San Jose Taiko's Rhythm Spirit Takes the NSU Stage
Published: 2007-09-21
TAHLEQUAH Imagine the powerful, spellbinding and propulsive sounds of taiko drums as the stage comes alive with San Jose Taikos Rhythm Spirit.
Northeastern State University and the Sequoyah Institute are bringing San Jose Taikos Rhythm Spirit to the NSU Center for the Performing Arts on Tuesday, Oct. 9 at 7:30 p.m. The show is sponsored by Tahlequah Pediatrics.
The music of San Jose Taiko weaves traditional Japanese sounds with the beat of world rhythms, said Megan White, director of the Sequoyah Institute. Don't miss the art form that has been described as dancing with drums.
San Jose Taiko was founded in 1973 by young Asian Americans searching for an outlet to convey their experiences as sansei, or third-generation Japanese Americans. Looking to Japan for inspiration, they were drawn to the empowering sounds of the taiko, the Japanese drum, an instrument that embodies the spiritual essence and heartbeat of Japan.
Since then, San Jose Taiko has become a world-class ensemble, performing extensively both nationally and internationally, reaching more than 100,000 audience members each year.
By studying with masters of other traditions and cultures, the musicians of San Jose Taiko have broadened and embellished this historical art form into a style that joins the traditional rhythms of Japanese drumming with the beat of world rhythms, including African, Balinese, Brazilian, Latin and jazz. With a deep respect for cultural traditions, San Jose Taiko is dedicated to the advancement of taiko through innovative performances and outstanding educational programs, while maintaining strong ties with its community.
San Jose Taiko has been recognized for its artistic and managerial excellence by the National Endowment for the Arts, the California Arts Council, Meet The Composer International Creative Collaborations, the Rockefeller Foundation, the Knight Foundation, the Arts Council of Santa Clara County, the Nathan Cummings Foundation, and was a recipient of the Chevron Award for Excellence.
Tickets for San Jose Taikos Rhythm Spirit are $20 for adults, $18 for NSU alumni, $16 for NSU employees, $14 for senior citizens, $10 for students and children, and $5 for NSU students. To purchase tickets, contact the NSU Box Office at 918-458-2075. Ask about full season tickets to see all the shows at a discount.
San Jose Taiko will host a Taiko Drum Workshop on Monday, Oct. 8 at 6 p.m. at the NSU Center for the Performing Arts. The workshop is co-sponsored by JNSU.
Additional funding for the 22nd Annual Galaxy of Stars Series has been provided by the Mid-America Arts Council, the Oklahoma Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts.