will focus on two or three dances.
Please make sure to wear comfortable clothing; Yukata is not required.
Classes will be held at the following locations:
Wed July 31 from 7-8pm
Wed Aug 14. from 7-8pm
Saturday Aug. 10 1-2:30pm
Thurs Aug 1 from 7-8 pm
Thurs Aug 8 from 7-8 pm
Thurs Aug 15 from 7-8pm
*date and time subject to change*