San Jose Taiko Presents its 40th Anniversary Concert at the Center for Performing Arts in San Jose on October 5

 

San José, CA --- San Jose Taiko (SJT) is presenting its 40^th Anniversary Concert on October 5 at 8 PM at the San Jose Center for Performing Arts. This is a one-night-only performance, which will culminate SJT’s 40^th season with favorite pieces that audiences have grown to love over the group’s four decades in San Jose.  This year’s annual concert will feature guest artists Abhinaya Dance Company of San Jose.

 

“We are grateful to those who came before us,” said Franco Imperial, Artistic Director of San Jose Taiko. “This concert is our chance to celebrate their accomplishments and what this community has helped us create over our 40-year history.  Our collaboration with Abhinaya Dance Company of San Jose is an example of this.  The relationship with this incredible Bharatanatyam group started in 1992 and has been rekindled in the past few years through our collaboration in the San Francisco Ethnic Dance Festival. Working with Abhinaya inspires us in so many ways. We love sharing the stage with each other and are grateful for their involvement in our 40th anniversary celebration ”

 

SJT has endeavored to create a contemporary musical style unlike any other taiko group in the world since its formation in 1973.  This artistic philosophy has allowed the company to push the boundaries of the art form while staying true to its roots.  This year’s concert will also feature the debut of SJT's new O-hiradaiko, a drum more than five feet in diameter and the largest taiko of its style in North America.

 

“We have such a talented group of performing members who are exemplary ambassadors for the art form and our Japantown community,” adds Wisa Uemura, Executive Director of San Jose Taiko. “We know where we come from, and we are San Jose proud. For 40 years, we have carried the name of this great city to all parts of the world, representing the creativity and innovation that is synonymous with Silicon Valley. Through this concert, we hope to offer our audiences a multicultural performance that will be remembered for the next 40 years.”

  

Tickets are $25 for adults and $20 for students and seniors if purchased in advance ($30/$25 at the door).  All seats are reserved, and group rates are available. Ticket information is available by visiting www.taiko.org or by calling 408-293-9344 or writing info@taiko.org

The Center for Performing Arts is located at 255 Almaden Blvd, in downtown San Jose, CA.

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About San Jose Taiko:

 

San Jose Taiko, with a deep respect of cultural traditions and a commitment to artistic excellence, is dedicated to the advancement of the taiko art form through the development of its world-class Performing Ensemble and the San Jose Taiko Conservatory. Located in the heart of Japantown San Jose, the company performs more than 160 times annually, throughout the Bay Area, the United States, and abroad.

 

From its beginnings in 1973, SJT endeavored to create a contemporary musical style while respecting taiko’s Japanese roots.  Representative of the backgrounds and influences of its membership, SJT’s style joins the traditional rhythms of Japan with other world rhythms, including African, Brazilian, Filipino, Latin, and jazz. All of SJT’s performances are fully choreographed, theatrically lit extravaganzas, bridging many styles while still resonating with the Asian soul in America.

 

Enrich the human spirit. Connect people beyond cultural and demographic boundaries.

San Jose Taiko, 565 North 5^th Street, San Jose, CA 95112 408 293 9344 www.taiko.org

Sake San Jose 2013

Japantown is going to host the 8th Annual Sake San Jose event on May 23rd, which benefits the Yu-Ai Kai Community Senior Service. If you want to sample a variety of sakes while checking out over 20 Japantown venues and listening to San Jose Taiko, now is the time to get your early bird tickets before the discount expires! More event info below:

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WHEN:	May 23, 2013 Registration – 4:30PM Opening Ceremony – 5:00PM Sake Tasting - 5:30PM-8:30PM
WHERE:	Japantown San Jose On Jackson Street Between 3rd and 7th Streets
TICKETS:	Early Bird – $40 until May 19, 2013 General Admission – $50 after May 19. 2013

Yu-Ai Kai’s 8th Annual Sake San Jose event will be held on Thursday, May 23, 2013 from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM. Join the hundreds of sake tasters as they embark upon the streets of historic Japantown San Jose (on Jackson Street, between 3rd and 7th Streets) for one of the most anticipated fundraisers of the year.

This year’s opening ceremony will again feature a lively performance by the San Jose Taiko group followed by our guests of honor in a ceremonial sake cask breaking (Kagami-wari) and a toast of Kampai! More than 20 Japantown businesses will host a pouring station, where Yu-Ai Kai volunteers will offer samples of sake made both in Japan and the U.S.

Early Bird tickets are $40 when purchased by May 19th; $50 after May 19. There is also a VIP ticket for $60 which includes admission, a Horitaka design Year of the Snake T-shirt, and express check-in line at Registration.

