Portland Taiko will perform a few songs at the Vietnamese American Veterans & Families Lunar New Year celebration at the Garden Home Recreation Center (7475 SW Oleson Rd, Portland, OR 97223) on Saturday, February 8th at 4:30 pm.
Author: Megan Denny
30th Anniversary Concert – Portland, OR – Nov 16th 2024
The concert is SOLD OUT.
Join the waitlist to receive an email if additional tickets become available.
Or volunteer!
Email info@portlandtaiko.org for more info
Special guest performers include:
– Portland Taiko founders Ann Ishimaru & Zack Semke with their daughter Mika!
– A new piece with Kalabharathi School of Dance which debuted at Carnegie Hall earlier this year.
Whether you recently discovered Portland Taiko or are a longtime fan, please enjoy this 8-minute mini-documentary about the history of Portland Taiko.
Tacoma Arts Live – March 29th 2025
Portland Taiko is coming to Tacoma, Washington March 29, 2025 at 7:30 pm. We’ll be performing at the Rialto Theater. Ticket prices range from $25 – $49 (before fees). Learn more or buy tickets.
Realms Unknown – Woodland, WA – Sep 21, 2024 @ 7:00 pm
The Realms Unknown Festival is a 3-day, fantasy festival in Woodland, Washington. The event takes place September 20th, 21st and 22nd, 2024 at the Lewis River Golf Course. Portland Taiko will perform Saturday September 21st at 7:00 pm.
This is a ticketed event. Discounts are available for military, seniors 55+, SNAP, SSI/SSDI, youth (6-12) and children 5 & under are FREE. Please visit Realms Unknown’s webpage for more information.
Coming Home, Old Town Portland – Oct. 5, 2024, 11am-1pm
Portland Taiko is honored to play at the Closing Event of COMING HOME: Memory Activism in Old Town presented by Vanport Mosaic. COMING HOME is a week-long series of events dedicated to honoring and reconnecting communities with deep ties to Old Town, including Japanese Americans.
Throughout the week, participants can explore exhibitions, experience the “History is Now” museum without walls and engage in community-building activities. Events are free and open to the public. View the complete schedule of events.
The final day includes a performance by Portland Taiko, a dance performance by Sussefusse (“sweet feet”), poetry and powerful speakers. Coming Home is one of 14 nationally-recognized “Cultural Week of Action” events. We hope you can join us.
Saturday, October 5, 2024 11:00 AM 1:00 PM
220 Northwest 2nd Avenue (Building 220) Portland, OR, 97209
All Indian Dance Festival – New York City – July 7, 2024 at 2:00 pm
Members of Portland Taiko will perform with the Kalabharathi School of Dance at Carnegie Hall as part of the All Indian Dance Festival on Sunday July 7th at 2:00 pm. We are honored to join Kalabharathi’s talented performers on a world-renowned stage.
Our sincere thanks to the Beaverton Arts Commission. Their financial support and generous individual donations made this dream trip a reality. Arigato gozaimasu!
People of the Drum – Portland, Oregon – July 20, 2024 @ 11:00 AM
This event has passed. View highlights on Instagram.
Join us at Gateway Discovery Park (10520 NE Halsey St, Portland, OR) on Saturday July 20th from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm for People of the Drum. This free, family-friendly event includes performances and workshops from:
Alex Addy Drummers (video),
Mexica Tiahui,
Oregon Korean Performing Arts,
and Portland Taiko
Thank you to Portland Parks and Recreation for supporting Portland Taiko and this annual event.
Oregon City Library – July 25, 2024 at 10:30 AM
Portland Taiko will perform in the Oregon City Library Park from 10:30 – 11:15 am on Thursday July 25th. All are welcome at this free, family-friendly event.
4 Days of Aloha – Vancouver, WA – July 28th, 2024 @ 10:25 am
We are thrilled to be back at the 4 Days of Aloha festival at Esther Short Park in Vancouver. Portland Taiko is scheduled to perform Sunday July 28th, 2024 at 10:25 am. This is a ticketed event with proceeds benefiting the Ke Kukui Foundation. View the complete schedule.
World Refugee Day Walk – Portland, Oregon – June 20, 2024 @ 5:45 PM
Join us downtown at Salmon St. Springs on June 20th for World Refugee Day. Portland Taiko will perform at approximately 5:45 pm. The World Refugee Day walk begins at 5:30 pm.
More information about this year’s walk, including a route map, is available here. You can also watch a video from KPTV about last year’s event.
Portland Taiko is proud to support the Immigrant & Refugee Community Organization (IRCO).
