Dear Taiko-enthusiasts,

Summer is normally a quiet time, when we catch up with things we've neglected during the high season. This summer, however, Odaiko Sonora barreled on, establishing milestone after milestone. Since our move from Ortspace Studios to ArtFare on June 24, Adult Recreational Taiko (A.R.T.) units and the OS Community Group continued without interruption. Our Performing Ensemble gave its first full-length solo concert for Green Valley Recreation in July, and we received an invitation to appear at this year’s Aki Matsuri in Albuquerque. This marks the first time the festival has ever invited an out-of-state group to perform. With our expanded class schedule and early bookings already coming in, Odaiko Sonora seems poised for one of its busiest seasons yet!

A New Home

Of course, the big question is, "how goes the effort to find a permanent home for the group?" After many challenges, Rhythm Industry, LLC (formed as a real estate holding company for the purchase of our dojo) is now midway through the process of buying a large facility near downtown. We have one additional opportunity for an investor at $10-15K. If you are interested in a substantial tax benefit and in being a partner in providing Tucson with a secure space for loud, movement-based art forms, please contact karen@tucsontaiko.org.

Meanwhile, for folks who'd like to help but can't invest at this time, we have set up online donations to ensure ongoing support for the facility, which will increase the group's expenses significantly. We ask that you consider make a recurring pledge ($10 minimum) by going to our website's News and Performances page and clicking on the "Donate Now" button. Or you can go directly to the URL:
http://partners.guidestar.org/controller/searchResults.gs?action_donateReport=1&partner=networkforgood&ein=20-0644377

The amount a is automatically charged to your credit card each month, and a receipt for your tax-deduction** immediately sent. The system is incredibly painless; you probably won't even notice the monthly charge, which has the the same financial impact as a mocha latte every two weeks. Network for Good receives 3% of the donation, which is about the same as most credit card transaction fees.

Here are some points to consider:

• Odaiko Sonora reaches over 12,000 people of all ages a year, with over 150 of those receiving in depth experiences of the art form through workshops and residencies.

• 98% of our performances are FREE for the audiences!

• A space will allow us to expand hours of service, add youth programs, and the additional rehearsal time critical to developing a strong Community Group and Performing Ensemble. It may also allow us to provide space for other large, loud performing arts groups displaced by the recent loss of MUSE and Ortspace.

• Your donation helps ensure that our fees are low enough for community members to afford, and enables us to offer scholarships to lower income families and youth.

**Please note, although we have our own EIN and are a separate entity, our nonprofit status is through a group exemption of the North American Folk Music And Dance Alliance. Your receipt will show that organization's name, but rest assured that the money is going to Odaiko Sonora.

Upcoming Event

SHIDARA taiko ensemble from Japan
Saturday August 26, 7:30pm
at the Berger Performing Arts Center

From the breathtaking mountains of Japan's Okumikawa region, Shidara's taiko performance celebrates the fading traditions of Japanese folk dance and song, as well as the practical wisdom born of daily coexistence with nature. Shidara's name consists of three Chinese characters which together mean "a community with the strong will to persevere and succeed." This is a one-show-only Tucson premiere. The L.A. show is nearly sold out! See www.shidara.co.jp for information on the group.

Tickets available online at www.rhythmandroots.org, by calling (520) 297-9133, toll free (800) 594-8499, or at Antigone Books; 411 N. 4th Ave • CD City; Campbell & Glenn • Enchanted Earthworks; Swan & Ft. Lowell