Vancouver Taiko Society

Sunday, November 3, 2024 at 7:30 pm (doors at 7 pm)
Performance Works on Granville Island, 1218 Cartwright Street

Sliding Scale Tickets In Advance: $20/ $25/ $30; 12 & under: $15; Purchase online at Showpass: https://www.showpass.com/echoes/

Vancouver Taiko Society is pleased to announce a concert featuring new work by seven local taiko groups: Chibi Taiko, Dahaza, Katari Taiko, Onibana Taiko, Sansho Daiko, Sawagi Taiko and Vancouver Okinawa Taiko at Performance Works on Granville Island on Sunday evening, November 3.

Echoes: Celebrating 45 years of Taiko in Canada acknowledges and celebrates the deep roots of taiko in Vancouver, the birthplace of taiko in Canada and will honour our Japanese Canadian history of struggle, resilience, social activism and joy.

With support from the Japanese Canadian Legacies Community Fund, seven commissioned taiko works, each created and developed by a local taiko group, will reflect upon the diversity of taiko that has flourished in Vancouver since taking root in 1979 at Oppenheimer Park in Paueru Gai, the home of the fabled Asahi baseball team.

Just as the Asahi provided a point of pride for the pre-war JC community, Katari Taiko and all the groups that came after provided a soundtrack for the community resurgence following the 1977 Japanese Canadian Centennial.

Taiko has grown and flourished in Vancouver, becoming a diverse, socially engaged and intertwined community with strong representation from children to seniors, from all genders and identities including LGBTQ2+ and different heritages.

According to taiko leaders from across Canada and the US, Vancouver’s taiko community is unusually cohesive, with VTS providing an umbrella for collaborative ventures by local groups. For this concert, over 60 taiko drummers and performers are gathering to present and share their music.

The new work will express creative renewal, our shared inheritances and dreams for the future. We acknowledge our wartime relatives that worked together to rebuild community in ghosts towns and empty fields, living in exile but always in hope.

This raw spirit of the taiko – simple patterns played with heart and purpose – honours our ancestors, a reminder of the ceremonial roots of the taiko form.

Come celebrate with us on November 3rd at the warm and friendly Performance Works on Granville Island. This will be a relaxed performance. Pauses between each set will enable the performers to move on and off stage with ease and for audience members to stretch, get a beverage or snack or read a complimentary, commemorative program.

Miyake-Jima Geino Doushi-Kai Taiko Drumming Workshops in Vancouver, Canada takes place April 27 - 28, 2024 at the University of British Columbia (UBC). Led by guest teachers: Kazuhiro Tsumura & Haruyoshi Tsumura. Thanks to UBC Department of Ethnomusicology for their support.

Workshop Description

There will be 2 x Short (2-hour) workshops, one on each day, and 1 x Intensive (10-hour) workshop split up over 3 sessions across both days (see the Agenda on the Eventbrite page). The Short workshops may be suitable for beginners or as a refresher for those who have previously studied the Miyake form. The Intensive workshop features advanced techniques, kiyari (the chant), and Kagura (shinto ceremonial) version. Beginners to taiko may join the intensive workshop. The workshop instruction will be conducted in Japanese, but translation services will be provided.

Venue

All workshops and sign-in will occur at the University of British Columbia (UBC), Asian Centre Building - Music Studio (Room 105) - see map

Registration*

Individual workshop registration can be made on our EVENTBRITE page. All fees are in CAD and do not include Eventbrite service fees.

• Short Workshops - Regular price $65
• Intensive Workshop - Regular price $330.
• Combo Workshop - Regular price $380. Save $15!

*You will be asked to sign a waiver form before participating in any of the workshops.

Bachi / Drumstick Add-Ons

We will bring the various bachi (rentals, standard, and engraved logo) to the workshop venue. The usual #8 bachi that is often used in taiko ensembles is different from a Miyake bachi, which is larger, lighter, and tapered . Rental bachi are $5 for the duration of the workshops, the standard Miyake bachi for sale is $40, and the engraved logo Miyake bachi for sale is $70. You can add on your bachi choice at time of registration.