Hillsboro Tuesday Night Market – July 30, 2024 between 5:30-8 PM
We’ll be back in Hillsboro on Tuesday evening, July 30th. Portland Taiko will perform for 30 minutes during the Tuesday Night Market. Join the fun in Downtown Hillsboro on Main Street between 1st and 3rd Avenues.
Sadie Summer Block Party – Portland, Oregon – June 22, 2024 @ 5:00 PM
You’re invited to a block party at the Isaka Shamsud-Din Apartments (1420 NE Killingsworth St., Portland) sponsored by Sabin CDC. Enjoy food, music (including taiko!) and local vendors. The event is free, family friendly and open to all. More info.
Obon – Portland, OR – Aug. 3rd 2024 – Various Times
Portland Taiko and Tiffany Tamaribuchi will perform at Obon Fest the afternoon of Saturday August 3rd. Students will perform at 3:30, Jodaiko will perform at 4:30 and Portland Taiko will perform at 5:30 pm.
This event is free and open to all. For a complete schedule of events, please visit the Oregon Buddhist Temple’s Obon Fest webpage.
Remembering Hiroshima and Nagasaki – Portland, OR – Aug 6th, 2024 @ 6-7:30 PM
Join Portland Taiko, Portland JACL and OPSR (Oregon Physicians for Social Responsibility) at the Japanese American Historical Plaza as we remember the victims of the nuclear attacks on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan. This annual event is free and open to the public. Portland Taiko will perform at the opening and closing of the event.
The Japanese American Historical Plaza is located at 2 NW Naito Pkwy in downtown Portland (intersection with Couch St).
Jade Night Market – Portland, OR – Aug 10, 2024 @ 9:30 PM
The Jade District International Night Market returns to PCC SE (2305 SE 82nd and Division) on Saturday August 10th, 2024. This fun, free community event runs from 3:00pm to 10:00pm. Enjoy live performances, tons of delicious food, great vendors and a performance by Portland Taiko at 9:30 pm.
Regional Taiko Conference – Seattle, WA – Aug 16-18th
The North American Taiko Conference (Regional) is in Seattle this year. Portland Taiko will perform at the TaikoGO! concert on Friday evening August 16th and Tiffany will be teaching workshops throughout. View the complete NATC-R Seattle schedule.
The event takes place at the Seattle Convention Center (Arch Building). A “Community” ticket ($50) gives you access to the marketplace, discussions, film screenings and concerts. While they cannot participate in the workshops directly, they are free to watch any of the workshops or activities in the main ballroom (marketplace).
Nikkei Picnic – Portland, OR – Aug 18, 2024 @ 1:30 pm
The annual Nikkei Picnic returns to Oaks Park (7805 SE Oaks Park Way Portland, OR 97202) on Sunday August 18th. The picnic is sponsored by local organizations and businesses to celebrate our ethnic heritage. Look for the gathering in picnic areas 12-13 (Oaks Park map).
Portland Taiko will perform at 1:30 pm.
The event is free,** but the sponsors kindly request everyone bring a food dish to share or make a monetary donation to help defray the costs.
Ride bracelets for kids high school age and younger are available at no cost if you call/email to reserve them before August 12. Otherwise they can be purchased for $30 day of. Please RSVP and reserve ride bracelets by emailing youth@pdxjacl.org or call Connie at 1.877.843.6914 and leave a voice mail.
**Oaks park charges $5 for parking.
For additional details, please visit Portland JACL’s Nikkei Picnic event page.
Obon – Eugene, OR – Aug 24th @ 2:45 PM
The Japanese American Association of Lane County is hosting Obon and a taiko festival at the Lane County Fairgrounds Events Center, 796 W 13th Ave in Eugene, OR. The event is free, indoors, air conditioned and there’s free parking.
The fun begins at Noon and continues until 8:00 pm. Portland Taiko is scheduled to perform at 2:45 pm.
More information is available on Facebook.
Honk PDX! – Portland, Oregon – June 9, 2024 @ 5:30 pm
Portland Taiko is delighted to be part of HONK! PDX, a free celebration of community, collaboration and creative expression. The festival runs the weekend of June 8th-9th, Portland Taiko will perform on Sunday in the Milwaukie Lumber Parking Lot, SE 81st & SE Washington St (Montavilla neighborhood). Learn more about Honk or view a complete list of performers on their website honkpdx.org.
Farm Festival – West Linn, OR – Sept. 7, 2024, 4:00-7:00 pm
We’ll be back at Triskelee Farm in West Linn Saturday afternoon September 7th for a family-friendly outdoor concert. The gates open at 4:00 pm and the concert begins at 5:00 pm.
