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An EPIC evening of taiko, dance, and music!
In [ma]: the space between us, Mark H Rooney celebrates his 25 years as a taiko player … as well as all of the connections he’s made along the way. Joining him for this performance are some of his favorite long-term collaborators here in the DC area.
[When]
Saturday, July 15 @ 8:00pm
Sunday, July 16 @ 8:00pm
[Where]
Dance Exchange Performance Lab
7117 Maple Ave, Takoma Park, MD
[Tickets]
$35 Premium Seating
$25 Standard Seating
Celebrating 25 years of taiko
Mark H Rooney
The world’s most dangerous half-Japanese/half-Scottish solo improvisational taiko artist!
Meet our amazing performers.
We have a talented group of creative folx passionate about art, dance, music, & all niches in between.
Kristen Koyama
Dynamic Taiko Drummer
Brings a unique and powerful voice to the Japanese-American community.
MHTX
The Mark H Taiko Connection
Engages and inspires audiences through a shared exploration of contemporary taiko.
ABOUT [ma]: the space between us
The concept of “ma” in Japanese art and culture is an endless exploration of “space.” It is the something that is created in the intentional observance of absence.
You experience “ma” in the tension between elements of a flower arrangement, in the blank between brushstrokes, and in the time between drum hits that creates rhythm.
In this performance experience, we invite you to share in this exploration of “ma” – between Mark H and his collaborators, between rhythm and movement, and between performers and audience.
[Performer Spotlight]
Mark H Rooney
Mark H Rooney studies, performs, and teaches taiko. He combines a traditional taiko foundation with a modern sensibility to create performances and classes that emphasize connection, reaction, and interaction. Currently based in the DC area, he has also performed with a number of groups in Japan as well as across Europe and the US. This concert commemorates his 25th year as a taiko player, and he thanks everyone for joining him in the celebration!
photos & video
ilyAIMY
ilyAIMY (i love you And I Miss You) are known for engaging audiences with humor and award-winning narrative songs that pair an unforgettably soulful and powerful female vocalist with a percussive, clawhammer-like guitarist. Their infectious energy and rapid-fire lyricism is softened with cello and lush harmony. Reviewers praise ilyAIMY as “a welcome jolt” and “an acoustically roiling, combustible attack on the usual singer/songwriter fare.”
photos & video
Kristen Koyama
Kristen Koyama began taking classes with Odaiko New England in 2002. As a member of ONE’s core performing ensemble from 2005 to 2010, and more recently as part of Kizuna and MHTX here in DC, she has amassed countless hours of performance experience in a variety of venues. Kristen plays taiko for its physical challenge and for the unique and powerful voice that it brings to the Japanese-American community.
photos & video
MHTX
The Mark H Taiko Connection (also known as MHTX) brings a modern feel to traditional taiko styles and rhythms. Their unique performances have been enjoyed by audiences throughout the DC area. Although the group is relatively new on the taiko scene, its members have decades of taiko experience in the U.S., Japan, and Europe. They look forward to bringing their signature spirit of connection to the audiences at [ma]: the space between us.
photos & video
UpRooted Dance
Based in the DC Metro area, UpRooted Dance creates intersections between dance and other art forms. Artistic Director, Keira Hart-Mendoza collaborates with interdisciplinary creatives to craft vibrant works. UpRooted Dance uses movement, sound, images, and text to immerse viewers through thought-provoking storytelling. This versatile company produces pathways from audiences to explore dance on stage and in unexpected locations.
photos & video
[Gallery]
Check out our performers in action.
Thanks to Raymond Fudge and Mike Gallan for the great photos
Follow Mark H Taiko on Instagram and Facebook for all the updates, and we’ll see you in July!