The public is invited to attend all events. Unless otherwise stated, there is no charge for admission. Dates and times are subject to change, and some events are weather contingent. Call the Black Ships Festival Office, 28 Pelham St., Newport, RI 02840, (401) 846-2720. Tickets also available at the Gateway Center, Music Box, and MWR Ticket Connection.
Please Check Daily For Schedule Updates & Additions
THURSDAY, JULY 17
Sailing, Sake & Sumo Sushi I
4:00PM to 6:00PM • GOAT ISLAND MARINA
Sail aboard one of the magnificent Tall Ships, the 101' Schooner Aurora. View Newport Harbor as you sip sake from Gekkeikan and sample sushi from Newport's Sumo Sushi. Space is limited to 78 people. A sellout every year! Sponsored by IDC, The Newport Experience. $30 per person in advance and $35 day of the event (if available). For tickets, call (401) 846-2720.
Japanese Tea Tasting
5:00PM to 6:00PM • BRICK MARKET
Presented by Tea on Thames. Elegant Tea Room with Tea Sandwiches, Fine Pastries and Gifts. (401) 845-8327.
Navy Northeast Band Salutes Black Ships
6:00PM • BRICK MARKET
The band will be sure entertainment as they play a wide variety of music such as; marches, swing, big band jazz and patriotic music. (Weather Permitting)
Open House at the Newport Aikikai
7:15PM to 8:45PM • 741 EAST MAIN ROAD
Open house featuring an advanced training session.
Friday, July 18
Festival Opening Ceremonies
10:30AM • TOURO PARK, BELLEVUE AVENUE
Colorful ceremonies to commemorate Newport's native son, Commodore Matthew C. Perry, and the signing of the Treaty of Kanagawa, which opened trade between Japan and the United States. Wreath-laying at Commodore Perry's statue and speeches by American and Japanese dignitaries. Navy color guard and band . Newport Artillery Co. will fire cannon salutes.
Sumo Wrestlers Meet & Greet
2:00PM to 3:00PM • BRICKET MARKET
Meet two huge, powerful athletes, Manny Yarbrough and Alex Vega. Manny Yarbrough holds the Guinness Book of World Record's World's largest athlete as seen on David Letterman, Conan , Regis & Kelly and Jay Leno.
Sushi Demonstrations with Sushi-Go
5:00PM • SUSHI-GO AT BRICK MARKET
Informative demonstration on the history and preparation of sushi. "2005 Winner RI Monthly's Best of RI"
Governors' Black Ships Festival Gala
6:30PM • ISLAND HOUSE AT BELLE MER, GOAT ISLAND, NEWPORT, RI
Celebrate the 25th Annual Black Ships Festival and the 50th Anniversary of the Sister City relationship between Newport and Shimoda. Step onto the elegant grounds of Belle Mer on Goat Island, an exquisite location, over looking Newport Harbor for a formal gala honoring the signing of the Treaty of Kanagawa . Enjoy a unique evening that fuses both Japanese and American culture. The Gala includes music, dancing, a Martini Bar, an Open Bar, and delectable food . Begin the evening with the breaking of the Ceremonial Sake Drum filled with Gekkeikan Sake followed by a special performance from, Epcot Center's Taiko Drummers, Matsuriza and a lighted kite display. $150 per person, Black Tie/Kimonos. For tickets, call (401) 846-2720. Presented by Toray Plastics America.
RIIFF Presents The Classic World of Japanese Film
6:30PM to 9:30PM • CCRI, Newport County Campus, One John H. Chafee Blvd, Newport
Japanese films have inspired and influenced American filmmakers from George Lucas, Francis Ford Coppola to Steven Speilberg. Tonight’s screening is a rarely seen gem that played during the first Japanese Film Festival 25 years ago.
Saturday, July 19
RIIFF Presents New Directions in Japanese Cinema
10:00 AM to 4:00 PM • CCRI, Newport County Campus, One John H. Chafee Blvd., Newport
Cutting-edge films scheduled for the 2008 Rhode Island International Film Festival, are given a "First Look" advance screening
Japanese Tea Tasting
11:00AM to 5:00PM • BRICK MARKET
Presented by Tea on Thames. Elegant Tea Room with Tea Sandwiches, Fine Pastries and Gifts. (401) 845-8327.
