International Women's Day: Launch

Join us for the launch of Chaco Kato's public art installation for IWD with a musical performance by Ayako Fujii and a guided sound bath.

Location: Community Grow and Play Garden, 3 Lyons Street, Rye VIC

Date: Saturday 8th March 2026

Lineup:
Music by Ayako Fujii: 11am-12pm
Vocal Sound Bath: 1pm-2pm

Open to all

This event is to celebrate the launch of artist Chaco Kato's recently commissioned public art installation for the Mornington Peninsula Shire Council. Please join us for a Welcome to Country service alongside local councillors to inaugurate this incredible work.

Music: 11am-12pm

Ayako Fujii

Ayako Fujii is a multi-instrumentalist, composer and music educator based in Naarm / Melbourne, Australia. Born in Osaka, Japan, she began her career as a performer and music educator in 1989 after graduating from the Osaka College of Music. In 1995, she moved to Australia to share her passion for performance internationally.

Ayako strives to share the sounds of Japan ( ‘ 和 wa’) through traditional Japanese instrumental performance. She describes this as the natural expression of her soul, finding joy in creating sounds and immersive experiences through them, whether it be through solo performance or collaboration.

Working with the Shinobue flute, Taiko drums and Ryukyuan Sanshin strings; Ayako produces playful expressions of Japanese culture and sound interweaving tradition with a contemporary flair. With keen improvisational skills, her music is often inspired by the spiritual and naturalistic, evoking rich and moving imagery.

Vocal Sound Bath: 1-2pm

Led by Maxon, Like Bear and Dominique

Drawing on Chaco Kato’s Zen Punk practice, this sound bath invites you into restorative dimensions of connection, gentle tension release, and deep calm. Guided by local singer-songwriters Maxon, Like Bear, and Dominique, you will be led through a nourishing exploration of the voice as a tool for grounding and care—for mind, body, and spirit.

No singing experience is required. You are welcome to join in or simply remain immersed in the sounds around you. This is a safe, supportive space where your voice is welcome exactly as it is.

What to bring:

• A meditation cushion or bolster to sit on
• Water
• Comfy clothing
• A journal (or piece of paper) and pen
• An open heart and mind

What to know:

During the practice, emotions may naturally arise. A follow-up email will provide information about support services and other community events if you wish to continue your journey.

About Your Hosts:

It has been 14 years in the making, but Max (Maxon) and Nay (Like Bear) have joined forces in a way they never have before - as the pop-rock duo ‘Wakers’. Described as Fleetwood Mac meets Bruce Springsteen for today, Wakers blend soaring vocal harmonies and vivid storytelling. Both accomplished artists in their own right, they bring powerhouse vocals, visual storytelling, and award-winning songwriting into one project. Wakers is an exploration of love, loss, and the wonder of being alive. While we wait for the launch of Wakers later in 2026, you can catch Max and Nay hosting sound healing workshops and performing Maxon and Like Bear shows. Sign up to the mailing list to stay in touch. https://tinyurl.com/mrd29v87

Dominique Garrard has been immersed in contemporary music for her entire life, using her voice as a central tool for songwriting, performance, and teaching. With many years of experience leading diverse projects and ensembles—including Mutual Colour, Zombeaches, N.Y.C.K and St. Andrews Beach Community Choir—she has more recently embraced a slower, more intentional creative practice. This shift toward sound bathing and mindful sound creation has become a deeply nourishing and joyful extension of her work. As a vocal teacher, Dominique’s voice remains her instrument of choice, grounded in a strong awareness of the powerful physical, emotional, and creative benefits of vocal practice.

This event is part of the Mornington Peninsula Shire's programming in celebration of International Women's Day. Be sure to check out other events celebrating IWD by following the link: International Women's Day 2026: Public Programs | Eventbrite