Written by tsilowsky on March 31st, 2011
Here are a few links that have been given to Fort Wayne Taiko in an effort to help with disaster relief in Japan.
*JASI (Japan-American Society of Indiana) was established in 1988 to act as a bridge between Japan and the US in the areas of business and friendship. Contributions can be sent through your local bank and are tax deductible.
*Japanese Consulate or Embassy-affiliated with the Japanese Red Cross.
*Consulate General of Japan Chicago http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/About/news/egdoninfo.html
*Consulate General of Japan San Francisco http://www.sf.us.emb-japan.go.jp/archives/PR e/2011/pr 11 0314.htm
*Consulate General of Los Angele http://www.la.us.emb-japan.go.jple web/cgjla donate.htm
*Embassy of Japan, Washington http://www.us.emb-japan.go.jp/j/anzen/jishin message.html
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Written by tsilowsky on March 31st, 2011
Cherry Blossom Festival is Saturday, May 14 from 6pm to 9pm and Sunday May 15 from 12pm to 6pm at the downtown branch of the Allen County Public Library. A Japan Disaster Relief table will accept public donations through the Red Cross to provide disaster assistance to people in Japan.
Saturday evening from 6:30-8:30 will be A Magical Evening of Japanese Music in the Library Auditorium. There will be many local artists as well as Fort Wayne Taiko. The cost is $15 for adults with $5 going to disaster relief…Children 12 and under are $5 dollars. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear some great music and offer your support for the people of Japan!
The opening ceremony will take place Sunday with Fort Wayne Taiko leading into the event at 12:15pm.
For more information about Cherry Blossom Festival visit JapanInFortWayne.com
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Written by tsilowsky on March 14th, 2011
Fort Wayne Taiko’s heart goes out to all those in Japan. The earthquake and ensuing Tsunami were incredibly devastating. Words cannot express our sorrow for those in our sister city of Takaoka as well as all of Japan. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of them during this terrible time.
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Written by lhillyard on February 28th, 2011
Kodo presented their One Earth Tour at Clowes Hall in Butler University, Indianapolis, Indiana last night. I particularly enjoyed their precision and the way they played the shime togther. They had a song that featured chappas. It was amazing. The power and accuracy of the way they played have inspired me. I was so grateful to be able to attend this show.
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Written by Jackie Hinsey on February 20th, 2011
The artistry of Hono-O-Daiko
Hono-O-Daiko of Japan put on an amazing performance of raw intensity, blazing speed and sheer mastery last night in Novi, MI. The four-woman group performed in conjunction with Great Lakes Taiko Center’s first anniversary celebration.
These four amazing women in their bright red gowns were nature unleased; quiet as a light rain, graceful as a gentle breeze, powerful as a thunderstorm and wild as a hurricane. No words can truly describe the experience of the vibration of the drums rumbling your entire body while the drummers are fully immersed in the union of drum and rhythm. It was raw, intense and incredibly beautiful. After a very powerful piece that had us on our feet in awe, Akemi Jige, founding member of Hono-O-Daiko shared “the drum gives energy back” to the performer and that exchange of energy between the living drum and the performer was evident to the audience. Chris and I are deeply grateful that we made the trip to see them. They have significantly changed our vision of taiko and our connection to the drum.
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Tags: Hono-O-Daiko, taiko
Written by lhillyard on February 17th, 2011
We had a meeting to discuss this year’s Knock on Wood. It will be our fifth production. We also noted that taiko has been in Fort Wayne for 12 years. That is another milestone. We are excited to pursue another year in this production. There will be some new songs, old songs will be renewed and who knows what else we will come up with. Check back frequently to see how we are progressing :0)
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Written by lhillyard on February 9th, 2011
Ft. Wayne Extra
Ready, set go!!!!! Fort Wayne Taiko was the featured performers at IPFW last night. We had an engaging crowd and had alot of fun. We rearranged Matsuri and had 5 drummers playing the song, 2 playing the song backward. This was something we had been wanting to do and we rocked!!! Matsuri is a festival song that is full of joy. We experienced the joy because of the way we engaged the audience and the way we had 2 drummers sharing a drum. For me, the connection in that moment was full of power, love of the drum and the people I was with. The risk we all take when we drum can make a difference in the way we live and how that manifests in our life. Taiko is a way of life, if you want to grow, come and drum with us 
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Tags: IPFW
Written by lhillyard on February 4th, 2011
Fort Wayne Taiko will be performing at IPFW’s Walb Student Ballroom Tuesday, February 8th at 7:30pm to honor Black History Month. This performance is part of a program sponsored by The Department of International Culture and Language Studies/Japanese Language Program and The Office of Diversity and Multicultural Affairs. The program runs from 7-9pm with Ft. Wayne Taiko performing from 7:30-8:00pm. Hope to see you there!
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Written by lhillyard on January 24th, 2011
During each practice we incorporate time for improvisation. Improv can be intimidating for everyone, regardless of their skill level. Improv is about listening and connection to others in the group, movement from drum to drum, and kiai. What I love about improv is that each person can use creativity in whatever way they want. The creative process can expand our connection to ourselves, the drum, each other and beyond. It can help us grow, as we have to risk something everytime we play. It can often be empowering when we engage others and it sounds good. The kiai can support the drummer as they risk whatever they can at that moment, maybe as simple, yet powerful, as keeping the pulse with bachi and watching hoping they can get to a point in the process that it is safe enough to do more. For more experienced drummers, the risk may be exploring movement between the drums without thought of choreography.
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