You can bring a picnic blanket, camping chairs and your favorite snacks (alcohol must be purchased on-site). Canopies are also welcome, but please leave pets at home. Beer, wine, burgers and produce will be available for sale in the barn. Kona Ice shave ice, Tony’s Fresh Fruit and Mexican Food, Mikiko Mochi Donuts and Lunarcat Studios will also be on site. Click here to visit the Eventbrite page for more information and FAQs.
Farm Festival has sold out the past two years, so don’t wait too long to get your tickets.
City of Portland Welcoming Week – Sept. 13, 2024, 7:00 pm
Portland Taiko is proud to be part of the City of Portland’s Welcoming Week opening ceremony at Ventura Park (460 SE 113th Ave, Portland).
Welcoming Week was launched in 2012 by the nonprofit Welcoming America to provide community support for immigrant and refugees through events that foster mutual understanding between immigrants and non-immigrant — and a deeper sense of belonging for all. All activities are free, open to the public. View highlight videos of Welcoming Weeks past.
Lunar New Year – Feb 24th 2024
Portland Taiko Benefit Banquet April 5th, 2024: Eat, Celebrate, Support!
Our annual benefit banquet returns April 5th, 2024 to Excellent Cuisine (formerly Wong’s King Seafood) 8733 SE Division St, Portland, OR 97266 .
Enjoy a fun-filled evening of taiko performances, live auction, paddle raise and more. >>> CLICK HERE TO BUY INDIVIDUAL TICKETS
If you are interested in hosting a table for ten guests, and/or arranging direct payment, please email info@portlandtaiko.org or phone (503) 288-2456.
Finding Her Beat Movie Screening – Sep 30th 2023
Join us for a screening of the taiko documentary Finding Her Beat at The Hollywood Theatre on Saturday Sept. 30th at 2:00 pm. Tiffany Tamaribuchi will perform live before the screening and do a Q & A after the film.
This is a Community Benefit Screening, which means net proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to Portland Taiko. Please help us spread the word!
We are sincerely grateful to The Hollywood Theater for selecting this film and supporting our organization.
Finding Her Beat recently won the award for Best Music Documentary at the Melbourne Documentary Film Festival and Film Threat said Finding Her Beat is “One of the Year’s Most Engaging and Captivating Documentaries! 10/10!”
Taiko at The Reser – Nov 11th 2023
Issho: Rhythm Connection is our first performance at the beautiful Patricia Reser Center for the Arts in Beaverton. The evening will include pieces not performed in many years in addition to fan favorites. We hope you can Join us at The Reser on November 11th. >>>Buy Tickets
Portland Taiko strives to keep ticket prices affordable. We are very grateful to concert sponsors Phyllis Sakioka and Ann Naito-Campbell and the charitable organizations listed below.
World Refugee Day Walk – June 20th 2023
Join us downtown at Salmon St. Springs on Tuesday June 20th for World Refugee Day. Portland Taiko will perform at approximately 5:10 pm and the World Refugee Day walk begins at 5:30 pm. More information about the walk, including a route map, is available here.
Portland Taiko is proud to support the Immigrant & Refugee Community Organization (IRCO).
Derek Ogi
I grew up seeing taiko at obon and community events, but didn’t start playing until middle school when my cousin and some friends invited me to join the Kona Daifukuji youth group. I continued to practice and perform throughout high school and transitioned to performing with USC Kazan Taiko during college. When COVID hit, I went on a 2-year taiko hiatus but found my way to Portland Taiko in 2022 through a Kazan Taiko connection.
I play taiko to express myself artistically and challenge myself physically, but my favorite thing about playing taiko is how it pushes me out of my comfort zone and forces me to grow as a person and performer. During my time away from taiko during COVID, I developed some anxiety about performing, but during my first concert with Portland Taiko in Wilsonville, I saw the friendly faces of the crowd and instantly felt reassured. I knew no matter what happened, the performance would be a lot of fun.
Welcome, Tiffany Tamaribuchi
Portland Taiko is honored to announce Tiffany Tamaribuchi is Portland Taiko’s new Artistic Director. For more than 25 years, Tiffany has been an inspiration to Portland Taiko: as instructor, guest performer and composer. She’s always showing us new ways to connect with the spirit of taiko and share it with our community. We couldn’t be more excited to open a new chapter with Tiffany and can’t wait to start our artistic journey with her.
We offer sincere and heartfelt thanks to those who have supported Portland Taiko over the years. We are also grateful to two major funders, the M. J. Murdock Charitable Trust and the Marie Lamfrom Foundation. Without all of you, none of this would be possible.