New this year will be celebrities participating at various pouring stations. So don’t be surprised if you see a familiar face.

Registration opens at 4:30 PM with Opening Ceremony beginning at 5:00 PM.

Ticket holders must be 21 years of age and must have valid photo identification.

No refunds or exchanges.

Sake San Jose is a fundraiser benefiting Yu-Ai Kai Community Senior Service

San Jose Taiko presents Rhythm Spirit 2012: Taiko+Technology

San José, CA --- September 10, 2012 --- San Jose Taiko (SJT) is to perform Rhythm Spirit 2012: Taiko+Technology September 21 and 22. The company will be at an exciting new venue this year: the School of Arts and Culture at the Mexican Heritage Plaza.  SJT has partnered with the ZERO1 Biennial to explore the art form of taiko through the medium of digital expression.

Also included in this year’s Rhythm Spirit performance will be a preview of next year’s 40th Anniversary Rhythm Spirit 2013. While it seems like a long way off, the 40th anniversary is a milestone for San Jose Taiko, one of the oldest taiko groups in North America.

There are three performances of Rhythm Spirit 2012: Friday, September 21 at 8:00 p.m. and Saturday, September 22 at 2:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. All shows will be held at the School of Arts and Culture at the Mexican Heritage Plaza, 1700 Alum Rock Avenue, San Jose, CA 95116.

San Jose Taiko will be sharing this journey of taiko and technology on its website at www.taiko.org and through its social media channels (Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Tumblr).

Tickets are $25 for adults and $20 for students and seniors if purchased in advance ($30/$25 at the door).  All seats are reserved, and group rates are available. Ticket information is available by visiting www.taiko.org or by calling 408-293-9344.

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About San Jose Taiko:

San Jose Taiko, with a deep respect of cultural traditions and a commitment to artistic excellence, is dedicated to the advancement of the taiko art form through the development of its world-class Performing Ensemble and the San Jose Taiko Conservatory. Located in the heart of Japantown of San Jose, the company performs throughout the Bay Area, the United States and abroad.

From its beginnings in 1973, SJT endeavored to create a contemporary musical style while respecting taiko’s Japanese roots.  Representative of the backgrounds and influences of its membership, SJT’s style joins the traditional rhythms of Japan with other world rhythms, including African, Brazilian, Filipino, Latin, and jazz percussion. All of SJT’s performances are fully choreographed, theatrically lit extravaganzas, bridging many styles while still resonating with the Asian soul in America.

Enrich the human spirit. Connect people beyond cultural and demographic boundaries.

San Jose Taiko, 565 North 5th Street, San Jose, CA 95112    408 293 9344      taiko.org

San Jose Taiko shares ‘playdate’ process for Rhythm Spirit 2012 Concerts

San José, CA --- June 18, 2012 --- San Jose Taiko draws inspiration from the digitally-driven Silicon Valley for its “Rhythm Spirit 2012” production September 21 and 22. The company will be at an exciting new venue this year: the School of Arts and Culture at the Mexican Heritage Plaza. SJT will also partner with the Zero1 Festival to explore the art form of taiko through the medium of digital expression. The production can already be enjoyed by audiences, as SJT shares the process of merging the traditional with the technological. 

“We hosted a number of ‘playdates’ with specialists in various technological and scientific fields with the intent of bringing the audience along on this journey.  The playdates are meant to be freeform idea jam sessions, where we explore possibilities without fear of failure or worrying about whether it would fit into a typical San Jose Taiko production,” explains Artistic Director Franco Imperial.

“We’ve tried to use true play as a way to create and explore.  From the ideas generated at these sessions, we will choose a few that resonate with us and will continue to develop them.  CreaTV and 1stACT will help us document these sessions, which will be shared with our audiences through social media and during our September concerts.  By the time any audience member steps into the theater in September, they will have an idea of what it took to create a particular piece.  We feel the entire audience experience will be enhanced because of this.”

To date, playdate topics have included the sonification of seismic data and use of the Xbox360 Kinect Sensor.  Idea partners range from PhDs from the USGS (United States Geological Survey) in Madison, Wisconsin to the software hacking community in San Francisco.

Executive Director Wisa Uemura adds, “Zero1 has been an amazing thought-partner in the early stages of this concept.  This year, we’ll be presenting our concert program differently than we have in the past – we will be speaking to the process and actually allowing audience members to come onstage to experience the technology.  Our hope is to provide a more interactive and engaging experience.”

There are three performances of Rhythm Spirit 2012: Friday, September 21 at 8:00 p.m. and Saturday, September 22 at 2:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. All shows will be held at the School of Arts and Culture at the Mexican Heritage Plaza, 1700 Alum Rock Avenue, San Jose, CA 95116.