RIIFF Presents Japanese Anime Festival
7:30PM • The Shorebreak, Pier Cinema, 3 Beach St, Narragansett, RI
This art of Japanese movie and television animation, which often has a science fiction theme, has gained huge popularity in the United States. Tonight it is given a special showcase featuring some classic and modern examples of the genre. $10; $8 for seniors/students and RIIFF members
10:00AM to 4:00PM • Touro Park
Touro Park on Bellevue Avenue is transformed into a Japanese-American Cultural Center, featuring demonstrations, workshops, and displays.
Aikido Demonstration
10:00AM to 12:00PM • LAWN
Newport Aikikai welcomes you for on-going demonstrations of the modern martial art of Aikido. Aikido blends mind, body and spirit. Reflexive in nature, it is a non-violent martial art that is ethically linked to defense against an unprovoked attack. Aikido teaches people sincerity and compassion, and helps a person to realize their own potential as a human being.
Reiho no Ken, Etiquette of the Sword
10:30AM
Join us for a workshop on the etiquette used by practitioners of Japanese Samurai Sword arts. This will be an enjoyable and eye opening workshop for students of all ages and skill levels, conducted by the instructors from the Jinenkan Yasuragi Dojo, New York.
Calligraphy Workshop for Children
10:00AM to 4:00PM • JAPAN LANGUAGE & CULTURE CENTER TENT
Learn the art of calligraphy. Kids will enjoy learning to fold paper to make simple objects and animals.
Origami Workshop
10:00AM to 4:00PM • JAPAN LANGUAGE & CULTURE CENTER TENT
Learn the art of Japanese paper folding.
Sumo Wrestlers Meet & Greet
11:00AM
Meet two huge, powerful athletes, Manny Yarbrough and Alex Vega. Manny Yarbrough holds the Guiness Book of World Record's World's largest athlete as seen on David Letterman, Conan , Regis & Kelly and Jay Leno.
Hospitality Booth
11:00AM to 4:00PM • THE JAPANESE CONSULATE TENT
Learn how to write your name in Japanese. View Japanese traditional toy exhibit and ask questions about Japan and the JET Program.
Raku
11:00AM
Denise Wilkey will demonstrate throughout the day the traditional art of Raku firing and her magnificent pottery display.
Candy Artist Miyuiki- Candy Artist from Disney's Epcot Center
11:00AM
Miyuiki joins us from Disney's Epcot Center. She is the first and only woman to receive training as a candy artist in Japan. Candy artistry dates back over 250 years creating animals and flowers with soft rice dough. With her skilled hands and small scissors, she can make dragons, horses, rabbits, cats and much more
Japanese Healers
11:00AM to 3:00PM
Watch Japanese Healer Kazuko Kuratomi perform Shindo. Shindo is a Japanese method of healing and bodywork based on thousands of years of wisdom. It is a personal tool for every one of us, with which we can boost our health, wellbeing, ability to learn and joy in living.
Anime & Manga Demonstration
11:15AM to 12:45PM
Japanese animation (anime) and comics (manga) have become very popular in the U.S. over the past few years. Learn and ask questions about these two unique art forms, and learn how to draw an anime-style character of your own. Presented by Ed Sutherland.
Feng Shui with Stephen Devine
11:15AM to 12:15PM
Learn about the centuries old study of the relationship between human beings and their living-working environment. Through the application of Feng Shui you can enhance your knowledge, career, family relationships, marriage and well-being!
Ninja Demonstration
12:00PM to 1:00PM • LAWN
R.I. Ninjutsu Center will demonstrate this secretive form of martial arts that has lasted more than 900 years.
Pole Arms of the Samurai, Jinenkan Enbu
12:00PM
Enjoy a high energy demonstration of the pole arm fighting methods of Japan's Samurai during this demonstration of spear and halberd fighting techniques from the Kukishin Ryu. This classical demonstration will be conducted by the instructors from the Jinenkan Yasuragi Dojo, New York.
Calligraphy & Sumi Painting Demonstration
12:00PM to 1:00PM
A demonstration led by Ms. Kate Finnegan of Kaji Aso Studio, Institute for the Arts.
Conversational Japanese
12:15PM to 1:00PM • JAPAN LANGUAGE & CULTURE CENTER TENT
The Japan Language and Culture Center will teach the basics so that you can speak to visiting Japanese guests.