Tiffany will officially join the Portland Taiko family in late summer 2023. Until then, please mark your calendar for:
- Farm Festival on Sept. 9th
- A screening of Finding Her Beat on Sept. 30th
- Our first concert at The Reser Nov. 11th
Photo Credit: Katherine Saunders
Rose Festival Starlight Parade – June 3rd 2023
Look for Portland Taiko’s people-powered yatai in this year’s Rose Festival Starlight Parade on June 3rd 2023. Here’s a short video of the yatai in the 2022 Starlight Parade.
Oregon Jewish Museum – June 11th 2023
Celebrate the reopening of The Oregon Jewish Museum and Holocaust Education Center (724 NW Davis) on Sunday June 11th. The Cultural Exchange Festival Street Party runs from Noon – 3:00 pm. It’s a free event with live music (Portland Taiko performs at 1:00 pm), a taco truck and more.
Hillsboro Farmers Market – June 24th 2023
Portland Taiko is looking forward to being back at the Hillsboro Farmers Market (150 E Main Street) on Saturday June 24th. Our performance begins at 11:30 am.
TAIKOGO! – June 30th 2023
The Regional North American Taiko Conference takes place in Hilo, Hawai’i this year. Portland Taiko will perform at the TAIKOGO! event at Kea’au High School on June 30th. Please visit the NATC-R webpage for additional information.
Claire Flynn
I started playing taiko when I was nine. My first class was taught by Portland Taiko founders Ann and Zack. I joined the youth performing group, Tanuki Taiko, soon after and played until I left for college. After a decade away from taiko and Portland, I rejoined Portland Taiko in 2022.
I love the creativity and energy of taiko. It’s my favorite way to think differently, exercise different parts of my brain (and muscles) and collaborate with others. Professionally, I’m a coordinator for Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R). One of my favorite events is People of the Drum, an annual collaboration between Portland Taiko and PP&R that takes place during Summer Free for All! In my spare time, I love running and hiking with my pup, traveling locally and abroad and eating all the best Portland food.
People of the Drum – July 22nd 2023
People of the Drum is a free event with performances and workshops from:
Hula Hālau ‘Ohana Holo’oko’a
Mexica Tiahui
Portland Kalai Khuzu
and Portland Taiko
Join us at Gateway Discovery Park 10520 NE Halsey St, Portland, OR on Saturday July 22nd from 4:30-6:30 pm.
Thank you to the Oregon Arts Commission, Portland Parks and Recreation and the Regional Arts and Culture Council (RACC) for supporting Portland Taiko and this annual event.
4 Days of Aloha – July 23rd 2023
We are thrilled to be back at 4 Days of Aloha at Esther Short Park in Vancouver. Portland Taiko is scheduled to perform at 10:55 am on Sunday July 23rd.
Tickets are $10 for adults, keiki (children) 10 and younger can attend for free. Proceeds benefit the Ke Kukui Foundation.
Obon – Aug. 5th 2023
Portland Taiko and Beyond Basics students will perform at Obon Fest on Saturday August 5th.
5:30 PM Beyond Basics students perform
6:30 PM performance by Portland Taiko
This event is free and open to all. For a complete schedule of events, please visit the Oregon Buddhist Temple’s Obon Fest webpage.
Hiroshima and Nagasaki Memorial – Aug. 9th 2023
This annual event at the Japanese American Historical Plaza is a memorial to the victims of the nuclear attacks on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan. The event is free and open to the public. Portland Taiko will perform at 6pm and 7pm.
The Japanese American Historical Plaza is located at 2 NW Naito Pkwy in downtown Portland (intersection with Couch St).
Oregon Rises Above Hate – May 6th 2023
Join Portland Taiko and other AAPI organizations as we celebrate Asian/Pacific Island heritage month. The event kicks off at 10 am. Performances begin at Noon.
Maupin Daze – May 20th 2023
APANO Voices of Change – May 20th, 2023
Voices of Change is APANO’s annual fundraiser. This family-friendly community event celebrates AAPI heritage and achievements. The program includes dinner, a silent auction, family activities and performances from Portland Taiko (among others).
This year’s event is at The Greatroom in Beaverton, Saturday May 20th from 5-8 pm. Tickets are available on a sliding scale from $0-$100.
Stories of the Pacific – May 27th, 2023
Portland Taiko will be a guest performer at Teva Oriata’s performance at the Patricia Reser Center for the Arts on Saturday May 27th. Stories of the Pacific is a celebration of Polynesian history, legends and culture through music and dance. Learn more and purchase tickets at thereser.org.
Jade Night Market – Aug. 19th 2023
The Jade District International Night Market returns to PCC SE on Saturday August 19th, 2023. This fun, free community event runs from 1:00pm to 9:00pm. Portland Taiko will perform at 7:30 pm.
