Members of Happyfunsmile performing at the New York Anime Festival.

NEW YORK — The musical group Happyfunsmile will be embarking on its first California Obon tour from July 19 to 27.

Performing an irresistible blend of Japanese street music (chindon), Okinawan pop and folk songs, nostalgic ballads (enka), and Obon tunes, the group will be featured at the Obon festivals of Buddhist Church of San Francisco, Los Angeles Higashi Honganji and Senshin Buddhist Temple (Los Angeles), as well as Nikkei senior homes and live music venues.

Founded in 2004 by percussionist Wynn Yamami, the New York City-based group has performed at numerous venues, including the Knitting Factory, Galapagos, Baggot Inn, Pianos, Brooklyn Botanic Garden Sakura Matsuri, Washington, D.C. Sakura Matsuri, Soundfest, New York Anime Festival, Japan Day in Central Park, and numerous bars and izakaya.

Happyfunsmile has a loyal band of followers, from Nisei ladies at New York Buddhist Church to East Village and Brooklyn hipsters. Known for its high-energy antics, the group has been described by the KQED-FM program “Pacific Time” as a “folk festival all by itself.”

Proceeds from all of their performances at the Obon festivals, Buddhist temples, and Nikkei senior homes will be donated.

For more information, visit www.happyfunsmile.com.