This Saturday we celebrate the gift of rehearsal space with our fellow resident groups at the Rhythm Industry Performance Factory. If you come, you'll experience aerial dance, Japanese and Afro-Brasilian drumming, a wide range of dance disciplines, mime and fire theater. All this begins at 7pm at 1013 S. Tyndall. Hang out with the artists, eat cookies, and get a glimpse into how these groups make the magic happen for tens of thousands of our region's residents each year. A suggested donation of $10 will help to support the studio.

We have opportunities for all ages to learn taiko. See our Classes page for details. Email karen@tucsontaiko.org or call (520) 327-1228 for information.

Taijijuan with Tony, Ballet with Lauren Black, Silks and Poi Spinning with Flam Chen continue at Rhythm Industry Performance Factory. There are also upcoming yoga workshops and ongoing community dance opportunities. See our Yahoo Group calendar for full details.

Poster design by Jackson Boelts.

Our 2008 "How the West was One" Tour is complete, covering four states (see image at right) and one city. We performed at Durango, Colorado's first Natsu Matsuri to raise funds for the Jinsei Foundation's at-risk youth Aikido Life program. We were surprised to meet up with some old friends: the Miyagi Ryu Okinawan Dance group, who performed with us at the Albuquerque JACL's Aki Matsuri two years ago. The drive was long, but graced with many of our region's most notable sights: the Painted Desert, Petrified Forest, high desert plains, mountains and rivers.

The studio warehouse we call home is undergoing much preparation for Sat., Sept. 13. The first Rhythm Industry Review will feature work by groups now based at our studio. You'll see Flam Chen Pyrotechnic Theatre, Thom Lewis Dance, Theatrical Mime Theatre and more! The $10 donation at the door goes directly to support this crucial arts incubator space.

We're currently working with Funhouse Movement Theater on collaborative pieces for their Demeeter concert on the weekend of Oct. 11. That promises to be a crazy week, as we start our first in-school residency of the year at Blenman Elementary, play two nights at the Demeeter, Tucson Meet Yourself AND the Patagonia Arts Festival!

New taiko classes begin September 3. See our Classes page for details. In addition, we have drop-in classes on selected Wednesedays at 1:00pm. Email karen@tucsontaiko.org or call (520) 327-1228 for information.

Taijijuan with Tony, Ballet with Lois Black, Silks and Poi Spinning with Flam Chen continue at Rhythm Industry Performance Factory. There are also upcoming yoga workshops and ongoing community dance opportunities. See our Yahoo Group calendar for full details.

From top: The Odaiko Sonora Performing
Ensemble's 2008 "How the West was One"
Tour covered four states... mainly because
we stopped at 4 Corners Monument and
did this impression of playing Twister;
Taiko, Okinawan Dance, Aikido and other
martial arts demos were set on against a
gorgeous backdrop of mountains and
forests surrounding Durango.

Early Sunday morning, the phone woke us with a last minute gig request from Durango, CO! We decided to go because it's a great event—raising funds for the Jinsei Foundation's youth-at-risk programs. We send thanks to our friends at Smokin' Bachi Taiko and New Mexico Taiko, who referred Odaiko Sonora when they were unable to take the booking.

The fall season is shaping up with old favorites and a few exciting new events. First of all, pen in Sat., Sept. 13, the first Rhythm Industry Review from 7–10pm. This quarterly showcase features work by groups who call our studio warehouse home. You'll see Flam Chen, Thom Lewis Dance, Theatrical Mime Theatre and more! The $10 donations at the door goes directly to support this crucial arts incubator space.

We're currently working with Funhouse Movement Theatre on collaborative pieces for their Demeeter concert on the weekend of Oct. 11. That promises to be a crazy week, as we start our first in-school residency of the year at Blenman Elementary, play the Demeeter, Tucson Meet Yourself AND the Patagonia Arts Festival!

New taiko classes begin in September. See our Classes page for details. In addition, we have drop-in classes on Wed., July 23, Aug. 13, 20 & 27 at 1:00pm. Email karen@tucsontaiko.org or call (520) 327-1228 for information.

Taijichuan with Tony, Ballet with Lois Black, and Silks and Poi Spinning with Flam Chen continue at Rhythm Industry Performance Factory. And, of course, taiko classes!

Right: Rome provides background info for the
Fenster Ranch Camp audience. Kids spent
the week learning songs to perform for the
camersp and their families on the final day

Despite the heat, Odaiko Sonora's Communiity Group and Performers are plowing through drills and repertoire. Summer offers the opportunity to focus on technical skills— something the gig-driven fall, winter and spring seasons can't afford. Performers and understudies are taking units on body mechanics and theatrical mime to improve technique and stage presence.

Rome and Karen returned from nine days in the Bay area. They trained with Tamaribuchi sensei, attended the Sacramento and San Jose Obon Festivals. It was a wonderful time for connecting with other taiko community friends in Sacramento Taiko Dan, San Jose Taiko and Somei Yoshino Taiko Ensemble. In addition, Karen took several hours of shamisen lessons with sensei Hideko Nakajima, and will unveil new skills in our upcoming season.

