TAIKOPROJECT Biographies
 
(September 2005)

The TAIKOPROJECT founded in 2000, is an ensemble of America's premiere, emerging taiko drummers dedicated to preserving and disseminating American taiko drumming through educational activities and public performances.

The ensemble's work balances the traditions and rich history of American taiko with a contemporary edge exploring new dimensions in taiko.

TAIKOPROJECT: (re)generation, their latest creative effort, was a refreshing, new expression of taiko artistry, effortlessly blending taiko with storytelling, spoken word, music, hip hop choreography, video multi-media, and dance.

The production made its world premiere tour Fall, 2003 - Spring, 2004 to Gammage Auditorium at Arizona State University Public Events, Meany Hall at the University of Washington World Series, the Japan America Theatre at the Japanese American Cultural and Community Center in Los Angeles, the Mondavi Center at University of California at Davis, and the Kenneth Ford Theater at the College of the Siskiyous.

Following this, the TAIKOPROJECT developed collaborations with a diverse group of prestigious artists, including klezmer clarinetist Leo Chelyapov, Vietnamese pop singer Bao Han, Chicano rock band Quetzal, internationally-acclaimed European DJ Tiesto, and Vancouver's Chibi Taiko.

In Spring, 2005, the TAIKOPROJECT performed in Mitsubishi Motors of North America's innovative National Ad Campaign "Taiko Drums," featuring women from the group in a breathtaking 60-second commercial spot that was one of the highest-rated commercials of 2005 when it aired.

The TAIKOPROJECT then performed for the most prestigious taiko concert in North America-- "Taiko Jam '05," as part of the 2005 North America Taiko Conference.

The group was also invited to perform for the Hollywood Bowl's prestigious "Summer Sounds" program, working with the L.A. Philharmonic Education Division.

TAIKOPROJECT has been recognized with grant awards from the Durfee Foundation, the City of Los Angeles, Cultural Affairs Department, and has been involved in projects funded by the National Endowment for the Arts, the Los Angeles County Arts Commission, and the Western States Arts Foundation.

TAIKOPROJECT
505 East 3rd Street, Los Angeles, CA 90013
Tel: (213) 268-4011
Fax: (213) 626-6050
info@TAIKOPROJECT.com
www.TAIKOPROJECT.com