Okinawan Performing Arts Concert: "Utayabira, Wuduyabira" (Let's Sing, Let's Dance)

Date: May 18, 2025

Time: 2 p.m.

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Let’s sing and dance! Okinawan concert in Torrance

On Sunday, May 18th, 2:00 p.m., the Okinawa Association of America (OAA) will bring the sights, sounds, and spirit of the Ryūkyū Islands to the James R. Armstrong Theatre in Torrance, CA. Ticket request: tinyurl.com/utayabira25. $30 general admission (doors open at 1:30).

Titled Utayabira, Wuduyabira – which means "let's sing, let's dance" in Uchinaaguchi (one of the native Okinawan languages) – this biennial concert is one of the only recurring events in Los Angeles that focuses on the performing arts of Okinawa.

Utayabira is also one of the rare opportunities in Los Angeles to see Ryūkyūan performing arts in a theatre setting. The opening numbers are set against a grand image of Shuri Castle – the central headquarters of the former Ryūkyū Kingdom – while other performances utilize the theatre’s beautiful lighting and backdrops.

The central instruments will be the sanshin, kutu, and deeku. The sanshin is a 3-stringed lute that is commonly recognized for its snakeskin covering. The kutu (“koto” in Japanese) is a 13-stringed zither with a calming harp-like sound. The deeku (“taiko” in Japanese) are drums used in various styles of music, from classical and folk performances to the dynamic modern dances of the Ryukyukoku Matsuri Daiko group. The rustic tones of these ancient instruments along with the dancers’ splendid costumes perfectly capture the essence of Okinawa’s scenery: its lush forests, vast farmlands, and gorgeous blue waters.

Most traditional songs are written and sung in the indigenous Ryūkyūan languages, which have been designated as "definitely" and "severely" endangered by UNESCO. While the majority of native speakers in Okinawa are seniors, there are language revitalization efforts in and outside of Okinawa.

Utayabira is organized by the OAA’s Geinō-bu (Performing Arts Committee), a group that was formed by Okinawan immigrants who wished to perpetuate the traditional performing arts for future generations. Even though Okinawan performances in Los Angeles date back to the early 1900s, this official group was formed in 1987 and united over 20 groups and schools at the time.

Featuring master instructors, longtime practitioners, and students from across California, this will be Geinō-bu’s first concert since 2019. 2025 also marks milestones for a number of member groups: the Tamagusuku Ryu Kansen Atae no Kai dance group’s 40th anniversary and Ryukyukoku Matsuri Daiko Los Angeles Branch’s 30th anniversary. It’s also the 85th anniversary of the Ryukyu Sokyoku Koyo Kai koto group in Okinawa (their Los Angeles branch is part of Geinō-bu).

The James R. Armstrong Theatre is located at 3330 Civic Center Drive, Torrance, CA 90503. Doors open at 1:30 and seating is first come, first served. Ticket request: tinyurl.com/utayabira25. If there are remaining tickets, they will be sold at the door from 1 to 2 p.m.

The Okinawa Association of America, Inc. (OAA) is an award-winning 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that is dedicated to preserving, promoting, and perpetuating Okinawan culture in the greater Los Angeles area. Formed by first generation immigrants (issei) over a century ago, the OAA has grown into a multi-generational organization that hosts numerous events throughout the year including cultural presentations, performances, and senior-focused activities. The OAA's decades of service have garnered accolades including the 2025 Community Organization Recognition Award (Japanese Chamber of Commerce of Southern California), 2023 California Nonprofit of the Year (nominated by Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi, 66th District) and 2019 Frances K. Hashimoto Community Service Award (Nisei Week Foundation). OAA leaders have also been recognized by the Okinawa Prefectural Government as Overseas Goodwill Ambassadors and Next Generation Representatives. For updates, please visit oaamensore.org or follow @oaamensore on Facebook and Instagram.

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