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 15
Sailing, Sake & 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. 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 Band Northeast 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 Aikido
7:15PM to 8:45PM " 999 WEST MAIN RD. MIDDLETOWN, RI
Open house featuring an advanced training session.
Anime Party
9:00PM • DOCKSIDE AT WAITES WHARF
Come enjoy a gathering in celebration of anime at the Black Ships Festival. Anime movies will be shown as you, enjoy a DJ. Display your costuming skill as the masquerade begins. View your favorite costumes as you join in the fun! Call for vending opportunities $7 at door. (401) 846-2720
Karaoke
9:00PM • RIPTIDES AT WAITES WHARF
Enjoy the American style of a fun Japanese pastime. Bring one, bring all for a good time singing songs you may or may not know! Prize awarded to the fan favorite! Don't miss your chance to impress the crowd. No cover charge.
Friday, July 16
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. Color guard and band . Newport Artillery Co. will fire cannon salutes.
Shimoda Kite & Pinwheel Making
2:00PM • Touro Park
Children learn to build a kite & pinwheels with the help of representatives from Newport's Sister City Shimoda, Japan.
Samurai Jujutsu Workshop
4:00PM-7:00PM • SECOND BEACH, MIDDLETOWN
Join us for a workshop on the Shindenfudo Ryu tradition of martial arts. In this workshop we will cover the complete Chi no Maki (Omote gata) of the Dakentaijutsu. This workshop will involve takedowns, grappling and striking from the fudoza position and will detail the important historical points of the techniques. This workshop is free for anyone to attend and will be taught by Adam Mitchell, Chief Instructor of the Jinenkan Dojo in New York and his student Peter Milano from the Jinenkan Rhode Island Shibu, located at the Newport Athletic Club.
Black Ships Festival Gala
6:30PM • ROSECLIFF, BELLEVUE AVE, NEWPORT, RI
Celebrate the 27th Annual Black Ships Festival and the Sister City relationship between Newport and Shimoda. Step onto the elegant grounds of Rosecliff on Bellevue Ave., an exquisite & historic location, over looking the Atlantic Ocean 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. Sit down dinner. $150 per person, Black Tie/Kimonos. For tickets, call (401) 846-2720. Presented by Toray Plastics (America), Inc.
Saturday, July 17
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.
Pirates and Rum
12:00 PM to 2:00PM • GOAT ISLAND MARINA
Sail aboard the 101-foot schooner Aurora in Newport Harbor as you are entertained by a theatrical performance by Rhode Island Pirate Players. Enjoy Tommy Bahama Rum Punch and sample pirate inspired snack. $30 per person in advance and $35 day of the event, if available. For tickets, call (401) 846-2720.
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.
Origami Workshop
10:00AM to 4:00PM • RI JAPAN SOCIETY LANGUAGE & CULTURE CENTER TENT
Learn the art of Japanese paper folding.
Lost Sword Techniques of the Sengoku Jidai (Warring States Era, 15th - 17th Century)
10:00AM
Kenjutsu Enbu (Samurai Sword Demonstration). This demonstration will be a catalog of techniques preserved by Toshitsugu Takamatsu, who re-presented the documents of Kukishin Ryu Bikenjutsu in scrolls to the Kuki family following the loss of their antique documents, incinerated during the bombings of WWII. A very traditional demonstration of Samurai Sword. Presented by Peter Milano, from the Jinenkan Rhode Island Shibu Dojo located at the Newport Athletic Club.
Samurai Sword Basics Workshop
10:30AM to 11:15AM
Join us for a one hour workshop covering the fundamental movement found in the study of Samurai Sword. This workshop will be offered to all those interested in the sword, it's history and effectiveness regardless of age or experience level. Topics covered will include the first four Kata Sayu Gyaku of the Kukishin Ryu Bikenjutsu. Presented by Peter Milano, from the Jinenkan Rhode Island Shibu Dojo, located at the Newport Athletic Club.
