Summer Solstice Observation

In observation of the Summer Solstice, the Rothko Chapel will be open from sunrise to sunset (approximately 6:20am-8pm). In addition, the following programs will be available at no charge:

Sun Salutations
6:21am sunrise

Celebrate the start of the Summer Solstice with 108 sun salutations on the Plaza. Sun salutations are a series of yoga poses designed to warm up the body, and 108 is considered an auspicious number in yoga philosophy. Participants are welcome to complete as many or few of the 108 sun salutations as they feel comfortable.

Crystal Bowl Meditation
12pm noon

Yoga Instructor, Breath Facilitator, and owner of Bayou Bliss Yoga, Dana Shamas will play crystal bowls inside the Chapel, offering participants a unique meditative experience. The brightness that radiates around us during the Summer Solstice is a physical reminder of the light that shines within each of us. It is an ideal time to take a few moments to connect to the light inside of you. Join us for a peaceful crystal bowl meditation that allows you to tune into the joy and harmony that surrounds us inside and out.

Taiko Drumming
8pm

Kaminari Taiko of Houston, a Japanese drumming ensemble, will perform on the Rothko Chapel Plaza to mark the end of the Summer Solstice, followed by a public reception. "Taiko" is a Japanese word for drum. The art of taiko carries deep significance in Japanese culture. Samurai warriors also used taiko on the battlefield to signal commands and frighten their enemies. Townspeople warned of danger by beating on taiko, and priests used taiko at religious ceremonies to communicate with the gods. Temples and shrines throughout Japan display taiko as a symbol of purification and to dispel evil spirits.

Kaminari Taiko was founded in 1996 by Jay Mochizuki along with a number of talented musicians from diverse backgrounds and ethnicities. The members diligently trained under world acclaimed Taiko Masters such as: Daihachi Oguchi, Seiichi Tanaka, Kenny Endo and Takemasa Ishikura to learn the fundamental skills, philosophy and the spirit of this centuries old Japanese tradition.