Special Events

Big Island Taiko Festival 2013

Saturday, June 8 at 7:30pm & Sunday, June 9 at 2pm

IT’S TAIKO TIME AGAIN!

The UH Hilo Performing Arts Center presents the Big Island Taiko Festival 2013, featuring Taishoji Taiko, Hui Okinawa Kobudo Taiko, Puna  Hongwanji Taiko Club and Kona Daifukuji Taiko.  Performances are Saturday, June 8, 2013 at 7:30pm and Sunday, June 9, 2013 at 2:00pm.

            This exhilarating weekend of vibrant drumming and physical choreography will bring together the best of Big Island Taiko.  Taishoji Taiko, under the direction of Chad Nakagawa was founded under the direction of Yoshihumi Ono at Taishoji Soto Mission in Hilo.   “Their energetic, dramatic style will have you feeling the rhythm right to your core!”,  said Lee Dombroski Performing Arts Center Manager and Festival Producer.  Hui Okinawa Kobudo Taiko, under the guidance of Advisor Milton Yafuso and Troy Sakihara practices and performs a drumming style based on Okinawan martial arts.  “Our three-fold mission builds leadership and promotes and preserves the interest in and appreciation for the history and traditions of Okinawan culture and the arts,” said leader Milton Yafuso.  The Puna Hongwanji Taiko Club, under the direction of Rev. Earl Ikeda, Paul Sakamoto and Lani Tak, was founded in 2003 by Rev. Ikeda as a community-focused group, with drummers of all ages and experience, striving to perpetuate taiko as a cultural and recreational activity.  Kona Daifukuji Taiko, was founded in 1988 by Rev. Tamiya and his wife and is comprised of youth from elementary through high school following the directions of their instructors, Akemi Iwamoto and Justin Fernandez.

Tickets are general admission, $10 General, $5 Seniors, UHH/HCC Students (with valid ID) & Children 17 and under.  Summer Box Office hours are Monday – Friday, May 28- June 7, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.  Call 974-7310 or order online.

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