Sushi Making Demonstration
12:30PM
Haruki Restaurant of Cranston demonstrates.
Newport Martial Arts
1:00PM • LAWN
Newport Martial Arts will provde a demostration of Oki-Ryu Kenpo Karate. Unlike many systems that emphasize on particular type of technique (kicking, throwing,etc.), Oki-Ryu is balanced to encompass upper body, lower body, throwing, and joint locks. Students of all ages and levels will demonstrate Team Forms, Individual Forms, Weapons, Self-Defense techiniques, Sparring, and Board Breaking.
SHORIN-RYU Demonstration
1:00PM to 2:00PM • LAWN
Okinawan Temple School demonstrates traditional martial arts of Okinawa, Japan.
Sumi-e Painting
1:00PM to 2:00PM
Jan Zaremba, Master of oriental painting will demonstrate. His works have been exhibited all over the world.
Acupuncture Demonstration
1:30PM to 2:15PM • LAWN
Jody Erickson, Doctor of Acupuncture will demonstrate and discuss different aspects of Oriental medicines.
Kite Making Workshop
1:30PM • SISTER CITY, SHIMODA TENT
Children learn to build a kite with the help of Newport's Sister City Shimoda, Japan representatives.
Pinwheel Making
1:30PM • SISTER CITY, SHIMODA TENT
Learn traditional pinwheel making with the help of Newport's Sister City Shimoda, Japan representatives.
Mastery Martial Arts Studio
2:00PM • LAWN
Mastery Martial Arts, formerly named East West Black Belt Academy, was founded nearly 18 years ago by Mr. Greg Horton, senior instructor and third degree black belt. Our mission is to help students develop into confident, disciplined, and focused leaders. Instructors believe in positive reinforcement, offering recognition and incentives for service to the community, excellence in academics, and good leadership and sportsmanship. We welcome students of all ages and abilities.
Origami Workshop
2:30PM • SISTER CITY, SHIMODA TENT
Learn the Japanese Art of folding paper to make simple objects and animals with Newport's Sister City Shimoda delegates.
Arresting Techniques of the Samurai, Jinenkan Enbu
2:30PM
Witness the arresting and restraining techniques used against the hardened criminals of Japan's Edo Period. Demonstrated will be the complete techniques of the Kukishin Ryu Jutte (police truncheon) as well as the hand to hand techniques of Takagi Yoshin Ryu. This classical demonstration will be conducted by the instructors from the Jinenkan Yasuragi Dojo, New York.
Tea Ceremony
2:00PM • LAWN
A special demonstration of the centuries old CHA-DO(Way of the Tea) led by Kaji Aso Studio.
Koto & Shamisen Player
2:30PM
Enjoy the sounds of Koto and Shamisen player Ms. Sumie Kaneko. Ms. Kaneko has graduated from Tokyo University and has been playing Koto since she was six years old and in 1994 won the 2nd International High School Art and Music Competition in Koto. She continues an important tradition of Japanese music and breathes new life into it. Her spirit highlights the universality of this timeless music.
Academy of Kuntao Jiu-Jitsu
2:30PM
Watch various techniques and style of Kuntao Jiu-Jitsu.
Learn to Speak Japanese
2:30PM TO 4:00PM
Chris Silvia teaches simple phrases in Japanese
Satokagura Theatre Group
3:00PM
Satokagura is one of the most popular music and mime entertainment media in Japan. The performers are from Kaji Aso Studio and have experience in traditional plays, which include Japanese stories and opera.
Kimono Demonstration
3:15PM to 4:00PM • JAPAN LANGUAGE & CULTURE CENTER TENT
The Japan Language & Culture Center demonstrates how to properly weat a kimono.
TOURO PARK ON-GOING ACTIVITIES & DISPLAYS
- Maxx & Personalized Rice
- Haruki Japanese Restaurant
- Hiroko Shikashio Artworks
- Sumi-e Painting & Calligraphy with Jan Zaremba
- Shiatsu & Reiki Japanese healing and relaxation techniques from Inner Wisdom
- Sumi Art and Calligraphy by Kaji Aso Studios
- Raku
- IACE Travel Boston
- Nakaima Japanese Acupuncture with Dr. Jody Erickson
Japanese-American Market
Brick Market
Saturday, July 19, 1:00pm to 4:00pm
Demonstrations & Workshops
Kasumi no Ho, The Roots of Modern Jujutsu
11:30AM - 1:00PM
Learn the rich history that today's popular grappling sports have within the classical military disciplines of Japanese origin. Guests will be taken back in time to the early stages of Yoroi Kumiuchi (Armored grappling), through the restraining techniques of the Edo Period and into the early stages of the modern Budo.