Tickets are $25 for adults and $20 for students and seniors if purchased in advance ($30/$25 at the door).  All seats are reserved, and group rates are available. Ticket information is available by visiting www.taiko.org or by calling 408-293-9344.

# # #

About San Jose Taiko:

San Jose Taiko, with a deep respect of cultural traditions and a commitment to artistic excellence, is dedicated to the advancement of the taiko art form through the development of its world-class Performing Ensemble and the San Jose Taiko Conservatory. Located in the heart of Japantown of San Jose, the company performs throughout the Bay Area, the United States and abroad.

Since 1973, San Jose Taiko (SJT) has integrated this historical Japanese art form with other world rhythms. All compositions performed by SJT are written or arranged by members of the group. Composing, choreographing, designing and producing costumes, and handcrafting of the drums are part of the holistic process in which all members participate. Through this singleness of mind and spirit, harmony is achieved and the music rings with unity and clarity.

Enrich the human spirit. Connect people beyond cultural and demographic boundaries.
San Jose Taiko, 565 North 5th Street, San Jose, CA 95112    408 293 9344      taiko.org

Asian American Heritage Month at History Park Sunday, May 20 from 11 AM to 4 PM

San Jose Taiko’s Junior Taiko Performing Ensemble

to Perform at 2 PM

San José, CA – April 30, 2012 – May is Asian American Heritage Month and History San José will host a spectrum of activities at History Park on Sunday, May 20, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

To celebrate May as Asian American Heritage, and in partnership with HSJ, San Jose Taiko’s youth program, the Junior Taiko Performing Ensemble, will perform at 2 PM. There also will be Samarai hat-making, Vietnamese lanterns, Chinese drums and more.

Also Dig Into  San José’s Past with Stanford Archaeology Center students at History Park. The students will assist visitors by conducting a mock excavation, screening,  artifact identification and artifact reconstruction.

This family educational program will allow individuals to collect stickers for each activity to place in Archaeology Passports and become ‘certified’ as a Junior Archaeologist. The trolley will be available for a ride around the park, as well as handcar rides. Other activities will include visits to the Print Shop and live music by Fiddle Road throughout the afternoon.

Making fish kites will help celebrate Japanese Children’s Day, and Chinese dragon hats will coincide with the reading of Chinese folk tales, such as Tales of a Chinese Grandmother.

Coincidentally, this year on May 4^th marks the 125^th anniversary of the fire that destroyed downtown San José’s Chinatown, where today’s Fairmont Hotel stands on Market Street. John Heinlen, a local businessman, braved death threats to lease property to the displaced Chinese people at Taylor and Sixth Streets. It then became known as Heinlenville, in what is today’s Japantown in San Jose.

As  affiliates of History San José, the Ng Ching Gung of the Chinese Heritage Cultural Project (CHCP) and the Immigrant Resettlement & Cultural Center (IRCC), the Museum of the Boat People & Republic of Vietnam , located inside History Park, will be open.

For more information call 408 918-1047 or visit www.historysanjose.org

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About History San José: 

History San José is a non-profit organization that collects, preserves and celebrates the stories of diversity and innovation in San José and the Santa Clara Valley. HSJ manages one of the largest and most comprehensive regional history collections in the State of California, from 1784 Spanish governmental records to twenty-first century Silicon Valley technology. 

History San José     1650 Senter Road     San José, CA  95112       408.287.2290

www.historysanjose.org

San Jose Taiko Presents HIMAWARI

San José, CA --- January 26, 2012 --- San Jose Taiko presents HIMAWARI: a unique collaboration with San Jose Taiko and the three members of Hanayui - Chieko Kojima, Yoko Fujimoto, Mitsue Kinjo, and guest artist, Yoshikazu Fujimoto of Kodo.

 

HIMAWARI (Sunflower) is the union of the performers of San Jose Taiko and Hanayui in a collaboration ten years in the making. Both groups explore their common roots and Japanese ancestry through music and dance: San Jose Taiko coming from the Japanese American community in San Jose, California, and Hanayui coming from Kodo Village on Sado Island in Japan.

 

The project name HIMAWARI was selected for the sunflower's strength as a symbol of power and energy, and a source for nurturing and sustaining life. San Jose Taiko and Hanayui first came together to create HIMAWARI in 2000 and debuted the program in Hawaii in 2002. The program included traditional folk songs and dances from Japan, contemporary taiko drumming from America, and collaborations that combined all of these elements. The new program will include works from the original program and showcase original arrangements from both Hanayui and San Jose Taiko.

