During a Japanese cultural show in Tokyo, we enjoyed music played by kimono-clad women on kotos (13string zithers). The instruments were first used in the Imperial Court.They are now occasionally played in combination with western music. The show also featured a gagaku (court music) ensemble. As we listened to the musicians playing flutes, mouth organs, drums and gongs, we time-travelled back to the 8th century, when China introduced the classical music to Japan. We also heard gagakumusicians during sacred rites in some shrines and temples. A gagaku (court music) ensemble Musician plays a kayagum Mariachi musician plays a fiddle Musician plays a fiddle in a bluegrass band The traditional Korean kayagum (12-string zither) resembles the Japanese koto. It was also once used to play court music. Amusician wearing elegant hanbok clothing entertained diners with classical kayagum music in our Gyeongju hotel restaurant.The music was as memorable as the delicious Korean food. Most people associate mariachi music with sombrero-wearing musicians playing violins, guitars and trumpets at Mexican eateries. More than just restaurant singers and musicians, mariachis perform their broad repertoire of songs at weddings, family events, festivals and downtown plazas. In Mexico, we encountered amariachi band leading a flower-filled pickup truck in a funeral procession. In 2011, UNESCO addedmariachi to its Intangible Cultural Heritage list. Japan Korea Mexico Nashville You can find most genres of live music in Nashville’s honky-tonks, restaurants and theatres — from country and blues to rock and jazz. We especially enjoyed the bluegrass bands, which play acoustic stringed instruments. Whether you’re listening to a big-name performer or a local artist, you’ll find it hard to resist tapping your toes or jumping up to line dance. Don’t miss a show and tour at the Ryman Auditorium. It’s known for the Grand Ole Opry and performances by legends such as Johnny Cash, Hank Williams and Patsy Cline. CSANews | SPRING 2021 | 19 Travel
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MzMzNzMx