After spending some time as a jazz tenor saxophone player Karl Young embarked on a ​​career as a physicist and chose to satisfy his musical yearnings with an intensive study of the shakuhachi or Japanese bamboo flute. Over the past 20 years he has studied with a number of teachers; his primary sensei are Kaoru Kakizakai and Riley Lee, both masters in the dokyoku tradition and students of Katsuya Yokoyama. While his focus has been on the traditional solo honkyoku repertoire or 'original pieces' in the dokyoku tradition he also plays sankyoku or traditional ensemble music with shamisen and koto in addition to minyo or Japanese folk music. He is co-founder of the group Ensohza formed in 2006, specializing in  traditional minyo and Japanese folk dance, in which he plays the shinobue or transverse bamboo flute as well as the shakuhachi. He couldn't help wandering back to his roots and recently worked with jazz flutist Ali Ryerson on developing an approach to jazz shakuhachi. He subsequently released 'Lost In The Wood', a CD of jazz standards and original pieces in an exploration of the expressive possibilities for shakuhachi in jazz. He has recently been playing jazz in various ensemble formats around the San Francisco Bay and Mendonoma areas. In addition he enjoys playing with poets of various stripes (haiku, tanka,...) and has played in a variety of non-traditional settings for shakuhachi such as with the Ernst Bloch Bell Ringers and the Anchor Bay Children's Choir. For his strange views on philosophy/science/spirit check this out. 

https://www.karlshak.com/

Nihon Buyo is a classical Japanese dance that evolved from the traditional forms of Japanese Kabuki theatre to modern day performances, communicating a story through dance. It is through these pre-set movements and pantomime that dancers perform poems, legends or stories. Characteristics of traditional Japanese dance include toes demurely pointed in and feet sliding along the floor in small steps.

Hakata Kai was formed in 2013 after Keiko Allen received her “Shihan” certification from Nippon Minyou Buyou Rennmei in Tokyo Japan.  

They have performed at the Cherry Blossom Festival in San Francisco and various events in the East Bay Area. 

In 2011, a group of friends in Albion gathered with ukuleles and songbooks. Weekly meetups continued in various locations around the Coast until the Covid shutdown. 

In 2022, the Redwood Coast Senior Center agreed to host a weekly ukulele jam session. Three players met for the first session in October and now a lively group of players can be as many as 18 or 20. We have recently chosen the name "Redwood Coast Ukulele Jam" and gather for the love of music and friendship at the Senior Center on Mondays from 2:30 - 4pm.

Please find us (Mendocino Coast Ukuleles & Redwood Coast Ukulele Jam) at Facebook!

Andrea Allen is a Northern California artist who brings ancient Chinese brush techniques to life through both painting and ceramics. With over three decades of experience and training under a Chinese master, her work reflects a deep respect for tradition while carrying a fresh, contemporary elegance.

Whether working on handmade rice paper or ceramics, Andrea carefully loads 3–5 colors onto a traditional calligraphy brush, using intentional movement and varied pressure to create flowing, expressive imagery in a single stroke. Her Chinese brush paintings are shaped by centuries-old philosophy and symbolism, offering viewers a sense of calm, balance, and timeless beauty.

Andrea’s ceramic pieces extend this same technique to three-dimensional surfaces, adapting the absorbent method of paper brushwork to bisque ware. Each piece is hand-painted with custom-mixed underglazes, glazed, and fired to preserve both function and artistry.

Her hope is that every creation—whether hung on a wall or held in hand—evokes a quiet joy and connection, and invites the viewer to pause and experience a moment of harmony.

https://www.andreaallenart.com/

https://www.havanadavidson.com/

Ling-Yen Jones: Biography

I am a Mendocino County jeweler working mainly in silver, semi-precious stones, and pearls. My style ranges from the traditional to the modern, and is completely unique. All of my pieces are individually handmade, and are therefore one-of-a-kind or in small series with repeating motifs.

My training is with David Laplantz at Humboldt State University, at Monterey Peninsula College, and various Mendocino Art Center workshops and assistantships.

I am presently working with my company Ling-Yen designs and selling my work on etsy, and other exhibition and show venues. I am working as gallery coordinator of the Coast Highway Artist Collective in Point Arena.

I have curated and exhibited in several shows in the past. I also have shown in The Pacific Grove Art Center, Gualala Art Center, and The Mendocino Art Center. I have been honored with a second place award at the North Coast Artist Guild, Salon show in Gualala in 2017.

I define jewelry as creations, which are useful, artistic, symbolic, identifying, and an expression of personal ideas. In my earring line some of the motifs I use are leaves, birds, and windows. When these elements and others are integrated into a piece they can represent new beginnings, changes, hope, and further growth in ones self. The materials that I enjoy using most are sterling silver, copper, gold, pearls, and semiprecious stones. My intention for each one-of-a-kind piece are that it is clean looking, distinctive, and artistically rendered.

The pieces with the Asian like faces are inspired by the feminine, graceful, and romantic scenes of the Ukiyo-E period of Japanese art. The piece, “Unmentionables”, has different faces, all expressions of surprise, serenity, wonder, and ecstasy. On the back of the piece there are hidden hand cut flowers, roller printed leaf patterns, and scenes of paired lovers. Ukiyo-E, or images of the floating world, were representations of the everyday life of Japan in the 16th through the 19th centuries. This piece brings together my own interest in the expressive power of faces, while exploring the serenity and grace of the everyday in my own time.

https://ling-yendesigns.com/biography/

My business is Mendocino Coast Bonsai, and our website is mcbonsai.com

I grew up in a central valley town called Turlock where my family and relatives had vineyards and orchards.  I worked weekends and summers there.  When I went to college I lived in a 2-bedroom apartment with 2 other guys, I would get claustrophobic and explore nurseries and stumbled upon one that had a section of bonsai.  This was about 1966, and I quickly became interested in them.  I practice on my own for about 2 years before abandoning the art form.

Around 1985 my wife encouraged me to give it a chance again, and I joined the Redwood Empire Bonsai Society (REBs) in Santa Rosa and have been an active member ever since.  I have and continue to study with those who went to Japan to apprentice under a Japanese sensei and were certified as bonsai masters.

I own Mendocino Coast bonsai, specializing in native species.  I also conduct workshops and demonstrations for local clubs as well as at our state convention.

~ Bob Shimon

At Taka’s Grill, located in Fort Bragg, California, the story begins with Taka, a seasoned sushi expert who transitioned from processing and selling premium Uni to creating his own vibrant sushi restaurant. This unclaimed gem is celebrated for its fresh, locally sourced fish and warm, casual atmosphere, perfect for families and groups. Patrons rave about the variety of options—including vegan and vegetarian dishes—ensuring everyone leaves satisfied. Guests enjoy exceptional service and the ability to connect with Taka himself at the sushi bar. Taka’s Grill isn't just a meal; it's a delightful experience showcasing the essence of authentic Japanese cuisine. 

https://takas-grill.res-menu.com/#about

A local favorite since 2007, Off the Hook Sushi is known for their fresh, authentic sushi and creative rolls. Owner Mikyong Lamb and sushi chef Angel Hernandez serve an extensive menu that also features tempura, teriyaki, noodles, and a few Korean inspired dishes, while having vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options. Located in downtown Fort Bragg, California, Off the Hook Sushi is a family run restaurant, with a laid-back, friendly atmosphere and accommodating dining area.