Lynn Matsuoka Artwork
11:00AM to 3:00PM
New York artist Lynn Matsuoka will bring her reportage art to the Black Ships Festival. Well known for her drawings and paintings of people in action and her portraiture skills in depicting Sumo wreslers and Kabuki theatere. Her artwork has been instrumental in introducing the world to Sumo. Come meet the artist and view her beautiful artwork
Ninja Demonstration
11:00 AM to 12:00PM LAWN
R.I. Ninjutsu Center will demonstrate this secretive form of martial arts that has lasted more than 900 years.
Anime & Manga Demonstration
11:15 AM to 12:45 PM
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 forms, and learn how to draw an anime-style character of your own. Presented by Ed Sutherland.
Calligrahpy Name Writing Demonstration
11:00AM
A demonstration by Calligraphy Artist Maki Labonte.
Calligraphy Workshop for Children
11:00AM to 4:00PM • RI JAPAN SOCIETY LANGUAGE & CULTURE CENTER TENT
Learn the art of calligraphy. Kids will enjoy writing their names in Japanese characters.
Hospitality Booth
11:00AM to 4:00PM • THE JAPANESE CONSULATE TENT
Show how much you know about Japan and enjoy traditional Japanese toys! Japanese Consulate in Boston also provides
information on tourism in Japan as well as scholarship to study in Japan and JET program.
Raku
11:00AM
Denise Wilkey will demonstrate throughout the day the traditional art of Raku firing and her magnificent pottery display.
Japanese Toy Making Workshop
11:00AM
Haruo Shiga will teach children to make Japanese toys: Den-Den Daiko (Drum) and a Ken-Dama (Cup and Ball). Children ages 7-12.
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!
Jojutsu Enbu (Stick Fighting Demonstration)
11:25AM
Polearm of the Mountain Warrior. This demonstration will show the weapon of the Yamabushi, Japan's mountain monk's and how they used their walking sticks for combative use. This tradition is help in the Kukishin Ryu Jojutsu and dates back to the mid 1500s. Presented by Adam Mitchell, from the Jinenkan Dojo, Mahopac, NY and his student Peter Milano from the Jinenkan Rhode Island Shibu Dojo, located at the Newport Athletic Club.
Sumo Wrestlers Meet & Greet/Demonstration
12:00PM
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.
Calligraphy & Sumi Painting Demonstration
12:00PM to 1:00PM
A demonstration by Japanese Master Calligrapher, Michio Imai, of Kaji Aso Studio, Institute for the Arts. Michiko was awarded the highest rank in Japnese Calligraphy of Shihan. She is among the few to have won multiple best of category awards in national Competitions (Japan). Her work has been displayed at the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum, Osaka Municipal Museum of Art, Nara City Museum of Art and Kyoto Municipal Museum of Art.
Conversational Japanese
12:15PM to 1:00PM • RI JAPAN SOCIETY LANGUAGE & CULTURE CENTER TENT
The Japan Language and Culture Center will teach the basics so that you can speak to visiting Japanese guests.
Gyokko Ryu Kosshijutsu Enbu (Empty Hand Martial Demonstration)
12:25PM
Female Ninja of The Jade Tiger . Witness a demonstration that goes back in time to the roots of Japan's Ninja. The school of Gyokko Ryu was created in the T'ang Dynasty by a revered female martial artist name Cho-Gyokko. The arts that were handed down by her were the main influence on the Iga schools of Ninjutsu through the course of History. In honor of this tradition, the complete densho (scroll) of the first level techniques will be demonstrated by female martial artist, Victoria Prince of the Yasuragi Dojo in Mahopac, New York. This will be an amazing look back into history and a time when women were among the most sought after masters of martial arts. Presented by Adam Mitchell, from the Yasuragi Dojo, Mahopac, NY
Sushi Making Demonstration
12:30PM
Haruki Restaurant of Cranston demonstrates.
Aikido Demonstration
1:00PM to 2:00PM • LAWN
Newport Aikido 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.
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.
