Indiana State Fair: "Bridges to Japan" Exhibition

August 6 - 22, 2010

Minyo (Japanese Folk Dance & Song)

Minyo is a genre of traditional Japanese music meaning “folk song” is a term that has only been in use during the twentieth century. Many minyo are connected to forms of work or to specific trades and were originally sung between work or for specific jobs. Other minyo function simply as entertainment, as dance accompaniment, or as components of religious rituals. In Japan, singers who can sing genuine minyo songs are much admired, as minyo songs are very difficult to sing and require great vocal control. Many Japanese feel that minyo music touches their deepest spirit, because it evokes a feeling of nostalgia for real or imagined home towns and family.

Minyo Club of Indianapolis and Indianapolis Minyo Dancers (Chieko Jacobs) will perform some Minyo dances, and Molly Jeon from Bloomington will sing some Minyo songs.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Min%27yo

“Bridges to Japan” at the Indiana State Fair: Performance Times
Dance: Saturday, August 7: 5:00 pm (Indianapolis Minyo Dancers)
Song: Wednesday, August 11: 3:30 pm, 5:30 pm (Jeon)
Song: Thursday, August 12: 11:00 am, 1:30 pm (Jeon)
Dance: Sunday, August 15: 6:00 pm (Minyo Dancers of Indianapolis)