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 14
Navy Band Northeast Salutes Black Ships
6:00PM • LONG WHARF MALL
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)
Friday, July 15
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. Army band and Navy Color Guard . Newport Artillery Co. will fire cannon salutes. Channing Memorial Church will play their Bells in honor of the Opening Ceremonies.
Sushi Sake Sail I
3:00PM - 5:00PM • 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.
Saturday, July 16
Black Ships Festival Gala
6:30PM • ROSECLIFF, BELLEVUE AVE, NEWPORT, RI
Celebrate the 28th 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 Double Cross Vodka Martini Bar, an Open Bar, and delectable food by Russell Morin Catering with Sushi by Haruki. 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.
10:00AM to 3:30PM • Touro Park
Touro Park is transformed into a Japanese-American Cultural Center, featuring demonstrations, workshops, and displays.
Origami Workshop
10:00AM to 3:30PM • RI JAPAN SOCIETY LANGUAGE & CULTURE CENTER TENT
Learn the art of Japanese paper folding.
Bο-shurikenjutsu Workshop
10:00AM
Adam Mitchell from the Jinenkan Dojo in Mahopac, NY will be teaching a workshop on the Bο-shuriken, a traditional Samurai throwing weapon consisting of a straight, steel spike. Contrary to popular belief, shuriken were not primarily intended as a killing weapon, but rather as a secondary weapon that sometimes played a role supportive to a main weapon, usually the sword or spear. Everyone is invited to learn about the history of this weapon and have fun throwing the authentic weapon in true form.
Shimoda Kite & Pinwheel Making & Calligraphy Demonstration
10:30AM-12:30PM
Children learn to build a kite and pinwheels with the help of representatives from Newport's Sister City Shimoda, Japan. Free.
Tea Demonstration & Tasting
10:30AM TO 3:30PM
Presented by The Tea and Agricultural Production Division of The Shizuoka Prefecture.
Calligraphy Workshop for Children
11:00AM to 3:30PM • 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 3:00PM • THE JAPANESE CONSULATE TENT
Celebrate the Summer Like They Do in Japan! Join staff and volunteers from the Consulate General of Japan in Boston for summer festival activities.
Learn about the summer holiday of Tanabata: fold some origami or write a wish on a paper streamer and hang it from the bamboo branches.
Kids can try typical summer festival games: Yoyo Tsuri (fishing for balloons) or Shateki (bamboo pop-gun target practice).
Japanese Toy Making Workshop
11:00AM
Haruo Shiga will teach children to make Japanese toys: Den-Den Daiko (Drum). Children ages 7-12.
NINJA Demonstration
11:00AM TO 12:00PM LAWN
R.I. Ninjutsu Center demonstrates this secretive form of martial arts that has lasted more than 900 years.
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!
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.
Calligraphy 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 Japanese 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.
Sushi Making Demonstration
12:00PM
Haruki Restaurant of Cranston demonstrates.
Aikido and Iaido Demonstration
12:00PM to 2:00PM • LAWN
A demonstration of the martial art of Aikido and the sword art of Iaido with live blade cutting. 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
The esquisite art of Japanese brush painting demonstrated by a master. Jan Zaremba.
SHORIN-RYU Demonstration
1:00 to 3:00PM
Okinawan Temple School demonstrates traditional martial arts of Okinawa, Japan.
Kukishin Ryu Kodachi Dori Enbu
2:00PM
Founded in the 14th century CE by Kuki Yakushimaru Ry?shin, the Kukishinden Ryu (???? or "Nine Gods School") is a s?g? bujutsu, meaning that it teaches several different weapons/arts. In this demonstration, Adam Mitchell of the Jinenkan Dojo in Mahopac, NY will be demonstrating the nine short sword forms of this tradition. Mitchell Sensei is representing his teacher Manaka Unsui, Kancho of the Jissen Kobudo Jinenkan, headquartered in Noda-shi, Chiba-ken, Japan.
Japanese Toy Making Workshop
2:00PM
Haruo Shiga will teach children to make Japanese toys: Den-Den Daiko (Drum). 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.
Takagi Yoshin Ryu Enbu
2:30PM
The history of Takagi Yoshin-Ryu Jutaijutsu begins sometime around the 13th year of the Eiroku period (1570), when it was founded by the Buddhist monk Unryu, who devised methods for Taijutsu (unarmed techniques), Bojutsu (Stick techniques), and Shurikenjutsu (Projectile techniques). Then, in the 2nd year of Shoho (1645), Takagi Oriemon Shigetoshi added grappling methods from Sumo to complete a system of Jutaijutsu. In this demonstration, Adam Mitchell of the Jinenkan Dojo in Mahopac, NY will be demonstrating a complete set of techniques from this system from the middle level scroll. The emphasis of these old world Jujutsu techniques emphasize the using the least amount of force to control and throw your opponent.
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 ol 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.
Kukishin Ryu Hanbojutsu Enbu
3:00PM
Founded in the 14th century CE by Kuki Yakushimaru Ry?shin, the Kukishinden Ryu. In this demonstration, Adam Mitchell of the Jinenkan Dojo in Mahopac, NY will be demonstrating the short stick (San-shaku bo) fighting methods of the Kukishinden Ryu. Mitchell Sensei is representing his teacher Manaka Unsui, Kancho of the Jissen Kobudo Jinenkan, headquartered in Noda-shi, Chiba-ken, Japan.
