Emerging taiko drummers to perform at Ford Amphitheatre in Hollywood, Jul. 8, 2006

Cultural News, June 2006

   The TaikoProject, emerging taiko group in Los Angeles, brings their pulse-pounding drumming virtuosity to a special summer performance, Rhythmic Relations 2006, on Saturday, July 8 at 8 p.m. at Ford Amphitheatre in Hollywood. Tickets are $35 and $30. Tickets for students and children under 12 are $12. For seats, call Ford Amphitheatre at (323) 461-3673 or visit www.FordAmphitheatre.org.

   Rhythmic Relations 2006 performers includes TaikoProject’s sister groups Bombu Taiko and Kitsune Taiko of the Higashi Hongwanji Buddhist Temple in Los Angeles, and UCLA Yukai Daiko.

    Rhythmic Relations 2006 presents performances by an extended family of affiliated Los Angeles-based groups, who have supported one another’s respective endeavors as well as shared the stage in community performances such as at obon (festival of the dead), hanamatsuri (Buddha’s Birthday celebration), and cherry blossom festivals. The different approaches of these four groups represent the range that currently characterizes American taiko: Buddhist-temple-based community groups, children’s groups, collegiate groups, and professional performing groups.

     The Taikoproject, founded in 2000, is 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.

    This event is part of the Ford Amphitheatre 2006 Season, a multi-disciplinary arts series produced by the Los Angeles County Arts Commission in cooperation with Los Angeles County- based arts organizations.