SAWAGI! Boulder Artists Raise a Ruckus to Bring Clean Water
to Japanese Earthquake Victims

What: SAWAGI! Silent Auction and Performance: SAWAGI! Raising a Ruckus for Japan
Date: Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Time: 5:30 p.m. Japanese Cuisine Buffet and Silent Auction, 7:00 p.m. Musical Drama Performance
Venue: Naropa University, Nalanda Events Center, 6287 Arapahoe Avenue, Boulder
Why: To raise awareness and funds for clean water for Japan earthquake victims

More info: www.naropa.edu/japanbenefit

BOULDER, Colo. (April 18, 2011)—Naropa University presents “SAWAGI! Raising a Ruckus for Japan,” a silent auction and original musical drama performance to send clean drinking water from Boulder to Japan’s earthquake victims, as well as a message of inspirational hope. SAWAGI! (rhymes with “a froggy!”) will be take place on Tuesday, April 26, 2011, 5:30 p.m. at Naropa University, Nalanda Events Center, 6287 Arapahoe Avenue, Boulder, Colorado.

On March 11, 2011, the biggest earthquake in Japanese history hit the Tohoku region, leaving nearly 30,000 missing or dead. Six weeks later, thousands are still living in disaster evacuation centers, and with an estimated one million people who have permanently lost their homes. The earthquake and ensuing tsunami decimated Japan’s infrastructure for clean drinking water production and delivery, as well as tainted water purity due to radiation leaks from nuclear energy plants damaged in the event. Clean water is needed, especially for babies and children. With cooperation from Boulder County’s Eldorado Springs Natural Water (providing water at cost), and Yusen Logistics (America) Inc.(providing land transport at cost), plus transpacific shipping provided free, the event will raise funds to deliver 15–20 shipping containers (15,600 liters/container) of bottled water directly to earthquake-stricken communities in the Tohoku Region of Japan. With a fundraising goal of $100,000, donations will are being solicited both locally and nationally with 100% of the proceeds directed towards the purchase and delivery of clean water to Japan’s earthquake victims. The event, spearheaded by David Wheeler (Kansuke II), will include performances by prominent world music Boulder artists, including the bands Shrefé (Greek/Balkan) and Ginga (Brazilian), Ty Burhoe (tablas), Yoko Hiraoka (Japanese strings and voice), as well as an original musical drama in the style of Japan’s classical Noh Theater by international Shakuhachi master Kansuke II (David Wheeler) and co-directed by international actor/director Ami Dayan.

In David Wheeler’s (Kansuke II) Noh play, a traveling priest sets the scene and by the very act of his journey, and brings the audience along as he narrates his experience. This traveler/priest becomes an "emcee in character." In SAWAGI!, the priest is on a pilgrimage to pray at the local temples for natural disaster-stricken souls of the region. The priest meets locals who turn out to be the spirits, in human form, of the cultures and natural beauty of northeastern Japan. In a dream, they reappear to "play out their tales." SAWAGI! incorporates dragons and other Kami (spirits), and historic tales and legends, all represented by the world's many musical styles and musicians.

Suggested donations are $35/$20 (students). More information can be found at www.naropa.edu/japanbenefit. Boulder Community Media will accept nonprofit donations either online or by check. Checks should be made to BPM, with SAWAGI! in the memo line, and sent to Boulder Community Media, 1906 13th St. Suite 101, Boulder Colorado 80306.

Naropa University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Naropa University is a private, nonprofit, nonsectarian liberal arts institution dedicated to advancing contemplative education. This approach to learning integrates the best of Eastern and Western educational traditions, helping students know themselves more deeply and engage constructively with others. The university comprises a four-year undergraduate college and graduate programs in the arts, education, environmental leadership, psychology and religious studies.

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