Every March, the organization Upstate International features an entire month of events and programs celebrating the international connections, heritage and diversity across our 10 counties in the Upstate.

Here are a few events we’d like to bring to your attention during this year’s UI Month! (Please check out the complete listing of events on the UpstateInternational.org website.)

March 9: Japanese Calligraphy Workshop with Yoshiko Moon. 6:30pm
$20 per person. O-CHA Tea Bar hosts calligrapher Yoshiko Moon of StudioMoonArt.com for a hands-on Japanese calligraphy workshop (all art materials included). Learn about traditional calligraphy tools, paint your favorite word or phrase in kanji, and enjoy traditional Japanese matcha tea and sweets. Must pre-register and pre-pay. (More info.)
O-CHA Tea Bar: 300 River Street, Suite 122, Greenville, SC

March 15: Sushi-Making Class with Chef Yama 
$45 per person. In this hands-on class , Chef Yama will teach you the basics of sushi making. You will make 3 rolls and will learn the difference in authentic Japanese sushi verses traditional American sushi. Two varieties of Sake along with other beverages will be provided. $45/person. (More info.)
The Cook’s Station: 659 South Main Street, Greenville, SC 

March 15: Japan-America Social – Game Night. 7pm 
FREE for JAASC members, non-members welcome ($5). Please join us at Local Cue for our next social: a game night for grown-ups! Meet our members, play board games, cards, pool and other fun activities! Feel free to bring your favorite games to share, especially Japanese games or traditional childhood games. This event is 21 and over. (More info.)
Local Cue : 30 Orchard Park Dr #7, Greenville, SC 

March 17: Japanese Tea Ceremony – FREE. 11am
FREE. Please join us for this special event featuring visiting tea master Hideko Nagasaka, who will enlighten us with the etiquette of preparing and serving Japanese Matcha tea. Much time is spent in concentration and ritual, giving attendees the opportunity to pause from the busyness of life and savor the moment, as well as (of course) a delicious cup of traditional matcha green tea. (More info.)
Upstate International: 9 Memminger Street, Greenville, SC 

March 17 & 25: Greenville Concert Band 
FREE. The Greenville Concert Band will perform music from around the world at two free concerts. Song selections include “Japanese Rhapsody” by Clare Grundman based on 3 traditional Japanese songs. At the March 17 concert, this piece will be introduced by JAASC’s very own Yuji Kishimoto, professor emeritus of Architecture (Clemson). More information at greenvilleconcertband.org and upstateinternational.org.

This is only a selection of the many events taking place across 10 counties this month. Be sure to visit the official Upstate International website for the complete calendar of international events, and share your posts and photos with #upstateinternational #UIM #upstateinternationalmonth.