Sumo Wrestlers Meet & Greet
1:00PM
Meet two huge, powerful athletes, Manny Yarbrough and Alex Vega. Manny Yarbrough holds the Guiness Book of World Record's World's largest athlete as seen on David Letterman, Conan , Regis & Kelly and Jay Leno.
Japanese Dance Performance by IchiFuji-kai
1:00PM
Come and join the dancers from IchiFuji-kai, New York City's resident Japanese classical dance troupe, as they dance for you, and then show you how to do a simple dance. Lets have some fun!
Lost Sword Techniques of the Warring States Period, Jinenkan Enbu
2:00PM
This demonstration will be a catalog of techniques preserved by Toshitsugu Takamatsu, who represented these techniques of Kukishin Ryu Bikenjutsu in scrolls to the Kuki family following the loss of their antique documents, incinerated during the bombings of WWII.
Feng Shui with Stephen Devine
2:15PM to 3:45PM
Learn about the centuries old study of the relationship between human beings and their living-working environment. Through the application of Feng Shui you can enhance your knowledge, career, family relationships, marriage and well-being!
Candy Artist Miyuiki- Candy Artist from Disney's Epcot Center
2:00PM to 4:00PM
Miyuiki joins us from Disney's Epcot Center. She is the first and only woman to receive training as a candy artist in Japan. Candy artistry dates back over 250 years creating animals and flowers with soft rice dough. With her skilled hands and small scissors, she can make dragons, horses, rabbits, cats and much more. A must see!
Ninja Demonstration
2:30PM
R.I. Ninjutsu Center will demonstrate this secretive form of martial arts that has lasted more than 900 years.
Sumo Wrestlers Meet & Greet
3:00PM
Meet two huge, powerful athletes, Manny Yarbrough and Alex Vega. Manny Yarbrough holds the Guiness Book of World Record's World's largest athlete as seen on David Letterman, Conan , Regis & Kelly and Jay Leno.
6:00PM • NEWPORT YACHTING CENTER
The Taiko Drum Festival presented by The Japan America Society of RI. Matsuriza Taiko Group, one of the world's leading Taiko groups from Disney's Epcot Center, will dazzle you with their electrifying drums. A favorite of fans from the many cultures and countries where they have performed, they mesmerize listeners with their speed, power, dramatic choreography and sound. Don't miss this amazing group! Tickets $12 Adult/$5 Child. Tickets available at: The Gateway Center, MWR ITT - Newport Navy Base, the Music Box and the Festival Office, 28 Pelham St. or call (401) 846-2720.
Sunday, July 20
Memorial Ceremonies
10:00AM • ISLAND CEMETERY, FAREWELL STREET
Wreath ceremony at Perry's tomb by American and Japanese dignitaries. Navy color guard, bugler and Chaplain. The public is invited to experience this commemoritive service.
Tea Tasting
11:00AM to 5:00PM • TEA ON THAMES • BRICK MARKET
Presented by Tea on Thames. Elegant Tea Room with Tea Sandwiches, Fine Pastries and Gifts. (401) 845-8327.
Taiko Drum Festival with welcoming by Sumo Wrestlers
11:00AM • CARDINE'S FIELD
The Matsuriza Taiko Group, one of the world's leading Taiko groups, will dazzle you with their electrifying drums. A favorite of fans from the many cultures and countries where they have performed, they mesmerize listeners with their speed, power, dramatic choreography and sound. Don't miss this amazing group! $8.00 Adult/$4.00 Child.
RIIFF Presents New Directions in Japanese Cinema
12:00PM to 4:30PM • Jamestown Community Center, 41 Conanicus Ave, Jamestown
Cutting-edge films scheduled for the 2008 Rhode Island International Film Festival, are given a “First Look” advance screening.
