Odaiko Sonora News: Odaiko Sonora's big weekend cometh!

From left: Karen, in her new San Jose Taiko “More Taiko!” t-shirt, relaxes with her new friend after a weekend intensive with SJT; OS wows a sold-out crowd at Green Valley Recreation Center; Bugsy and Nicole pose with Emily and Sayuri, proud makers (with Karen) of their new taiko; OS members prepare before last year’s All Souls Procession; a gift from Karen’s mother, the scroll reads “one spirit, one path.”

One Spirit One Path

October brings with it our renewed commitment to serving community through the practice of taiko. We’re gearing up for a jam-packed weekend of major events including Tucson Meet Yourself (Fri., 8pm, City Hall Stage), Pride in the Desert (Sat., 3:55pm, Reid Park DeMeester Stage) and the UA Poetry Center’s new building Housewarming Festival (Sun., 4pm, Helen & Vine). Tucson Meet Yourself will feature our largest Community Group yet. For the Poetry Center event, Odaiko Sonora will accompany pyrotechnic theatre troupe Flam Chen as they execute a giant balloon fly-in as the finale. For a list of all Odaiko Sonora appearances, visit our website’ New & Performances page.

Possibly the most poignant of our autumnal gigs comes Nov. 4, as Odaiko Sonora once again provides rhythm for the All Souls Procession. Watch for our members around the Urn Cart. Read more about this fascinating community ritual at www.allsoulsprocession.org. Construction of the Urn happens each Monday at 7pm behind Epic Café, 745 N 4th Ave. All are welcome.

Classes

Mid-season offerings are listed below. As always, you can come try it before you commit.

  • Intro to Taiko: begins Oct. 18. 5-wk hands-on with historical and cultural info to help you understand the art and practice of Japanese ensemble drumming as it has come to us here in Tucson
  • Taiko Power! begins Oct. 22. 4-wk unit focused on identity, empowerment and expression for women and girls
  • Taiko for Life: begins Oct. 31. 8-wk unit for people who prefer to move more slowly, with focus on energy, balance and flexibility
  • Youth Taiko Group: begins Nov. 5. 8-wk course for ages 12 and up

And if you’re interested in classes for kids under 12, email karen@tucsontaiko.org so she can contact you when we schedule the next kids’ class. Meanwhile, we’ll be serving hundreds of kids via our...

School Residency Programs

We’re pleased to report that with assistance from the Arizona Commission on the Arts (ACA) and Tucson Pima Arts Council (TPAC), we’ll be able to do at least three residencies in the coming months: DeGrazia Elementary, Marana Middle School and Ha:san Middle School, a charter school for native youth. We love residencies because it’s an opportunity to introduce thousands of kids to taiko, and it helps our schools provide much-needed arts and alternative physical education curriculum. As studies have proven, arts enhance self-esteem, critical thinking skills and academic performance. Taiko, in particular, helps kids understand the value of discipline, teamwork and cultural diversity. If you know of a school that would like a taiko residency or performance, support from the ACA and TPAC can help make it happen by providing grant funding to help cover the cost. Put your tax dollars to work for your kids and for local artist educators. Contact rome@tucsontaiko.org for information and assistance.

Dates of Note

All of our performances are listed online, but you’ll want to make a special note of Sunday, Dec. 9 for Odaiko Sonora’s 4th Annual Southern AZ Taiko Showcase. Once again, we’ll bring you a variety of taiko groups based in AZ, and a special guest from out-of-state.

Next, you’ll want to be here April 20, 2008, when SHIDARA returns.This phenomenal group from Toei, Japan was virtually unknown in the U.S. until last August. On that first, grassroots tour, they sold-out show after show, wowing audiences in nine cities. They also caught the eye of agents and major presentors. They will tour again this spring, appearing at major venues in 20 cities. We’re thrilled they’ve agreed to include Tucson on this high-end tour. To make this concert completely irresistible: it will take place in the magnificently restored Fox Theatre!

Friends

We were serious when we said we were overwhelmed at the response to our call for comments in support of our My Hometown Helper grant application. The application is being reviewed now, and we’ll let you know what happens as soon as we hear.

We want to thank you all, for coming to see us, for appreciating our work, and for seeing us as part of the unique and wonderful landscape of Tucson!

Arigatou gozaimasu!