A musical pilgrimage across Japan. With every sip, feel a direct connection to each place, while enjoying MK's tales and enchanting shamisen melodies.
SHAMISEN STORYTELLING AND TEA
Saturday March 23, 17:00-18:00
By MK（Shamisen ）
Performance & Tea + vegan pairing 3,500円
Bookings
MEETUP: https://www.meetup.com/music-and-arts-events-at-kyoto-mandaracha-tea-house/events/299484367/
By phone: 075-283-3283
By email: info@mandaracha.com
This is the first time MK will perform live at Mandaracha.
Back in 2020, MK made a 2000km 3-year journey by foot, from Kamakura to Yakushima. He stopped in many places along the way, met people, participated in numerous adventures and composed new melodies with his shamisen.
He will share some of those stories as well as his enchanting music. You will be accompanied by a selection of Japanese tea and vegan pairing, respecting the old shoujin tradition of plant-based.
This unique type of event diving into the Japanese culture combining music and tea is a first and the beginning of many.
BIOGRAPHY OF THE ARTIST
MK's professional journey is a fascinating fusion of diverse musical genres and cultural experiences. Starting as a guitarist in a Slovak Punk rock band, MK's journey took him to Australia, where he transitioned to become a bass guitarist in an Aussie pop-rock ensemble. Continuing his musical exploration, MK immersed himself in piano studies and pursued advanced musical education, specialising in classical music and composition, at CIT University in Cork, Ireland.
A pivotal moment in MK's career occurred when he received a Shamisen as a gift from a craftsman in Japan, redirecting his musical trajectory. Subsequently, MK graduated with a master's degree in Ethnomusicology at UCC, Ireland, with a focus on Tsugaru Shamisen and a groundbreaking project titled "CREATIVE TRADITION."
Under the tutelage of Tsugaru shamisen master Kojin Sasakawa, MK refined his skills, earning recognition for his innovative Tsugaru shamisen style at the Hirosaki city competition. MK's musical pursuits extend beyond a singular style, as he explores various Shamisen traditions, including Nagauta, Jiuta, Gidayu, Minyou, and more.
Additionally, MK delves into the music of other cultures, with a particular focus on India. Having travelled extensively and performed throughout India with accomplished musicians, MK conducts research to adapt Indian music to the unique realm of the shamisen. The pinnacle of his career included a collaboration with Grammy award-winning South Indian Ghatam artist Vikku Vinayakram in Chennai, India, in 2019.
In 2019, MK embarked on The Jugalbandi tour across Europe with Indian percussionist Tansen Shrivastava, showcasing their talents in Slovakia, Czech Republic, France, and Holland.
From 2020 to 2023, MK undertook a remarkable 3-year walking music pilgrimage across Japan, titled FOLLOWING PILGRIMAGE STEPS OF ANCIENT JAPAN, covering over 2000 kilometres on foot.
The mission aimed to spread the magic of Shamisen music and Shishimai dance, build connections, conduct research, and revive Japan's ancient culture.
In 2023, MK returned to India and performed at a prestigious stage with the well-known fusion band “TaalTantra” and its leader Tanmoy Bose, in the Indian cultural capital, Kolkata.
Currently residing in Kyoto, MK dedicates his time to in-depth research on Japanese traditional art and culture. He actively participates in events, workshops, and cultural activities while working on recording his debut album, Seven Lucky Gods, reflecting his recent journey across Japan. Influenced by encounters, diverse stories, cultural events, and ancient Japanese knowledge, MK strives for distinctive musical expressions. Rooted in tradition, his focus is on authenticity. Additionally, he actively contributes by writing numerous articles and texts, sharing his
experiences and acquired knowledge to inspire the preservation and revitalization of culture. MK's journey reflects a deep commitment to musical exploration, cultural exchange, and the revival of ancient traditions, making him a unique and influential figure in the world of music.
MK Ethnopunk page: www.ethnopunk.org