Pictures from our Pizza and Karaoke Goodbye Party for Jackson

Last Sunday, Dec 22nd, we had a short practice followed by a pizza and karaoke goodbye party for Jackson, who's moving to Seattle for work. We're sad to see him go, and wish him the best!

Tiffany Tamaribuchi’s Workshop Dec 12, 2019 @ Kaoru Watanabe’s dojo

Otogatari Workshop - Dec 14, 2019 @ Taiko Masala Dojo

On Dec 14, we had the wonderful opportunity to participate in a workshop with Otogatari, taiko performers from Japan. The workshop was hosted by Taiko Masala in Brooklyn.  Below are some pictures from the day.

Uchiosame 2019 with Hiro-sensei - Dec 8, 2019

Sumo + Sushi Event - November 15 - 17, 2019

We had the unique opportunity to perform at the Sumo + Sushi Event on all 3 nights at the Playstation Theater in NY.  Thanks to all who performed, especially those who took all three days out of their weekend!

Columbia Taiko Festival - Nov 10, 2019

The Columbia Taiko Festival was a great success, thanks to all who participated!  Special thanks to Koh and the CU Taiko leadership and members for pulling off such a great show and helping keep the taiko community strong.  Not forgetting our members and family volunteers too!

NYC Marathon - Nov 3, 2019

Many thanks to all who came out and played with us!  

Thanks to Stefano for this photo from the live footage of the marathon opening ceremony!

NYC Marathon Opening Ceremony - Nov 1, 2019

What an honor to be part of the NYC Marathon Opening Ceremony! We had a blast, and the runners were very happy to see us accompany them.  Can't for this Sunday's marathon!

Tribute to Takeshi Okuyama - October 6, 2019

On October 6th, we held a small tribute gathering to celebrate the life of Takeshi Okuyama, the instrumental instructor of Hachijo-style taiko for his recent untimely passing.

 For an idea of the profound impact of Okuyama-san’s efforts in building the Hachijo Taiko community, please see his obituary (in Japanese). 

Many thanks to Sarah Gilbert of Soh Daiko for putting together the event, and to Soh Daiko and Koh for lending us Hachijo stands for the occasion.  It was a warm and fun evening as we got to learn the Hachijo style in memory of Takashi Okuyama-Sensei, who passed too soon.

Scarsdale Daiso Opening (Scarsdale, NY) & Annual Fair at St. Margaret's Episcopal Church (Plainview, NY) - September 21, 2019

We had a pretty busy Saturday on September 21st, with our members split between 2 shows, one at the Scarsdale Daiso Opening in Scarsdale, NY, and the other at the Annual Fair at St. Margaret's Episcopal church in Plainview New York (Long Island). Thanks to everyone who participated!

In action at Scarsdale Daiso

Thanks to all performers who gave their all!

Playing at the St. Margaret’s Annual Fair

A group shot with Father Isaiah Ginson at the Fair

St. George’s Episcopal Church - September 28, 2019

Photo taken by our former member, Henry in Hempstead, LI

Westport Bon Odori Festival - Sept 7, 2019

We had wonderful weather last Saturday as we performed Westport Bon Odori Festival. Many thanks to Junko-san for organizing and hosting us for a great dinner afterward!

Hayashi Eitetsu's Workshop - September 1, 2019

On September 1, 2019 we had the honor of hosting a workshop by world renowned Taiko master Hayashi Eitetsu and members of EITETSU Fu-Un no Kai! Thanks to Koh for putting it all together, and to all who participated in the sessions and also brought delicious food for the reception! We had the chance to learn "Sen no Kaikyo", a moving piece Eitetsu-sensei composed as a tribute after the Hanshin Earthquake in 1995. We hope to be able to perform it one day!

Kyoko's Trip to Okaya - August 2019

 Kyoko-sensei continues to have a busy summer, as she along with Chiharu, Haruna and a high school friend of hers, participated in the Okaya festival this past week. They also visited our Grandmaster Daihachi Oguchi-sensei’s grave.

Okaya festival

At Grandmaster Daihachi Oguchi-sensei's grave

Geared up for Dengaku

Visiting with Singaporean Suwa players

With the Singapore Suwa Taiko team

Upcoming Events: Westport Bon Odori Performance - Sept 7, 2019

Come join in the fun at the Fall Festival with Bon Dancing at Jesup Green in Westport, CT, organized by Japan Society of Fairfield County.  We will be performing multiple times throughout the afternoon, from 1:35 pm till 4 pm.  Enjoy a family-fun filled afternoon as there will also be Bon Odori dances, martial arts demo, crafts and other fun things to try out!

Check out this flyer for more details:

Daiso opening at Mitsuwa Market - Edgewater, NJ - Aug 3, 2019

Kyoko & Rie's Trip to Okaya - July 2019

Kyoko-sensei, Rie-san along with three members of Sakura Daiko spent a fulfilling weekend in Okaya in July during their first round of visit to Osuwa Daiko. Not only did they get to learn an entire piece of Kagura, but they also spent time visiting with Kasumi Oguchi, the daughter of the late Daihachi Oguchi, the Grandmaster of Osuwa Daiko.

With Naoko, Maya and Chiaki of Sakura Daiko and Kasumi Oguchi, the daughter of the late Daihachi Oguchi, grandmaster of Osuwa Daiko in front of Daihachi sensei's photos

At the gate of Suwa Shrine where the old music of Suwa Daiko was discovered over 70 years ago.

50th Anniversary of Stonewall Rebellion - Great Lawn at Central Park - June 30, 2019

We were blessed with beautiful weather on Sunday as we performed at the 50th Anniversary of Stonewall Rebellion on the Great Lawn in Central Park!