Organizer

Noriko Kim Kobayashi (canadamiyaketaiko@gmail.com) of Canada Miyake Taiko Kai is the volunteer coordinator of the workshops.

** For more information or to register, please visit our EVENTBRITE page **

The 3rd Annual Sanshin Day is back! This year’s Sanshin Day, a special guest Hitoshi Kiyomura (Sanshin craftsman & musician from Tarama Island) will demonstrate Sanshin making, a short workshop, and performance. Registration is required as limited space. $25/person.

Monday March 4, 2024, 7pm – 9pm
Nikei National Museum & Cultural Centre
Burnaby, 6688 Southoaks Crescent, Burnaby, BC V5E 4M7, Canada

RSVP

Rakuichi Mikoshi Vancouver will be celebrating its 20th Anniversary Event at the Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre in Burnaby this spring! This in-person gathering promises an unforgettable experience and will culminate in a special ceremony to complete the mikoshi shrine with decorations. Discover the beauty of traditional Japanese arts and crafts, indulge in delectable cherry blossom kaseki bento box cuisine, and enjoy the fascinating musical performances that exhibit our shared history, including a performance by our very own Sansho Daiko. Don't miss this opportunity to be part of a truly special occasion. Mark your calendars and join us at the Vancouver Rakuichi Mikoshi event, where tradition and celebration intertwine in an unforgettable journey of 20 glorious years!

Tickets: Adult $50.00 / Child 12 & under $25.00 (on Eventbrite)
Date: March 2, 2024 (Saturday)
Time: 5:00pm - 8:00pm
Where: Nikkei National Cultural Centre, 6688 Southoaks Crescent Burnaby, BC (map)
Contact: info@rakuichi.ca
Website: www.rakuichi.ca

Katari Taiko | 2024 WINTER-SPRING CLASSES

An eight-week course featuring hands on taiko workshops and the history of taiko in the Japanese Canadian community

Thursday evenings
February 8, 15, 22, 29 & March 7, 14, 21 & 28, 2024
6:30 pm – 9:30 pm (3 hours)

Fee: $400

Maximum 6 participants

Location: Vancouver Japanese Hall, 487 Alexander Street

Contact: diane@dkam.ca / 604-728-8240 / www.kataritaiko.bc.ca

Goals: To learn fundamental taiko drumming techniques and rhythms; and to explore the context of taiko as a performing art within the Japanese Canadian community and North America. No previous experience is necessary. Must be 16 years of age or older.

What you will do:

• Learn body positioning and how to strike taiko drums using a balanced side stance;

• Learn fundamental techniques, form, and how to vocalize and play rhythms that are the basis of many taiko pieces;

• Learn two songs applying these techniques;

• Use kiai (shouts) to support the drumming;

• Practice basic care and maintenance of drums and other equipment;

• Gain understanding of the cultural / historical significance of taiko within the Japanese Canadian community and North America;

• Establish a strong foundation for you to apply to apprentice with Katari Taiko

Format: Each class includes: stretching, strengthening, and vocal exercises; 90-120 minutes of drumming; and a guided cool down. Towards the later half of the course, students learn to perform two pieces. Each class also introduces and has opportunity for discussion on a topic related to the history and culture of taiko in the Japanese Canadian community and North America.

Instruction: The course will be taught by members of Katari Taiko.

To register, visit http://www.kataritaiko.bc.ca and fill out the form according to the instructions.

Special screening of the documentary feature film Finding Her Beat

Tuesday, September 26, 2023
Rio Theater. 6:30pm
Live performance by Uzume Taiko

Buy tickets
Film website

Film trailer

About the Film

In the midst of a frozen Minnesota winter, a Japanese drum master and Korean adoptee from North Dakota join forces to assemble the world’s best Taiko drummers in a bold effort to claim a spotlight that has historically been reserved only for men.

