Portland Taiko Announces Search for Executive Director
March 8, 2022
Portland Taiko is seeking applications for an Executive Director to lead this dynamic nonprofit performing arts organization as a half-time or full-time employee. The Executive Director will direct and coordinate Portland Taiko’s programs and activities, collaborate with the Board of Directors in strategic and financial planning, maintain and develop the…
Portland Taiko Announces Retirement of Executive Director, Wynn Kiyama
March 1, 2022
After seven years with Portland Taiko, Executive Director Wynn Kiyama will retire from his position on August 31, 2022 to pursue new opportunities. Kiyama joined Portland Taiko midway through 2015 during a time of change and challenges. Under his leadership, the organization rebounded with a new base of operations, record-breaking…
Free Taiko 101 Workshops for AAPI
February 20, 2022
Online Taiko 101 Workshop for the Asian American Community Wednesday, March 30, 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. Tuition: Free This workshop is open to all individuals who identify as AAPI (Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders). This is a safe space for AAPI community members to come together, connect, have fun, and…
DONATE TO PORTLAND TAIKO!
December 4, 2021
Portland Taiko relies on supporters like you. Help us continue our mission to affirm Asian American pride, inspire audiences, build community, and educate about our heritage and culture. Portland Taiko will graciously accept your donation through the following platforms: Donorbox PayPal Check mailed to: Portland Taiko; 3728 SE 34th Avenue;…
Thank You!!!
September 13, 2021
Thanks to everyone who joined us for our celebratory concert at Oaks Park on Saturday, September 11. It was a significant and meaningful event for us and we were privileged to share our music with you! We’d like to thank all our volunteers, collaborators, performers, board members, and our amazing…
Spotlight on Keiko!
August 13, 2021
“Every musician’s story begins with a first instrument, a first note, a first song that sparked their desire to perform and has carried them through their development as an artist.” The Oregon Symphony just launched Notations, a video series which showcases musicians’ origin stories and shines a light on the…
CONCERT AT OAKS PARK!
July 8, 2021
DESCRIPTION: Portland Taiko returns for a private performance in the beautiful and spacious outdoor South Grove at Oaks Park! This special 60-minute concert will be presented to a limited audience to ensure safe distancing. Choose between a picnic table (for up to 6 people) under a giant canopy or an…
April 21, 2021
Since the pandemic started, Anti Asian violence has skyrocketed. From verbal to physical attacks, members of the AAPI community have become scapegoats for this pandemic. We hope you will consider supporting one of the AAPI organizations listed in this video, who are fighting for social justice and helping AAPI members who…
TAIKO CLASSES
April 20, 2021
Registration for Portland Taiko’s spring classes is now available! For our beginning-level students, we will offer TAIKO TRADITIONS, a new class that returns to the roots of the taiko tradition with Osuwa Daiko’s groundbreaking pieces Hiryu Sandan Gaeshi and Isami Goma. Our BEYOND BASICS class for advanced taiko students will provide a…
DONATE TO PORTLAND TAIKO!
November 29, 2020
Portland Taiko relies on supporters like you. Help us continue our mission to affirm Asian American pride, inspire audiences, build community, and educate about our heritage and culture. Portland Taiko will graciously accept your donation through the following platforms: Donorbox PayPal Venmo to @Portland-Taiko Check mailed to: Portland Taiko; 3728…
Drumming in 2021!
November 28, 2020
There will be plenty of opportunities to drum with us online in 2021! We’ll start the year off with a TAIKO 101 WORKSHOP scheduled for Wednesday, January 13, 2021 from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. It will be led by three Portland Taiko drummers using a variety of live-virtual activities and prerecorded…
New Online Workshop and Classes!