Happo Biken no Jutsu (Traditional Weaponry demonstration of the Iga Ninja)
1:25PM
This exciting demonstration will be performed by students of the Jinenkan Dojo in Newport, Boston and New York. Witness the correct use and application of authentic "Ninja" weapons such as the sickle and chain, hand claws, blinding powder, ninja sword, throwing spikes and much more. Ninjutsu study was always a part of Koryu Bujutsu (Old systems of field combat), but quite often never taught (or even spoken about) openly as the use of such unorthodox tactics were considered dishonorable. Regardless, there were many famous battles in Japan's history that were greatly influenced by the deployment of Ninja. This demonstration will illustrate the weaponry and techniques of those times used by the Ninja who came from the Iga Province. Presented by Adam Mitchell, from the Jinenkan Dojo, Mahopac, NY and his student Peter Milano from the Jinenkan Rhode Island Shibu Dojo, located at the Newport Athletic Club.
Japanese Toy Making Workshop
2:00PM
Haruo Shiga will teach children to make Japanese toys: Den-Den Daiko (Drum) and a Ken-Dama (Cup and Ball). Children ages 7-12.
Tea Ceremony
2:00PM • LAWN
A special demonstration of the centuries old CHA-DO(Way of the Tea) led by Kaji Aso Studio.
Kimono Demonstration
2:00PM to 3:00PM • RI JAPAN SOCIETY LANGUAGE & CULTURE CENTER TENT
The Japan Language & Culture Center demonstrates how to properly wear a kimono.
Kukishinden Ryu Enbu (Samurai Jujutsu Martial Demonstration)
2:25PM
Unarmed Fighting Methods of The Kuki Samurai This demonstration will be centered on the first level empty hand combatives trained by the Kuki Samurai during the Edo Period (And possibly before). These techniques will display the precursors to modern day Jiujitsu and were a strong influence on such arts as Aikido and Judo. Presented by Peter Milano, from the Jinenkan Rhode Island Shibu Dojo, located at the Newport Athletic Club
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.
Customized Japanese Calligraphy Art
2:30PM
Have your favorite word or phrase hand written in Japanese characters to take home and frame by Maki Labonte.
Comedy Show
8:00 PM • Newport Grand.
Featuring Comedian Tony V. best seen on Seinfeld, Conan & Comedy
Central. Also performing Rhode Island native, Ace Aceto. $20.00 per
person. For more information please call the festival office at
401-846-2720 |
 Ace Aceto |
 Tony V |
TOURO PARK ON-GOING ACTIVITIES & DISPLAYS
- Haruki Japanese Restaurant
- Hiroko Shikashio Artworks
- Maki Labonte - Hand made Calligraphy Cards
- Sumi Art and Calligraphy by Kaji Aso Studios
- Raku
- Jinenkan Dojo of NY & RI
- Sumi-e Painting & Calligraphy with Jan Zaremba
- Reiki Jin-kei-do (The Newport Center)
- Pruitt Chiropractic
- West Shore Wellness
- IACE Travel Boston
- Lynn Matuoka Artwork
- Shiatsu & Reiki Japanese healing and relaxation techniques from Inner Vision
Japanese-American Market
Brick Market
Saturday, July 17, 12:00pm to 4:00pm
Demonstrations & Workshops
Sumo Wrestlers Meet & Greet/Demonstration
11:00AM
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.
Lynn Matsuoka Artwork
11:00AM to 3:00PM
New York artist Lynn Matsuoka will bring her reportage art to the Black Ships Festival. Well known for her drawings and paintings of people in action and her portraiture skills in depicting Sumo wreslers and Kabuki theatere. Her artwork has been instrumental in introducing the world to Sumo. Come meet the artist and view her beautiful artwork.
Raku
11AM
Newport Potters Guild will demonstrate throughout the day the traditional art of Raku firing and their magnificent pottery display.
Taiko Drum Prelude
12:00PM
Watch a quick preview of what's to come on Sunday at the Taiko Drum Perfomance with Odaiko New England, one of the premier Taiko groups of New England. Join in watching a few of the Taiko drummers as they mesmerize you with their speed, power, and sound. Make sure not to miss this prelude…to view the full performance, join us Sunday at 11am at Cardine's Field.
