Thank you for joining us for the fifth annual Sakura Taiko Fest!
This energizing show features dynamic and family-friendly Japanese drumming by professional, community, and Buddhist taiko groups from the East Coast and celebrates Japanese cultural and artistic traditions.
We encourage you to share your photos of today’s event on Twitter and Instagram!
@MarkHTaiko #sakurataikofest
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PROGRAM
ShinDaiko | 進太鼓
ShinDaiko is a vibrant, Greater Boston-area contemporary taiko ensemble founded in 2012. Their focus and performances not only showcase the intensity, passion and history of Japanese ensemble drumming, but also incorporate both Western and Eastern instruments and styles. Its members are experienced in strings, winds, percussion, and composition.
Shin Daiko will perform:
- Shiro Uneri 白溶裔
- Tsurube Otoshi 釣瓶おとし
- Night Parade 百鬼夜行
- Yui 結
KIZUNA | 絆
Kizuna is a contemporary taiko duo featuring Mark H Rooney and Kristen Koyama. As performers, they seek to embody the awesome synergy of sound and dynamic movement that distinguishes taiko as an art form, as well as the spirit of “kizuna,” the bond of friendship that is the foundation of the North American taiko community.
Kizuna will perform:
- Waiting for Spring
Kyo Daiko | 協太鼓
Kyo Daiko is a community taiko drumming group founded in Philadelphia in 2005 and associated with the Shofuso Japanese House and Garden in Philadelphia’s West Fairmount Park. Their performances include the Phillies pre-game show, Philadelphia International Festival Of the Arts, ESPN’s Monday Night Football pre-game show and the Annual Asian American Heritage Month Festival in Franklin Park.
Kyo Daiko will perform:
- Omiyage
- Miyake 三宅
- Michinoku みちのく
- Sunu Diansa
INTERMISSION
Mark H Taiko School
Mark H Rooney began his taiko career in Boston, MA, as a performing member of Odaiko New England in 1998. He has performed with a number of groups in Japan, Europe, and the US. Mark has collaborated with various artists, including Tiger Okoshi, Opera unMet, UpRooted Dance, Arts on the Horizon, and ilyAIMY. Since 2011, Mark continues taiko teaching in DC by offering weekly classes and special workshops.
Members of the Mark H Taiko School will perform:
- Ryujin Daiko 龙神太鼓
KIZUNA | 絆
Kizuna is a contemporary taiko duo featuring Mark H Rooney and Kristen Koyama. As performers, they seek to embody the awesome synergy of sound and dynamic movement that distinguishes taiko as an art form, as well as the spirit of “kizuna,” the bond of friendship that is the foundation of the North American taiko community.
Kizuna will perform:
- Mi To Ha
Nen Daiko | 念太鼓
Nen Daiko is the taiko ensemble of Ekoji Buddhist Temple in Fairfax Station, VA. Since 1994, Nen Daiko has been entertaining audiences at local and national events at the Kennedy Center, the National Theatre, the Smithsonian American Art Museum, and the Obon Festivals at Ekoji Buddhist Temple and Seabrook Buddhist Temple.
Nen Daiko will perform:
- Man’in
- Shiawase 幸せ
- Wanderlust
- Rouga 狼牙
Miyako Taiko | 都太鼓
Miyako Taiko was founded at 2014 as a community group affiliated with the Mark H Taiko School. They love to share their taiko and their energy at events in DC, Maryland, and Virginia, including the Sakura Matsuri, the Washington Folk Festival, the Reston Multicultural Festival, and the Baltimore Rhythm Festival.
Miyako Taiko will perform:
- Matsuri 祭
- Kashmir
- Shin En 心緣
Want to give taiko a try?
Sign up for our next Introductory Taiko Workshop on April 23!
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