Congratulations to Ron Korb and the staff & volunteers at Toronto’s Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre for presenting a wonderful concert to celebrate sakura season this past Thursday evening. Featuring taiko drummers, dancers and a children’s chorus, the show featured many songs from Ron’s latest album, Global Canvas, as well as traditional music and tunes from Ron’s previous albums.
It was a packed audience in the stunning Kobayashi Hall with several VIPs in attendance including Matsunaga Takeshi – Consul General of Japan, Senator Dr. Vivienne Poy, Bruce Kuwabara QC founding partner of KPMB, Noriko Yamamoto – Executive Director at The Japan Foundation, and numerous media celebs including Ken Stowar Program director of CIUT Radio and host of Global Rhythms, Adi Braun former Classical FM host and current host of Soulscapes, Tom Treumuth – music producer and podcaster, Sonya Davidson of The Toronto Guardian, and Dr. Ed Turgeon, Dean of Music Algoma University with his wife Dr. Anne Louise-Turgeon who make up the classical piano duo Duo Turgeon.
Starting with a charming address by the Consul General of Japan, Matsunaga Takeshi, JCCC Director James Heron then spoke about Ron and the entertainment and activities being held during the Sakura month, then Bruce Kuwabara introduced his cousin, Ron Korb.
The evening started with the thundering power of Kyowa Daiko taiko drummers. Throughout the show, Ron and his band were joined by solo dance artist Atsuko Abeta, and the dance groups Sakura Kai and Ayame Kai, as well as koto and shamisen player Aiko Fujii all of whom were adorned in beautiful kimonos and were featured in several songs to wonderful affect. There was also a traditional geisha song (last video)
So many colourful dancers and haunting tunes….(photos courtesy of Susan Howling)
After the concert, Ron met up with fans to autograph his latest album and pose for pics with friends…
Above, Ron with podcaster and music producer Tom Treumuth, and below Lydia Washchuk and Ken Stower pose with Ron’s poster prior to the concert.
You can follow Ron on social media linked via his website: www.ronkorb.com
Pick-up your CD copy of Ron’s latest album, Global Canvas, on his website or stream via your favourite streaming platform 