TOURO PARK ON-GOING ACTIVITIES & DISPLAYS
- Haruki Japanese Restaurant
- Reiki Jin-kei-do (The Newport Center)
- Hiroko Shikashio Artworks
- Sumi-e Painting & Calligraphy with Jan Zaremba
- Sumi Art and Calligraphy by Kaji Aso Studios
- Jinenkan Dojo of NY & RI
- IACE Travel Boston
- Shiatsu & Reiki Japanese healing and relaxation techniques from Inner Wisdom
- Pruitt Chiropractic
- Aquidneck Island Japanese Friends & Families Crafts `
Japanese-American Market
Long Wharf Mall - Presented by Bailey T's Resortwear
Saturday, July 16, 12:00am to 4:00pm
Demonstrations & Workshops
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 12pm at Cardine's Field.
Makigami Braided Jewelry and Accessories
12:30PM
Artist, author and inventor Benjamin John Coleman of Pawtucket, Rhode island will be demonstrating his "Makigami" paper-rolling technique to roll makigami strips and then braid them into earrings, bangle bracelets, pendants and other accessories.
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 12pm 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!
NINJA Demonstration
2:30PM
R.I. Ninjutsu Center demonstrates this secretive form of martial arts that has lasted more than 900 years.
Makigami Braided Jewelry and Accessories
2:30PM
Artist, author and inventor Benjamin John Coleman of Pawtucket, Rhode island will be demonstrating his "Makigami" paper-rolling technique to roll makigami strips and then braid them into earrings, bangle bracelets, pendants and other accessories.
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 12pm at Cardine's Field.
Sunday, July 17
Memorial Ceremonies
9:30AM • 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.
Taiko Drum Festival
12:00PM • CARDINE'S FIELD
Taiko Drum Festival. 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 $7Adult/$5 Child ($2 of admission goes to Tsunami Relief in Japan).
Sushi Sake Sail 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 from Newport's own 'Sushi Go' which is located at Brick Market Place. $30 per person in advance and $35 day of the event if available. For tickets, call (401) 846-2720.
Japanese-American Market
Long Wharf Mall - Presented by Bailey T's Resortwear
Sunday, July 17
11:30pm to 4:00pm
Demonstrations & Workshops
Kukishin Ryu Kodachi Dori Enbu
11:30AM
Founded in the 14th century CE by Kuki Yakushimaru Ry?shin, the Kukishinden Ryu. In this demonstration, Adam Mitchell of the Jinenkan Dojo in Mahopac, NY will be demonstrating the nine short sword forms of this tradition. Mitchell Sensei is representing his teacher Manaka Unsui, Kancho of the Jissen Kobudo Jinenkan, headquartered in Noda-shi, Chiba-ken, Japan.
Anime & Manga Demonstration
11:30AM-1:30PM
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.
Takagi Yoshin Ryu Enbu
12:00PM
The history of Takagi Yoshin-Ryu Jutaijutsu begins sometime around the 13th year of the Eiroku period (1570), when it was founded by the Buddhist monk Unryu, who devised methods for Taijutsu (unarmed techniques), Bojutsu (Stick techniques), and Shurikenjutsu (Projectile techniques). Then, in the 2nd year of Shoho (1645), Takagi Oriemon Shigetoshi added grappling methods from Sumo to complete a system of Jutaijutsu. In this demonstration, Adam Mitchell of the Jinenkan Dojo in Mahopac, NY will be demonstrating a complete set of techniques from this system from the middle level scroll. The emphasis of these old world Jujutsu techniques emphasize the using the least amount of force to control and throw your opponent.
Makigami Braided Jewelry and Accessories
12:00PM
Artist, author and inventor Benjamin John Coleman of Pawtucket, Rhode island will be demonstrating his "Makigami" paper-rolling technique to roll makigami strips and then braid them into earrings, bangle bracelets, pendants and other accessories.
Aikido and Iaido Demonstration
12:00PM to 2:00PM
A demonstration of the martial art of Aikido and the sword art of Iaido with live blade cutting. 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 Demonstration
1:00-2:00PM
Jan Zaremba, Master of oriental painting will demonstrate. His works have been exhibited all over the world.
Makigami Braided Jewelry and Accessories
2:00PM
Artist, author and inventor Benjamin John Coleman of Pawtucket, Rhode island will be demonstrating his "Makigami" paper-rolling technique to roll makigami strips and then braid them into earrings, bangle bracelets, pendants and other accessories.
SHORIN-RYU Demonstration
3:00PM
Okinawan Temple School demonstrates traditional martial arts of Okinawa, Japan.
LONG WHARF MALL ON-GOING ACTIVITIES & DISPLAYS
- Sumi-e Painting & Calligraphy with Jan Zaremba
- Hiroko Shikashio Artworks
- Sumi Art and Calligraphy by Kaji Aso Studios
- Jinenkan Dojo of NY & RI
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