Makigami and Origami Bonsai
12:30PM
Artist, author and inventor Benjamin John Coleman of Pawtucket, Rhode island will be demonstrating his "Makigami" paper-rolling technique which he uses to make branches for his Origami Bonsai trees. Watch as he rolls tapered branches and then molds them into graceful branch-like shapes.
Taiko Drum Prelude
1:30PM
Watch a quick preview of what's to come on Sunday at the Taiko Drum Perfomance with Odaiko New England, one of the premier Taiko groups of New England. Join in watching a few of the Taiko drummers as they mesmerize you with their speed, power, and sound. Make sure not to miss this prelude…to view the full performance, join us Sunday at 11am at Cardine's Field.
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!
Makigami and Origami Bonsai
2:30PM
Artist, author and inventor Benjamin John Coleman of Pawtucket, Rhode island will be demonstrating his "Makigami" paper-rolling technique which he uses to make branches for his Origami Bonsai trees. Watch as he rolls tapered branches and then molds them into graceful branch-like shapes.
Ninja Demonstration
2:30PM
R.I. Ninjutsu Center will demonstrate this secretive form of martial arts that has lasted more than 900 years
Taiko Drum Prelude
3:00PM
Watch a quick preview of what's to come on Sunday at the Taiko Drum Perfomance with Odaiko New England, one of the premier Taiko groups of New England. Join in watching a few of the Taiko drummers as they mesmerize you with their speed, power, and sound. Make sure not to miss this prelude…to view the full performance, join us Sunday at 11am at Cardine's Field.
Sumo Wrestlers Meet & Greet
3:15PM
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.
Sunday, July 18
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
11:00AM • CARDINE'S FIELD
Taiko Drum Festival with Odaiko New England, one of the premier Taiko groups of New England, will dazzle you with their electrifying drums. The taiko is said to be the voice and spirit of the Japanese. The sound of the taiko has an irresistible draw that summons people to seek out its source! They'll mesmerize listeners with their speed, power, dramatic choreography and sound. Don't miss this amazing group! Tickets $5.
Sailing, Sake & 'Sushi Go' Sushi Sail II
2:00PM to 4:00PM • GOAT ISLAND MARINA
Enjoy the experience of the magnificent Ta ll Ship, the 101' schooner Aurora, in Newport Harbor as you sip sake from Gekkeikan and sample sushi from Newport's own 'Sushi Go'. $30 per person in advance and $35 day of the event if available. For tickets, call (401) 846-2720.
Japanese-American Market
Brick Market
Sunday, July 18
11:00am to 4:00pm
Demonstrations & Workshops
Customized Japanese Calligraphy Art
11:00AM
Have your favorite word or phrase hand written in Japanese characters to take home and frame by Maki Labonte.
Lost Sword Techniques of the Sengoku Jidai (Warring States Era, 15th - 17th Century)
11:00AM
Kenjutsu Enbu (Samurai Sword Demonstration). This demonstration will be a catalog of techniques preserved by Toshitsugu Takamatsu, who re-presented the documents of Kukishin Ryu Bikenjutsu in scrolls to the Kuki family following the loss of their antique documents, incinerated during the bombings of WWII. A very traditional demonstration of Samurai Sword. Presented by Peter Milano, from the Jinenkan Rhode Island Shibu Dojo located at the Newport Athletic Club.
Lynn Matsuoka Artwork
11:00AM to 3:00PM
New York artist Lynn Matsuoka will bring her reportage art to the Black Ships Festival. Well known for her drawings and paintings of people in action and her portraiture skills in depicting Sumo wrestlers and Kabuki theater. Her artwork has been instrumental in introducing the world to Sumo. Come meet the artist and view her beautiful artwork.
