The event is over, but the tragedy in Japan is not! You can still make a tax deductible contribution online through December 31, 2011

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On line ticket sales end April 26th at 3:00pm, but you can still make a contribution. Tickets will be available at the door.

“SAWAGI! Raising a Ruckus for Japan,” a silent auction and original musical drama performance will generate funds to send clean drinking water from Boulder to Japan’s earthquake victims. ANYONE can participate from ANYWHERE, sending water and a message of inspirational hope, boosting the morale of the victims, as well as citizens throughout Japan. SAWAGI! (rhymes with “a froggy!”) will be presented at 5:30 pm, Tuesday, April 26..., at Naropa University, Nalanda Events Center, Boulder, Colorado. Suggested donations for tickets are $35/$20 Students. You can attend in spirit by not drinking bottled water for a month and donating the money saved (or some ideal amount) to the cause! Auction items and more information can be found at www.naropa.edu/japanbenefit/.

Fundraising efforts for the event include ticket sales, a live silent auction and benefactor sponsorships and donations. With a fund-raising goal of $100,000, donations will are being solicited both locally and nationally. 100% of the net proceeds will go to purchase and deliver desperately needed clean water to Japan’s earthquake victims. The event will include volunteer performances by prominent Boulder artists, including the bands Shrefé (Greek/Balkan) and Ginga (Brazilian), Ty Burhoe (tablas), Yoko Hiraoka (Japanese strings and voice) and others in an original musical drama created along the lines of Japan’s classical Noh Theater by international shakuhachi master Kansuke II (David Wheeler) and co-directed by international actor/director Ami Dayan.

WHY WATER FROM BOULDER?
Utilizing a local resource to make a concrete contribution in the most cost-effective manner
On March 11, 2011 the biggest earthquake in Japanese history hit the Tohoku region, leaving nearly 30,000 missing or dead, thousands still living in disaster evacuation centers like public school buildings, getting all meals from soup lines, with up to 150 people sleeping in one gymnasium. Some one million people have lost their homes. The earthquake and ensuing tsunami decimated infrastructure for drinking water production and delivery and water purity is being questioned 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.

THE PERFORMANCE April 26, 2011, 7:00 p.m.
Sending a message of solidarity and inspiration to suffering victims and a depressed nation
David Wheeler (Kansuke II) has spearheaded SAWAGI!, directing the collaboration of many fabulous bands and artists from the region, including Shrefé (Greek/Balkan), Ginga (Brazilian), Ty Burhoe (tablas), Yoko Hiraoka (Japanese strings and voice), Madi Sato (voice) and others in an original musical drama created along the lines of Japan’s classical Noh Theater.

In a Noh play, a traveling priest sets the scene and by the very act of his journey, 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.

SILENT AUCTION April 26, 5:30 p.m
A silent auction will be held prior to the performance. Items for auction include hotel stays, dining coupons, outdoor gear and sports equipment, antiques and other items from Asian vendors, artwork, classes, and other services from Boulder County and beyond donors.

DONATIONS
Boulder Community Media will accept non-profit donations either online (or by check. Checks should be made to BCM, with Sawagi! In the memo line, and sent to Boulder Community Media, P.O. Box 994, Boulder Colorado 80306.

Silent Auction and Performance: Sawagi! Raising a Ruckus for Japan
Date: Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Time: 5:30PM Japanese Cuisine Buffet and Silent Auction
7:00PM Musical Drama Performance
Venue: Nalanda Events Center (620 cap.), Naropa University, Boulder, CO
Presenters: Naropa University and Kansuke Productions LLC
Co-producer: Bolder Community Media
Cooperation/Support: Eldorado Springs Natural Water, Yusen USA, Indochine Asian Imports, Sushi Zanmai, ReSource, other
Webpage: www.naropa.edu/japanbenefit