Shakuhachi Haiku Concert

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Gualala Arts invites you to an afternoon of peaceful music and poetry as Karl Young and Laura Leigh return to the Mendonoma coast for their celebrated Shakuhachi Haiku Concert, on Sunday, June 14 at 1 pm. This Global Harmony concert will be in honour of the legacy of poet Jane Reichhold.

This two-hour performance begins outdoors, where Karl Young—an accomplished shakuhachi player—will guide guests along the Haiku Path with the gentle, meditative tones of the Japanese bamboo flute. The journey continues inside Coleman Hall, where music and poetry intertwine in a shared celebration of peaceful beauty.

Laura Leigh will read selections from her latest book and offer contemporary renditions of beloved Japanese songs. Together, this duo creates a calming and uplifting experience, blending traditional sounds with heartfelt expression. Their artistic partnership, spanning over a decade, continues to enchant local audiences with its grace and harmony.

Tickets are $20 in advance, +$5 day of on the day of the concert. Purchase yours at Gualala Arts, the Dolphin Gallery, or online at GualalaArts.org.

About the Artists
Karl Young is a physicist and musician who has studied and performed the shakuhachi for over 20 years, integrating Zen practice with musical exploration. His mentors include Yoshio Kurahashi, Karu Kakizakai, Riley Lee, and Philip Gelb. A former saxophonist, Young is among a select group of artists expanding the shakuhachi’s voice into jazz and improvisational music, collaborating with ensembles featuring taiko, koto, shamisen, and other traditional instruments.

Laura Leigh is a poet and author with a literary career spanning more than two decades. With three published books and honors from festivals such as Ukiahaiku, her work is known for its emotional depth and lyrical clarity. Leigh’s readings invite audiences to connect with their own poetic sensibilities and celebrate the power of language.

Join us for an afternoon of reflection, resonance, and artistic connection