September 15, 2020
Portland Taiko beta-tested its new online Taiko 101 workshop and we’re thrilled to share it with you! The next TAIKO 101 WORKSHOP is scheduled for Wednesday, September 30 from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. It will be led by three Portland Taiko drummers using a variety of live/virtual activities and prerecorded…
In Solidarity with Black Lives
June 4, 2020
In conjunction with Portland JACL, Japanese American Museum of Oregon, and other organizations, Portland Taiko sends condolences to George Floyd’s family. We are saddened and outraged, yet we are not surprised. We recognize that the murder of Black and Brown people at the hands of police is part of an ongoing…
Taiko at Home
March 16, 2020
While most people associate taiko with big drums and big ensembles, there are ways to practice taiko at home, even with neighbors close by! These video tutorials can get you started with a home taiko set-up. Meredith created a video on making a practice taiko out of a trash can,…
Valerie Otani
February 12, 2020
Our beloved friend Valerie Otani passed away last week from cancer. Valerie co-founded Portland Taiko, performed for 25 years, and was the President and Co-President of our Board of Directors. She created profound art pieces like the Torii Gates at the Portland Expo Center, mentored countless artists through her role…
Portland Taiko’s 25th Anniversary Concert
September 3, 2019
Wow! Thank you so much for the show of support! We had an amazing time sharing the stage with Kenny Endo, Tiffany Tamaribuchi, Ann Ishimaru, Zack Semke, Naoko Amemiya, Rachel Ebora, Teresa Enrico, Kristy Oshiro, Amelia Lukas, and Shivy Vanka’s Kalabharathi School of Dance! Thank you for celebrating our 25th…
North American Taiko Conference Completed!!!
August 19, 2019
Over 500 taiko drummers from across North America, Hawaii, Japan, and beyond congregated in Portland, Oregon for a weekend of workshops, discussions, and performances at the 2019 North American Taiko Conference. The local groups (Taiko Community of Portland) moved over 300 drums, 300 stands, and 100 pieces of additional equipment.…
Making Waves Museum Exhibit
July 3, 2019
Founded in 1994, Portland Taiko blends the tradition of Japanese taiko drumming with a sense of Asian American identity, creativity, and empowerment. MAKING WAVES traces Portland Taiko’s 25 years of drumming and community engagement through concert footage, music, video interviews, costumes, posters, programs, and special items. Thanks to the Oregon Nikkei…
25th Anniversary Benefit Banquet
February 3, 2019
THANK YOU!!! Thank you all for celebrating Portland Taiko’s 25th anniversary at our Benefit Banquet! It was especially meaningful having PT’s co-founders ANN ISHIMARU and ZACHARY SEMKE in attendance. We also took the opportunity to recognize MICHAEL HALE for his 14 years of volunteering and VALERIE OTANI for her 25…
October 22, 2018
THANK YOU for coming to our fall concert, STICKS AND STRINGS at Lincoln Performance Hall. It was a thrilling evening with inspiring performances from Fear No Music, en Taiko, and Kenji Bunch. We’ll share photos soon and thank you again for your support!
Sticks and Strings!
October 19, 2018
Online ticket sales have ended, but we still have tickets available at the door! We’ll start selling tickets at Lincoln Hall at 6:00 p.m. and we hope to see you there!!!
Taiko Conference Coming to Portland in 2019!
March 13, 2018
We’re thrilled that Portland has been chosen to host the next North American Taiko Conference in 2019! Approximately 450 taiko drummers from across the United States, Canada, Japan, and elsewhere will attend the conference at Portland State University from August 9-11, 2019. Portland Taiko is excited to work once again…
PORTLAND TAIKO BENEFIT BANQUET 2018: Eat, Celebrate, Support
February 12, 2018
Join us for a hosted NW wine and beer reception followed by a delicious eight-course, vegetarian-friendly Cantonese dinner. Enjoy an exciting program of taiko performances, mystery origami leis, a live auction and paddle raise, honored guests, and special surprises! Purchase your tickets here! Friday, April 6, 2018 Wong’s King Seafood…
Winter Taiko Classes
February 1, 2018
Portland Taiko’s winter classes are ready to start with our Taiko 101 workshop, Introduction to Odaiko and Shime, and Beyond Basics. We’re excited to get you all drumming soon! Most of our classes are sold out, but there are spaces still available in our Introduction to Odaiko and Shime from…
Taiko Classes for Winter 2018
November 16, 2017
We’re thrilled to announce our next round of taiko classes beginning on Thursday, February 1 with our two-hour TAIKO 101 WORKSHOP and continuing with our new INTRODUCTION TO ODAIKO AND SHIME classes from Wednesday, February 7 to March 21. For our more experienced students, BEYOND BASICS will provide an opportunity…
Taiko Together–Sold Out Success!
