Cherry Blossom Japan Relief Event

In response to the recent catastrophic events in Japan, the Nashville Cherry Blossom Festival is now the Cherry Blossom Japan Relief Event, event organizers have announced. The free event is scheduled for Saturday, March 26, at Nashville’s Public Square at the Metro Courthouse.

The Japan-America Society of Tennessee will be accepting donations for the Tennessee Tomodachi Fund, with 100 percent of donations received conveyed directly to Japanese relief organizations. Tomodachi is Japanese for “friend.”

The Cherry Blossom Japan Relief Event will kick off at 9:00am with the Cherry Blossom Solidarity Walk. The 2.5-mile walk will be led by Mayor Karl Dean, Consul General of Japan Hiroshi Sato, and Sister Cities of Nashville Board President Tracy Dry Kane. Participants are encouraged to show their support for the people of Japan by stepping out and sharing messages of hope along the trail. Immediately following the walk, the Main Stage will open at the Public Square with music and performances, featuring cultural demonstrations and children's activities. Activities will continue through the day until 4:00pm.

Artists giving of their time and talents for the event include Grammy Award-winning recording artist Alison Brown, Rattlesnake Annie and others. Japanese foods will be for sale by area restaurants, as will merchandise representing traditional and modern Japan.

For more information, please visit www.jastn.com or www.nashvillecherryblossomfestival.org.

(This info is from nowplayingnashville.com)