Small Steps,
Big Light
“Look again at that dot. That’s here. That’s home. That’s us.
On it, everyone you love, every human who ever lived, experienced their joys and sorrows.”
— Carl Sagan, Pale Blue Dot
Our name, Shining Blue Dot, is a hopeful evolution of Carl Sagan’s poetic vision of Earth as a “pale blue dot” — a tiny, delicate speck suspended in the vastness of space. While Sagan’s words remind us of our planet’s fragility, Shining Blue Dot looks to the future with optimism.
Our mission is to take small but meaningful steps toward a more compassionate and connected world — one where art, science, and human expression come together to illuminate our shared future.
A Manhattan Story: Joy of Life
presented by Shining Blue Dot
An intimate and exquisite original production by violinist Eiko Kano,
unfolds as a continuous musical journey,
a narrated storyline seamlessly woven with violin gem pieces.
Designed as a sophisticated pre-dinner concert, this special Valentine’s Day performance takes place near Lincoln Center, offering a refined winter evening of music, narrative, and human reflection.
This concert is part of “Musical Dialogue” at Shining Blue Dot, a series dedicated to creating thoughtful, intimate encounters where music becomes a space for listening, connection, and meaning.
✨ Friday, February 14
📍 Lincoln Center area (address will be sent to you after ticket purchase)
🎟 Tickets available via Give Lively
(Charitable contribution with tax-deductible portions on all tickets)
Join us for a quiet, luminous Valentine’s experience where music tells a story.
Eiko Kano: Script and Violin
Blair MacMillan: Piano (Photo Credit: Patrick Xiong)
Gilly Caulo: Narration
The very first step of Shining Blue Dot began with a full house.
Despite only two and a half weeks of preparation, the concert was completely sold out—we even had to print extra programs and bring in more chairs.
We are beyond grateful to everyone who came and shared this unforgettable moment with us.
May we continue taking steps forward—five, ten, and more—together.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
About us
Founder/President Shining Blue Dot NY,
Violinist, Artistic Director
Eiko Kano
Internationally acclaimed violinist and cultural visionary Eiko Kano is the founder of Shining Blue Dot NY, a nonprofit organization established in 2025 in New York. With a mission to inspire hope, compassion, and connection through the universal language of music, the Known for her deeply expressive performances, Kano has been praised as “an artist of overwhelming passion and lyrical expression” (Kyoto Shimbun) and “a captivating interpreter who mesmerizes audiences” (Ongaku no Tomo). Her distinguished career as a soloist and collaborator includes performances with renowned musicians such as Albrecht Mayer (Berlin Philharmonic), Eugene Drucker (Emerson String Quartet), and Ani Kavafian.
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