October 8, 2017
Thank you so much for helping us sell out our fall concert, TAIKO TOGETHER, featuring the four Portland-based taiko groups: Portland Taiko, Takohachi, en Taiko, and Unit Souzou. Special thanks to Carlos and Stacie Tokunaga who made it possible to commission a new work from Kristy Oshiro for our all-group…
Taiko Together Concert on September 30, 2017
August 18, 2017
Portland Taiko is pleased to present TAIKO TOGETHER featuring four Portland-based taiko groups together on one stage! Portland Taiko, Takohachi, En Taiko, and Unit Souzou will join together on Saturday, September 30 at PCC Sylvania, The Performing Arts Center for a rousing evening of group performances, special collaborations between the…
Portland Taiko at the Obon Fest!
August 7, 2017
Portland Taiko had a wonderful time performing at the Oregon Buddhist Temple’s Obon Festival on Saturday! It was great seeing so many members of our community eating, drinking, celebrating, and dancing together! Special thanks to our “Portland Festival Yatai” team who assembled the yatai for use as the temple’s yagura…
Portland Festival Yatai at the Starlight Parade
June 5, 2017
PORTLAND TAIKO debuted its Portland Festival Yatai at the Rose Festival Starlight Parade this past weekend! The evening was beautiful, joyful, peaceful, and filled with light. Thanks for sharing the experience with us! Check out the television coverage here! Photos: Mark Graves, Oregonian
Rose Festival Starlight Parade!
May 23, 2017
Join Portland Taiko as we unveil our PORTLAND FESTIVAL YATAI at the Rose Festival Starlight Parade on Saturday, June 3, 8:30 p.m. We’ll have 26 parade participants, with performers on and off the cart, volunteer pushers, and others joining in the merriment as we walk through the streets of downtown Portland!…
Eat! Celebrate! Support! at the Portland Taiko Benefit Banquet
March 8, 2017
SOLD OUT!!! We’re looking forward to seeing you at the 2017 Benefit Banquet, featuring a hosted NW wine and beer reception followed by a delicious, eight-course, vegetarian-friendly Cantonese dinner. We have an exciting program of taiko performances, mystery origami leis, live auction and paddle raise, honored guests, and special surprises! Thursday,…
Youth Scholarship Program!
March 3, 2017
Portland Taiko is proud to announce a Youth Scholarship Program for its upcoming spring class session. Two scholarships will be awarded to students aged 8-18, covering all registration costs for the spring class (Beginning or Intermediate) running from April 26 to June 7, 2017. Previous taiko experience is recommended but not…
75th Anniversary of E.O. 9066
February 21, 2017
It was a busy and significant weekend for Portland Taiko, marking the 75th anniversary of Executive Order 9066. Some of us performed in Eugene at the Asian Celebration and some of us participated in the #NeverAgain vigil at the Japanese American Historical Plaza in Portland. Pictures from Eugene (credit: Craig…
Prelude Performance at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall
February 6, 2017
Portland Taiko was honored to perform before the KODO concert on Wednesday, February 1 at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall. Thanks to the Oregon Symphony, KODO, and to all of you for supporting taiko in Portland! As expected, the KODO concert was breathtaking! Thanks to Lisa Tamura for the…
Mochitsuki 2017
January 23, 2017
We’re excited to be co-sponsoring and performing at Mochitsuki on Sunday 1/29, the annual Japanese American New Year celebration in Portland! We’ll be sharing the stage with a fantastic lineup of performers including Oregon Koto Kai, Takohachi, Utsukikai, Sahomi Tachibana Dancers, storytellers Alton Takiyama-Chung and Robert Kikuchi-Yngojo, kendama champion Wyatt…
What an action-packed year!
November 3, 2016
In 2016, Portland Taiko moved its operations to the Oregon Buddhist Temple, designed new t-shirts, designed new costumes, designed a new website, commissioned drawings for the Portland Festival Yatai, recruited two trainees and three new performing members, recruited one new Board member, welcomed back three former members, reestablished the PT…
Big Success for Sound in Motion!
October 21, 2016
Thanks for making our Sound in Motion concert a big success! TaikoProject put on an amazing show and collaborated with Portland Taiko on PT’s “TaikoKinesis” and TP’s “Here We Go Now!!” We had a great audience and an incredible group of volunteers helping with the show. Here are just a few photos,…
Concert day is almost here!
October 13, 2016
Practicing for HA! Our big fall concert with TaikoProject is this Sunday! We’ve been hard at work refining our pieces and planning out the logistics – like how to get the huge Shoji Odaiko out of its storage and to Catlin Gabel’s theater. Portland Taiko will…