Their rhythm revolution includes rock stars from the world of taiko: Tiffany Tamaribuchi, Kaoly Asano, Chieko Kojima, Megan Chao-Smith, and Jennifer Weir, and many more.

Through grueling rehearsals, Jennifer weaves together their disparate voices and styles. Vulnerability, pain, and joys are shared—and we quickly see the bonds of friendship form as these talented women navigate their way through differences in culture, age, language, and performing styles.

As the clock ticks toward their first performance, it becomes clear that their story has become much larger than Taiko. Buoyed by dynamic drum performances and do-or-die spirit, Finding Her Beat is an energizing and uplifting story of music, culture, and sisterhood.

What people are saying

“speaks directly to Asian American girls and the power of their dreams”

“is the best documentary feature film I’ve seen in years”

“mirrors and reflects our values and mission”

“is an uplifting film that celebrates AAPI power”

“includes a queer Asian family without trauma or melodrama”

Katari Taiko | 2023 FALL CLASSES

An eight-week course featuring hands on taiko workshops and the history of taiko in the Japanese Canadian community

Thursday evenings
September 21 & 28, October 5, 12, 19 & 26 and November 2 & 9, 2023
6:30 pm – 9:30 pm (3 hours)

Fee: $400

Maximum 6 participants

Location: Vancouver Japanese Hall, 487 Alexander Street

Contact: diane@dkam.ca / 604-728-8240 / www.kataritaiko.bc.ca

Goals: To learn fundamental taiko drumming techniques and rhythms; and to explore the context of taiko as a performing art within the Japanese Canadian community and North America. No previous experience is necessary. Must be 16 years of age or older.

What you will do:

• Learn body positioning and how to strike taiko drums using a balanced side stance;

• Learn fundamental techniques, form, and how to vocalize and play rhythms that are the basis of many taiko pieces;

• Learn two songs applying these techniques;

• Use kiai (shouts) to support the drumming;

• Practice basic care and maintenance of drums and other equipment;

• Gain understanding of the cultural / historical significance of taiko within the Japanese Canadian community and North America;

• Establish a strong foundation for you to apply to apprentice with Katari Taiko

Format: Each class includes: stretching, strengthening, and vocal exercises; 90-120 minutes of drumming; and a guided cool down. Towards the later half of the course, students learn to perform two pieces. Each class also introduces and has opportunity for discussion on a topic related to the history and culture of taiko in the Japanese Canadian community and North America.

Instruction: The course will be taught by members of Katari Taiko. 

To register, visit http://www.kataritaiko.bc.ca and fill out the form according to the instructions.

Contemporary Community Dance for Celebrating Japanese Culture

Greetings,

Courtesy of the 45th Powell Street Festival, I would like to  invite everyone  across the country to learn the Paueru Mashup, a taiko flashmob work that encapsulates the festival! It’s a community dance that we can all learn and perform together one day! Learn the dance and videotape yourself, then we will edit everyone into a video that will premiere at this year's Festival. Lessons run from Thursday, April 22 to May 27, 5 - 6PM PDT

Book your free lesson online at Eventbrite

Eventbrite link for lessons

About Paueru Mashup

Itching to move your body? Learn the Paueru Mashup, a taiko flashmob (inspired by Le Grand Continental) community dance drawing on elements of Radio Taiso and Tanko Bushi, with a soundscape of sumo, omikoshi,  martial arts, taiko, and Godzilla - a sonic mosaic of Powell Street Festival !

Commissioned by the Powell Street Festival Society with music created by Onibana Taiko and movements by Company 605, this high-energy dance is accessible for all ages and abilities across the country.  .No dance experience necessary! We'll have skilled dance instructors walking you through the movements as you learn from the comfort of your own home.These are iterative lessons, so we encourage you to sign up for all the lessons so you can learn a new portion of the dance each week.   Follow up projects include a live performance and video, so let’s dance!

More  Mashup videos from last year and info found on the Powell Street Festival site.

Please feel free to contact me at this email address (kimkob3@gmail.com) with your questions and stay safe.

Thank you for your attention.

Noriko Kobayashi