MINNEAPOLIS (Feb. 28, 2018) — Powerful women take centerstage at the upcoming Taiko Tuesday concert that is followed by a Women in Taiko panel discussion.
Ensō Daiko will perform with special guest, Tiffany Tamaribuchi from Sacramento, Calif., followed by the “Women in Taiko” panel discussion as part of the the next Taiko Tuesday event at 7 p.m., March 6, at the O’Shaughnessy Auditorium on the campus of St. Catherine University, 2004 Randolph Ave, St Paul, MN 55105. Presented by TakioArts Midwest, Taiko Tuesday concerts promise loud, energetic performances that combine music, dance, culture, and pure athleticism.
“So many people I meet have no idea what taiko drumming is, or that we have such a vibrant local taiko community,” said Jennifer Weir, executive director of TaikoArts Midwest. “These concerts are free — an easy opportunity for people and families to give it a try. Also, there is something revolutionary and fierce when you see a stage full of women playing taiko. We are going to blow people away!”
Tiffany Tamaribuchi, co-founder and director of the professional women’s taiko ensemble, Sacramento Taiko Dan and Jodaiko, has played and toured with a number of notable groups from Japan, including Za Ondekoza, Zampa Ufujishi Taiko, Eisadantai Mafuekaji, and Shidara. She was the winner of the 2002 All Japan Odaiko competition and finalist at the first Tokyo International Odaiko Contest.
Always working to deepen understanding about taiko in Japan for North American audiences, Tamaribuchi recently debuted the first Ondeko group outside Japan after training with Kasuga Onigumi on Sado Island and receiving their permission to share their indigenous art form with others.
Ensō Daiko performs traditional and contemporary taiko repertoire, with an emphasis on original compositions. For over 20 years they have contributed to the expanding canon and innovation of North American taiko, and have taught thousands of students of all ages and abilities.
Ensō Daiko was founded as Mu Daiko in 1997 by Rick Shiomi. It was renamed Ensō Daiko in 2017 by current Artistic Director Jennifer Weir, when TaikoArts Midwest took over the taiko program formerly supported by Theater Mu.
This concert series, presented by TaikoArts Midwest, is one of the winning projects to receive funding from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, as part of the Knight Arts Challenge. In addition to the City of St. Paul Cultural STAR program and the Elmer L. & Eleanor J. Andersen Foundation, this activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Metropolitan Regional Arts Council, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.
Upcoming Taiko Tuesday Concerts:
All concerts FREE general admission, but require reservations
April 24th 7PM, North Garden Theater
May 22nd 7PM, Park Square Theater
About TaikoArts Midwest:
TaikoArts Midwest’s mission is to nurture artistic excellence and deepen and expand the impact of taiko in our community. Inspired by both tradition and innovation, they produce concerts, offer studio classes, lead school residencies, and perform for community and private events. They are the springboard for two resident taiko groups: Ensō Daiko and ensemble-MA. Recently founded as an independent spin-off from Theater Mu, TaikoArts Midwest is Minnesota’s leading taiko organization.
