Riley Lee began playing the shakuhachi in Japan in 1971. During the eight years he lived in Japan, he immersed himself in its arts. From 1973 through 1977, he toured internationally as a full-time performer of taiko (festival drums) and shakuhachi (bamboo flute) with a group of traditional Japanese musicians.

His studies with traditional teachers in Japan have included such peculiar methods as practicing barefoot in the snow, running marathons, and blowing into his flute in blizzards until icicles formed at the shakuhachi's end. In 1980 he became the first non-Japanese to attain the rank of dai shihan (grand master) in the shakuhachi tradition.

He completed his BA and MA degrees at the University of Hawaii, and his PhD degree in ethnomusicology at the University of Sydney.

Riley has played his bamboo flute extensively throughout Asia, North America, Europe and Australia. A prolific composer for his instrument, he has composed and arranged over sixty pieces. He has, to date, released over 30 recordings world-wide, largely of his own compositions.

The shakuhachi is an end-blown flute, first introduced into Japan from China in the eighth century. It has been used as a spiritual tool since the 15th century or earlier. The unique sound of the shakuhachi relaxes the mind and body in many ways, and subsequently aids in meditation and comtemplation.

Tickets for the concert are $15 and will be available by calling Gualala Arts at (707) 884-1138 Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Riley Lee will also teach a workshop at Gualala Arts on Breathing for Health and Awareness.

The Gualala Arts Center is located at 46501 Old State Highway in Gualala, CA. Please call (707) 884-1138 for more information.