TAIKOPROJECT is hosting the 2014 World Taiko Gathering, the first-ever convening of taiko groups from all over the world, scheduled for July 18-20.
Presented in association with the Japanese American Cultural and Community Center, the Japanese American National Museum, and the Southern California Taiko Community, the gathering is expected to bring together over 500 participants from taiko groups throughout the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Europe, Asia, South America, and Australia. Activities will include three days of workshops, discussion sessions, taiko performances, and community-building activities.
Dozens of taiko workshops will be offered by top instructors and taiko artists for drummers of all skill levels and interests. Attendees will have access to the Taiko Marketplace, with drums and equipment from the finest Japanese and American taiko makers and artisans.
There will be free noon-time taiko performances on each day of the World Taiko Gathering, as well as a free community taiko concert on the JACCC Plaza, and a global taiko concert at the Aratani Theatre, featuring premier taiko ensembles sharing one stage for the very first time.
“This is one of the most exciting events we have ever worked on,” said Project Coordinator Masato Baba. “It will be the first time so many taiko players from not just North America, but from all over the world, will be together in one place. The worldwide taiko community is coming together here in Los Angeles. It’s going to be amazing … and loud.”
To put on this historic event, TAIKOPROJECT is working with an esteemed group of advisors, including:
• Akitoshi Asano, Asano Taiko Company (Matto, Ishikawa Prefecture)
• Isabel Romeo Biedma, Seiwa Taiko (Madrid, Spain)
• Ian Cleworth, TaikOz (Sydney, Australia)
• Bruno Cecconi, Buenos Aires Taiko Dojo (Buenos Aires, Argentina)
• Kenny Endo, Taiko Center of the Pacific (Honolulu,)
• Michelle Fujii, Portland Taiko (Portland, Ore.)
• Kayo Homma-Komori (Chibi Taiko, Vancouver, Canada)
• Shoji Kameda, On Ensemble (Los Angeles)
• Aiko Kimura, Denver Taiko (Denver)
• Jonathan Kirby, Kagemusha Taiko (Exeter, U.K.)
• Yoshihiko Miyamoto, Miyamoto Unosuke Shoten (Tokyo)
• Grete Moortgat, Feniks Taiko (Antwerpen, Belgium)
• Lucas Muraguchi, Ishindaiko (Londrina, Brazil)
• Alan Okada, Soh Daiko (New York City)
• Tiffany Tamaribuchi, Sacramento Taiko Dan (Sacramento)
• Wisa Uemura, San Jose Taiko (San Jose)
• Kaoru Watanabe, Kaoru Watanabe Taiko Center (New York City)
• Michael Wells, Tamashii Taiko (New Zealand)
• Bryan Yamami, TAIKOPROJECT (Los Angeles)
In addition, TAIKOPROJECT is excited to be working with a local host committee composed of over 30 taiko groups throughout Southern California and outlying areas.
The 2014 World Taiko Gathering is funded in part by grants from the National Endowment for the Arts and the City of Los Angeles, Department of Cultural Affairs.
Visit http://worldtaikogathering.com for ticket information and event schedule.