Agatsuma in Bloomington, Illinois

By Shigeyo Henriquez

We arrived in Bloomington, IL Sunday April 25, our third week of Arts Midwest World Fest. With a population of 150,000, Bloomington, IL is the largest community so far in this tour. Two major universities, a large insurance company, and financial businesses are located here in Bloomington.

Two workshops in the morning then drive to one more workshop or mini concert in the afternoon, loading and unloading, yes, it does get tiring. The local contact persons, Eric and Brandy from the Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts (BCPA), accompanied us to every workshop and mini concert. Being with us all day to schools, university and retirement home, Eric, Brandy, Rodney and Judy made sure we had fun, too. We spent an evening playing bowling, pool, darts, etc. We needed that!

As I had heard before, the BCPA theater is beautiful—well maintained and cared for, and equipped with an incredible sound system. It is a world class performing venue. Nozaki, our pianist, fell in love with the beautiful 9’ Steinway & Sons grand piano.

Sunday, May 2nd, we left Bloomington with warm memories intact….

Workshop at a retirement home in Bloomington. Photo by Shigeyo Henriquez.

Bloomington area homeschool children listen to Agatsuma's shamisen. Photo by Shigeyo Henriquez.

Nozaki loved this beautiful piano at the BCPA theater. Photo by Shigeyo Henriquez.

Bowling night! Photo courtesy Shigeyo Henriquez.