Samurai Sword Basics Workshop
11:30AM to 12:15PM
Join us for a one hour workshop covering the fundamental movement found in the study of Samurai Sword. This workshop will be offered to all those interested in the sword, it's history and effectiveness regardless of age or experience level. Topics covered will include the first four Kata Sayu Gyaku of the Kukishin Ryu Bikenjutsu. Presented by Peter Milano, from the Jinenkan Rhode Island Shibu Dojo, located at the Newport Athletic Club.
Makigami and Origami Bonsai
11:30AM
Artist, author and inventor Benjamin John Coleman of Pawtucket, Rhode island will be demonstrating his "Makigami" paper-rolling technique which he uses to make branches for his Origami Bonsai trees. Watch as he rolls tapered branches and then molds them into graceful branch-like shapes.
Jojutsu Enbu (Stick Fighting Demonstration)
12:25PM
Polearm of the Mountain Warrior This demonstration will show the weapon of the Yamabushi, Japan's mountain monk's and how they used their walking sticks for combative use. This tradition is help in the Kukishin Ryu Jojutsu and dates back to the mid 1500s. Presented by Adam Mitchell, from the Jinenkan Dojo, Mahopac, NY and his student Peter Milano from the Jinenkan Rhode Island Shibu Dojo, located at the Newport Athletic Club.
Sumo Wrestlers Meet & Greet/Demonstration
1:00PM
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.
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.
Happo Biken no Jutsu (Traditional Weaponry demonstration of the Iga Ninja)
1:25PM
This exciting demonstration will be performed by students of the Jinenkan Dojo in Newport, Boston and New York. Witness the correct use and application of authentic "Ninja" weapons such as the sickle and chain, hand claws, blinding powder, ninja sword, throwing spikes and much more. Ninjutsu study was always a part of Koryu Bujutsu (Old systems of field combat), but quite often never taught (or even spoken about) openly as the use of such unorthodox tactics were considered dishonorable. Regardless, there were many famous battles in Japan's history that were greatly influenced by the deployment of Ninja. This demonstration will illustrate the weaponry and techniques of those times used by the Ninja who came from the Iga Province. Presented by Adam Mitchell, from the Jinenkan Dojo, Mahopac, NY and his student Peter Milano from the Jinenkan Rhode Island Shibu Dojo, located at the Newport Athletic Club.
Makigami and Origami Bonsai
2:00PM
Artist, author and inventor Benjamin John Coleman of Pawtucket, Rhode island will be demonstrating his "Makigami" paper-rolling technique which he uses to make branches for his Origami Bonsai trees. Watch as he rolls tapered branches and then molds them into graceful branch-like shapes.
Kukishinden Ryu Enbu (Samurai Jujutsu Martial Demonstration)
2:25PM
Unarmed Fighting Methods of The Kuki Samurai This demonstration will be centered on the first level empty hand combatives trained by the Kuki Samurai during the Edo Period (And possibly before). These techniques will display the precursors to modern day Jiujitsu and were a strong influence on such arts as Aikido and Judo. Presented by Peter Milano, from the Jinenkan Rhode Island Shibu Dojo, located at the Newport Athletic Club.
Sumo Wrestlers Meet & Greet/Demonstration
2:30PM
Meet these huge, powerful athletes, Manny Yarbrough and Kazumoto Matsuoka. Manny Yarbrough holds the Guiness Book of World Record's World's largest athlete & Kazumoto was a top rank Maefashira #7 professional sumo wrestler in Japan. He is known as Iwatora Kanichi in the sumo world!
SHORIN-RYU Demonstration
3:00PM • BRICK MARKET
Okinawan Temple School demonstrates traditional martial arts of Okinawa, Japan.
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
- Sumi-e Painting & Calligraphy with Jan Zaremba
- Hiroko Shikashio Artworks
- Sumi Art and Calligraphy by Kaji Aso Studios
- Lynn Matsuoka Artwork
- Jinenkan Dojo of NY & RI
- Oriental Arts Display
Calendar of Events •
Ongoing Activities •
Map
Information & Telephone Numbers •
Hotels •
Main Page
The Black Ships Festival is coordinated by:
Marketing &
Events, Inc.
28 Pelham Street, Newport, RI 02840 (401)847-7666
