Eric Wada (left) and Norman Kaneshiro, of Ukwanshin Kabudan, provided the music for a reception held before the October 27 performance of The Cocktail Party. Playing traditional Okinawan music, Ukwanshin Kabudan attempts to foster goodwill and peace through sharing the music and dances of Ryukyu/Okinawa.
The group is under the leadership of Norman (musical director) and Eric (artistic director). Both studied in Okinawa and received their teaching certifications there. Norman currently teaches the Okinawa sanshin class at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, and Eric heads the Hawai‘i chapter of Tamagusuku Ryu Shosetsu Kai.