News Flash: Mark your calendars for Saturday, Sept. 13, our first Rhythm Industry Performance Factory Showcase from 7:00pm–10:00pm. This new quarterly review features work by all the arts groups who make our studio warehouse home for their artistic energy. You'll see Flam Chen, Odaiko Sonora, Theatrical Mime Theatre and more! Donations at the door support this crucial arts incubator space.

New taiko classes begin in September. See our Classes page for details. In addition, we have drop-in classes on Wed., July 23, Aug. 13, 20 & 27 at 1:00pm. Email karen@tucsontaiko.org or call (520) 327-1228 for information.

Taijichuan with Tony, Ballet with Lois Black, and Aerial Silks with Flam Chen continue at our studio, newly dubbed Rhythm Industry Performance Factory. See the schedule of activities.

Top: The Buddhist Church of Sacramento
held it's annual bon odori on July 12.
Below: San Jose Taiko's performance is
one of the highlights of their community's
two-day Obon festival. The event is central
to what is now one of the only remaining
original Japantowns in the United States.

We're deeply saddened by the news that Daihachi Oguchi, considered by many to be the father of kumidaiko, has died at the age of 84 after being struck by a car. Kumidaiko basically means "group taiko," and is another term for the form of Japanese ensemble drumming that most people know and refer to simply as "taiko." Oguchi-san founded Osuwa Daiko, and helped bring taiko to North America.

Our summer sessions of Intro to Taiko and Taiko 'tweens are finished and new class units begin in September. See our Classes page for details.Community Group and Performing Group practices. Email karen@tucsontaiko.org or call (520) 327-1228 for information.

Taijichuan with Tony, and Silks with Flam Chen continue at our studio SPACE. Click to see all the activities.

"Your heart is a taiko. All people listen to a taiko
rhythm dontsuku-dontsuku in their mother's
womb. It's instinct to be drawn to taiko drumming."
- Daihachi Oguchi.

We're happy to report that Odaiko Sonora received a 2008 Tucson Pima Arts Awards in the Emerging Arts Organizations category. We've come a long way since the spring of 2002! We look forward to bringing taiko to Tucson, and being part of the area's fantastic arts community for years to come.

Summer sessions include a 5-week Intro to Taiko unit on Mondays in June (5:30–7:30pm), Taiko 'tweens for kids ages 7 to 11 on Thursdays from 5:30–6:30pm, and the ongoing Community Group and Performing Group practices. Email karen@tucsontaiko.org or call (520) 327-1228 for information.

Seven sold out concerts into their tour and still going strong, SHIDARA, the taiko phenomenon from Toei Japan, is halfway to Tucson. Tickets for their April 20, 7:00pm show are on sale at the Fox Tucson Theatre box office, online, or by calling (520) 624-1515. You can also pick up tickets in person at Antigone Books, Plaza Liquors or Enchanted Earthworks.

On the right is a sneak preview of one of Shidara's new songs. Check out Shidara's YouTube page for more behind the scenes tour footage there, and on Shidara's MySpace blog. You can also follow Karen as the tour's Road Manager at the Odaiko Sonora blog, Subscribe, so you don't miss a single thrilling detail as we count down to Shidara's appearance here in Tucson on April 20.

Mana, Aya and Nobu
practice Kazenomichi
before the Wickenburg
show a few days ago.

Yoko Fujimoto's visit to Tucson beautifully coincided with the Yaqui Easter ceremonies... [read more]

The current big topic is Karen's stint as Road Manager for the taiko phenomenon SHIDARA. You can glimpse behind the scenes tour info at the Odaiko Sonora blog, or on Shidara's myspace blog. They're different! Subscribe, so you don't miss a single thrilling detail as we count down to Shidara's appearance here in Tucson on April 20. Tickets for their 7PM show are on sale at the Fox Tucson Theatre box office, by calling (520) 624-1515, online, or at Antigone Books, Plaza Liquors or Enchanted Earthworks. At least 5 of the shows on Shidara's 17 city tour are now sold out. Do not miss them: get your tickets soon!

On the Cerritos PAC loading dock, Shidara takes a break from moving 6,000 pounds of drums to enjoy onigiri and other treats from Hikari Taiko.

On Sat., March 22, Odaiko Sonora is proud to host Yoko Fujimoto, co-founder of Hanayui, a women's musical and dance ensemble formed by KODO members. Her expertise in vocal arts has given rise to the "Voice Circle" workshops. We are honored to host this KASA (Kodo Artsphere America) event here in Tucson! The workshop takes place from 11am—2pm, and is open to the public. Registration is $45. Email karen@tucsontaiko.org for information or to register.

The Phoenix Matsuri was fabulous, as always. Odaiko Sonorans had a great time, playing for everyone, as you can see from the images to the right. See more photos on Murray's Picasa website.

Youth classes began last week, but there's still time to enroll your kids for a 5-week unit. Through the generosity of City of Tucson Wards 5 and 6, we are able to provide full scholarships! Email karen@tucsontaiko.org or call (520) 327-1228 for information.

