Born and raised on Miyako Island, Massie Toyooka started out as a keyboard player before returning to his roots in Okinawan music. He is a multi-instrumentalist whose skills include uta-sanshin (vocals and traditional three-stringed banjo), niko (erhu, a two-stringed fiddle), shima-daiko (island drum), and finger-whistling. His creative work spans songwriting, composing, and crafting innovative visual performance styles using painting, design, and video. In addition to streaming on YouTube, Toyooka performs around 100 times a year at venues ranging from Okinawan eateries and outdoor festivals to schools and weddings. He also gives lectures on the Battle of Okinawa and broader Okinawan culture. To date, Toyooka has performed throughout Japan, as well as in Malaysia and Vanuatu.

Aug. 23 (Sun) 14:10–14:30

Triangle Park Fringe Stage