Sailing, Sake & Sushi II
2:00PM to 4:00PM • GOAT ISLAND MARINA
Enjoy the experience of the magnificent Tall Ship, the 101' schooner Aurora, in Newport Harbor as you sip sake from Gekkeikan and sample sushi. $30 per person in advance and $35 day of the event if available. For tickets, call (401) 846-2720.
East Meets West: The Music of Ikuma Dan
7:00PM • Central Baptist Church, 99 Narragansett Avenue, Jamestown, R.I.
In-Concert Tribute & Multi Media Presentation . Musical celebration of the 25th Anniversary under the Direction of Eric. R. Bronner. The concert will feature pianist Nancy Nicholson, Julibeth Andrews and Kara Lund. $12; $10 for seniors/students and RIIFF members
Japanese-American Market
Brick Market
Sunday, July 20
11:00am to 4:00pm
Demonstrations & Workshops
Aikido Demonstration
11:00AM to 1:00PM • LAWN
Newport Aikikai welcomes you for on-going demonstrations of the modern martial art of Aikido. Aikido blends mind, body and spirit. Reflexive in nature, it is a non-violent martial art that is ethically linked to defense against an unprovoked attack. Aikido teaches people sincerity and compassion, and helps a person to realize their own potential as a human being.
Anime & Manga Demonstration
11:00AM to 12:15PM • BRICK MARKET
Japanese animation (anime) and comics (manga) have become very popular in the U.S. over the past few years. Learn and ask questions about these two unique art forms, and learn how to draw an anime-style character of your own. Presented by Ed Sutherland.
Kasumi no Ho, The Roots of Modern JuJutsu
11:30AM to 1:00PM
Learn the rich history that today's popular grappling sports have within the classical military disciplines of Japanese origin. Guests will be taken back in time to the early stages of Yoroi Kumiuchi (Armored Grappling), through the restraining techniques of the Edo Period and into the early stages of the modern Budo.
SHORIN-RYU Demonstration
12:00PM • BRICK MARKET
Okinawan Temple School demonstrates traditional martial arts of Okinawa, Japan.
Candy Artist Miyuiki- Candy Artist from Disney's Epcot Center
12:00PM
Miyuiki joins us from Disney's Epcot Center. She is the first and only woman to receive training as a candy artist in Japan. Candy artistry dates back over 250 years creating animals and flowers with soft rice dough With her skilled hands and small scissors, she can make dragons, horses, rabbits, cats and much more. A must see!
Sumi-e Painting Demonstration
12:30PM to 1:30PM • BRICK MARKET
Jan Zaremba, Master of oriental painting will demonstrate. His works have been exhibited all over the world.
Sumo Wrestlers Meet & Greet
1:00PM & 2:30PM
Meet two huge, powerful athletes, Manny Yarbrough and Alex Vega. Manny Yarbrough holds the Guinness Book of World Record's World's largest athlete as seen on David Letterman, Conan , Regis & Kelly and Jay Leno.
Ninja Demonstration
1:15PM • BRICK MARKET
R.I. Ninjutsu Center will demonstrate this secretive form of martial arts that has lasted more than 900 years.
Lost Sword Techniques of the Warring States Period, Jinenkan Enbu
2:00PM
This demonstration will be a catalog of techniques preserved by Toshitsugu Takamatsu, who represented these techniques of Kukishin Ryu Bikenjutsu in scrolls to the Kuki family following the loss of their antique documents, incinerated during the bombing of WWII.
88th Army Band
3:00PM • BRICK MARKET
The band is part of the 56th Troop Command, Rhode Island Army National Guard. It is comprised of talented musicians from communities throughout Rhode Island and Massachusetts. They have traveled to the Bahamas playing at the American Embassies and have played for many special events including the Inauguration of the Governor. (Weather Permitting)
BRICK MARKET ON-GOING ACTIVITIES & DISPLAYS
- Maxx & Personalized Rice
- Sumi-e Painting & Calligraphy with Jan Zaremba
- Anime Portraits by Ed Sutherland
- Hiroko Shikashio Artworks
- Sumi Art and Calligraphy by Kaji Aso Studios
- Amnet Travel
Calendar of Events •
Ongoing Activities •
Map
Information & Telephone Numbers •
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Main Page
The Black Ships Festival is coordinated by:
Marketing &
Events, Inc.
28 Pelham Street, Newport, RI 02840 (401)847-7666