Taiko for Life Drop-in sessions continue on Wednesdays at 1pm, followed by Drumming the I Ching, based on on the work of Melinda Maxfield. All classes are open for observation, and your first one is always free.

Shidara tickets are on sale at the Fox Tucson Theatre box office, by calling (520) 624-1515, online, or at Antigone Books, Plaza Liquors or Enchanted Earthworks. This will be the show of the season! Check out the embedded video.

Taijichuan, Yin Yoga Meditation sessions, and classes in Poi Spinning and Silks with Flam Chen continue at Odaiko Sonora SPACE. Click to see all the activities.

... your group just blows away the audience!
Thanks so very much for helping us have
such a successful evening! It would not
be a Chinese New Year celebration without
you. It is just thrilling to watch you perform.

We had a fabulous time at our annual Lunar New Year gigs, and now turn our focus on the AZ Matsuri in Phoenix on Feb. 23 & 24. Each day at 11:45am you can see the incredible All AZ Taiko performance and our set is at 1:30pm on Saturday.

The big news is our upcoming Youth classes. We just learned we received funding from City of Tucson Wards 5 and 6 that will provide scholarships for our introductory 5-week unit starting on Thursday, Feb. 21. Email karen@tucsontaiko.org or call (520) 327-1228 for information on how to enroll.

It's been a full week of drum building, arts and arts administrative conferencing, tech-ing, rehearsing and performing Mythos, and celebrating the New Year with the Japan-American Society of Tucson. Now we're focused on Lunar New Year activities and the upcoming AZ Matsuri in Phoenix on Feb. 23 & 24.

Shidara tickets are on sale at the Fox Tucson Theatre box office, by calling (520) 624-1515, or online. This will be the show of the season! Some of you may remember this unknown group sold out the Berger Performing Arts Center when we brought them in August 2006. The 2008 tour includes many of the western states' major performance venues, and we're lucky to have them. Get your seats as soon as possible!

Classes

Our new Kids' and Youth classes start on Feb. 21 and the response has been great. Taiko for Life Drop-in sessions continue on Wednesdays at 1pm. Everything is posted on our Classes page. All classes are open for observation, and your first one is always free. Contact karen@tucsontaiko.org or (520) 481-8003 if you wish to try one out or to to register for a class.

Taijichuan, Yin Yoga Meditation, Poi Spinning and Silks with Flam Chen, and Drumming the I Ching sessions, based on on the work of Melinda Maxfield, continue at Odaiko Sonora SPACE. Click to see all the activities.

The hot ticket this weekend is Rick Wamer's Mythos at the lovely Stevie Eller Theatre on the UA Campus.This fabulous multi-disciplinary concert features a huge cast, including UA Dance Department majors and some of Tucson’s best local artists. You'll see Flam Chen, Theatrical Mime Theatre, ZUZI! Dance Company and, of course, your little-Tucson-taiko-za-that-could, and can!

Shows are Friday, Jan. 25, 7:30pm and Sunday, Jan. 27 at 1:30pm. Tickets are available at Antigone Books or online. Get 'em now, the hall's not that big and tickets are going fast!

Since our exciting Pasadena trip, we've kept up a taiko blog, and if you didn't wake up in time to see our Rose Parade opening, you can watch a replay on YouTube.

Classes

Our Adult Recreational Taiko and Intro to Taiko classes have started with great success, and we're looking forward to our new Kids' and Youth classes starting on Feb. 21.

Taiko for Life Drop-in session continues on Wednesdays at 1pm. Everything is posted on our Classes page. All classes are open for observation, and your first one is always free. Contact karen@tucsontaiko.org or (520) 481-8003 if you wish to try one out or to to register for a class.

Participating in the Rose Parade opening was an incredible experience for two of our group leaders. It was an honor to represent Tucson, wonderful exposure for our group, and just a whole lot of fun! Read the blog or watch a replay of the Up With People opening on YouTube.

We're now putting together a fantastic finale for the Jan. 13 Family Arts Festival. We've got a full hour on the El Presidio Stage starting at 4pm. Come by our table to try your hand at drumming, and learn the community dance we'll invite the audience to join us in during our set. We hope to see you there!

Classes

Classes for 2008 are now posted. We're particularly excited about new Kids' and Youth classes starting on Feb. 21. Al classes are open for observation.

Our weekly Drop-in session continues on Wednesdays at 1pm. Contact karen@tucsontaiko.org or (520) 481-8003 if you wish to try one out or to to register for a class.

As southern Arizona's oldest and most established taiko learning center, we always let you take your first class free. We want you to be sure that the physical and spiritual benefits of taiko are right for you!

Tai Chi and Yin Yoga Meditation sessions continue at Odaiko Sonora SPACE. Click to see all the activities, including Poi spinning and Silks classes with Flam Chen and Drumming the I Ching sessions, based on on the work of Melinda Maxfield, each Wednesday at 2:30pm and Saturday at 9:15am.