Dear Taiko Enthusiasts,

We really tried to play fewer performances this year, but have already surpassed last year's count... with 4 months still left in our fiscal year. No wonder you haven't heard much from us! Busy busy.

But how can we say "no"? Taiko is one of the most fun ways to build community and feel good! Please join us this weekend in Phoenix for Matsuri, where—in addition to continuing the two-year collaboration between Fushicho Daiko and Odaiko Sonora Performing Ensemble members—the Odaiko Sonora Community Group has been honored with an invitation to play an entire set on Sunday at 11:10am on the ASU Stage.

Also, mark your calendars for May 5, Cinco de Mayo, Kodomo no Hi (Japan's Children's Day) at the Tucson Convention Center's Leo Rich Theatre, when we bring you the 2nd Annual Southern Arizona Taiko Showcase with this year's special guests Mu Daiko of Minneapolis! Tickets are $17 in advance, and go on sale soon at various outlets around town. So stay tuned to our website, or email Karen to reserve your seats now!

Arigato gozaimashita!


Upcoming Shows & Special Events

Feb. 25 & 26

Matsuri: A Festival of Japan, Heritage Square Park, downtown Phoenix
All AZ taiko group spectacle each day at approx. 12:30, with collaborative OS/Fushicho Daiko songs following, Odaiko Sonora set is Sunday at 11:10am on the ASU Stage.

March 2 & 4, 3/2 at 7:30pm; 3/4 at 2pm & 8pm
Flying and Films at the Fox, OTO Dance
Historic Fox Theatre, 17 W. Congress, downtown Tucson
Tickets are $12 students & seniors  $15 general. At the door $14 students & seniors $18 general and available at the Fox box office 10amÐ3pm weekdays (520) 547-3040; Ticketmaster.com; Antigone Books, 411 N 4th Ave, 792-3715; or call (520) 321-1000. For more information call 624-3799.

April 8

4th Annual Tucson Japanese Speech Contest
Pima Community College East, 8181 E. Irvington, Tucson
The event is , noon-5pm. Odaiko Sonora usually performs about midway in the event, at approx. 3pm
Email TucsonJSC@cox.net for more info.

April 25

Microbusiness Advancement Center 3rd Annual Luncheon with Ping Fu, Inc. Magazine's 2005 Entrepreneur of the Year
Doubletree Hotel at Reid Park, 445 S. Alvernon, Tucson
Luncheon is $45, 11:30am–1:30pm

April 29, 5:45-6pm & 6:45-7pm
American Cancer Society Relay for Life
Canyon del Oro Riverfront Park, 551 W. Lambert Lane, Oro Valley

May 5, 8:00pm
2006 Southern Arizona Taiko Showcase
featuring Odaiko Sonora, Fushicho Daiko, Suzuyuki Kai Taikoza, and special guest Mu Daiko
TCC Leo Rich Theatre, 260 S. Church, Tucson
Tickets available soon! Email karen@tucsontaiko.org to reserve your seats.