 

“We’re very excited to be working with our friends at Kodo once again.” explains San Jose Taiko’s newly appointed Artistic Director Franco Imperial. “Their performances are so beautifully soulful. For audiences who have never seen them, their artistry touches on something both foreign and universal. For people familiar with taiko, it will be simply astounding to see these legendary artists all on the same stage.”

 

“This is a great opportunity for San Jose to witness Japanese artists of this caliber”, states newly- appointed Executive Director Wisa Uemura. “This collaboration concert will feature unparalleled performances of Japanese folk traditions from the senior members of Kodo along with contemporary interpretations of the taiko artform from San Jose Taiko.”

 

The performance will take place at the San Jose Repertory Theater, 101 Paseo De San Anotnio, San Jose on Saturday, February 11 at 8:00 p.m.

 

Tickets are $25 for adults and $20 for students and seniors if purchased at the door on the day of the event. Call (408) 293-9344 by 5:00 p.m. February 10 to receive a $5 discount on each ticket. For more information visit www.taiko.org/himawari/

 

********* Hanayui is made up of Kodo members Chieko Kojima and Yoko Fujimoto, joined by Okinawan dance expert Mitsue Kinjo. The Japanese word hana means “flower” and symbolized the youthful energy that Hanayui puts into their performances. The word yuimeans “to tie,” and recalls the relationship formed in ancient villages in Japan when families came together to share in both hardships and harvests.

 

Chieko Kojima was born in Iwafune, Tochigi-prefecture. Chieko first encountered Japanese folk dancing when she joined Ondekoza in 1976. When Kodo was formed, Chieko carved out a niche for herself as one of the few regularly performing female members. She is noted for the original style of her dancing in Kodo's taiko-based performance. Chieko enjoys expanding her repertoire and meeting new and stimulating people in her travels across the globe.

 

Yoko Fujimoto joined Ondekoza (later Kodo) in 1976. After three years appearing as a koto player, singer and dancer, she stepped down from the stage to edit Kodo’s monthly Japanese language newsletter for the next 13 years. In 1989 she began to sing again and has been Kodo's principal vocalist ever since. In 1996 she toured Cuba and North America with her husband Yoshikazu Fujimoto, Kodo's principal O-daiko player, giving drum-and- song workshops. She also conducts 'Voice Circle' workshops, which help participants to rediscover song and the power of their own voices.

 

Okinawa native Mitsue Kinjo entered the Okinawan dance groupe "Hana no Kai" in 1979 and was trained by Takako Sato. It was through her activities in Okinawan dance that Mitsue first encountered Kodo. Later, after receiving the Okinawa Times Highest Award for Achievement in the Performing Arts, Mitsue married a Kodo member and moved to Sado Island. Mitsue first participated in the Kodo Village Festival as a member of Hanayui and has continued in to participate as a dancer in other capacities since.

 

Yoshikazu Fujimoto joined Ondeko-za (later Kodo) in 1972, was one of the founding members of Kodo, and was the group's featured O-daiko player and center-man for the "Yatai-bayashi" climax piece. Yoshikazu is presently Kodo's most senior performing member. In recent years he has played a large role in educating the Kodo apprentices, and is conducting more and more workshops for the general public.

 

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About San Jose Taiko:

San Jose Taiko, with a deep respect of cultural traditions and a commitment to artistic excellence, is dedicated to the advancement of the taiko art form through the development of its world-class Performing Ensemble and the San Jose Taiko Conservatory. Located in the heart of Japantown of San Jose, the company performs throughout the Bay Area, the United States and abroad.

Since 1973, San Jose Taiko (SJT) has integrated this historical Japanese art form with other world rhythms. All compositions performed by SJT are written or arranged by members of the group. Composing, choreographing, designing and producing costumes, and handcrafting of the drums are part of the holistic process in which all members participate. Through this singleness of mind and spirit, harmony is achieved and the music rings with unity and clarity.

Enrich the human spirit. Connect people beyond cultural and demographic boundaries.

San Jose Taiko, P.O. Box 26895, San Jose, CA 95159    408 293 9344    taiko.org         

Mad Science Bike Party Tomorrow

The latest Bike Party--which is Science themed--is coming tomorrow between 6pm-10pm.  It kicks off at Cannery Park (401 E. Taylor Street) and features food trucks, a raffle, local clothing vendors, and even a performance by SJ Taiko! More info can be found right over here.

SubZERO is Tonight!

One final plug for SubZERO tonight in SoFA =)

If you needed any more convincing, check out the video below from last year's SubZERO featuring The Bangerz and San Jose Taiko (hat tip to Anonymous). What experiences will this year's event bring? Only one way to find out!