Portland Taiko Farm Festival – Sep. 9th 2023
UPDATE: Farm Festival is SOLD OUT!
Thank you, Portland Taiko fans!!!
View other upcoming performances
Join us Saturday September 9th at Triskelee Farm in West Linn for a fun, family-friendly outdoor concert. Farm tours start at 3:00 pm and the performance begins at 4:00 pm. This event will take place rain or shine.
Bring your picnic blanket, camping chairs and your favorite snacks (alcohol must be purchased on-site). Canopies are also welcome, but please leave pets at home.
Burgers (ostrich, beef or veggie) and hot dogs will be for sale along with beer, wine and fresh produce. We’ll also have two food trucks: Kona Ice and Tony’s Fresh Fruit & Mexican Food.
NEW! We’ll also have desserts and spam musubi for sale with all proceeds donated to Maui relief efforts.
Portland Taiko strives to keep ticket prices affordable. We are grateful to the following organizations for their financial support:
Sounds of Japan – March 18th 2023
Join Portland Taiko and Oregon Koto-Kai for Sounds of Japan at the Wilsonville community center. This free event takes place Saturday, March 18, 2023 from 10am-12pm. Enjoy musical performances from Oregon Koto-Kai and Portland Taiko, traditional Japanese tea and snacks (while supplies last).
Pre-registration is required due to room capacity limits. Please visit the Wilsonville Parks and Recreation website for more information.
Bonenkai 2022
Thank you to everyone who attended our virtual Bonenkai celebration. We loved seeing everyone’s smiling faces.
Lake Oswego Cultural Xchange
Lake Oswego’s multicultural festival Cultural Xchange celebrates different cultures from around the world. The event takes place Sunday, September 18, 2022 from 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Millennium Plaza Park. Enjoy traditional dance and music performances, a Wushu martial arts demo, food and artisan vendors and more. Portland Taiko is thrilled to share the stage with DJ Avelanche, Clan Macleay Pipe Band, Mariachi Mexico En La Piel, White Lotus Dragon & Lion Dance, Dina Y Los Rumberos, Jujuba, Anavai O Te Ora (formerly Ora Nui) and Ron Artis II Trio. Portland Taiko plays at 12:30 p.m. We hope to see you there!
Yael Livny
Yael Livny is a taiko student who once saw Portland Taiko perform at a school fundraiser and exclaimed, “I want to do THAT!” She grew up in an Israeli-American family in Berlin, Germany. When she is not drumming, Yael dances Butoh and practices law. She has previously served on the board of Portland Chamber Music and as president of the Oregon State Bar’s Litigation Section.
Scott Winner
Scott Winner works at Bonneville Power Administration as an Operations Research Analyst. He holds degrees in Chemistry from Portland State University and has served on the Board of Directors of the Oregon Buddhist Temple. In 2017, Scott found the truck chassis for Portland Taiko’s festival float and has been a long-time supporter of Portland Taiko.
Megan Denny
After taking my first taiko class in 2016, I was instantly hooked and humbled. Though I don’t have the strength or talent to be a performer, I’m honored to serve as a board member and help Portland Taiko further its mission. As a Japanese American (hapa/yonsei), I’m proud to be part of an organization that affirms Asian American pride and builds community through the international language of music. Prior to Portland Taiko I volunteered with Rock N’ Roll Camp for Girls. I grew up in the Portland area and currently work as a freelance copywriter.
Carrie Peacock
In 1994 my husband and I moved from Florida to start our lives in Portland. I started taking Taiko lessons in 2017 with a friend and fell in love with the art and how it strengthens the connection between mind and body. Recently I concluded my 30-year career in the food and nutrition business and now work with a group, Crossing Party Lines, that facilitates political discussions among those with different views. I was delighted to be invited to be on the board of Portland Taiko and am looking forward to contributing to the next phase of its growth and evolution.
Zack Semke
Zack Semke is Director of Passive House Accelerator and a member of Al Gore’s Climate Reality Leadership Corps. He writes and speaks about the role that buildings can play in accelerating the clean energy transition. He helped found Portland Taiko in 1994 and served as Co-Director until 2005.
Ann Ishimaru
Ann Ishimaru (yonsei) is a founding member of Portland Taiko, former co-director, and currently an Associate Professor of Educational Leadership, Organizations & Policy at the University of Washington. Her research seeks to cultivate community and educational leadership to foster educational justice in and beyond schools. Although retired from taiko performing these days, she still teaches taiko occasionally through temple (Seattle Betsuin) or when her daughter was in a middle school taiko group. She is happy to reconnect with PT as a board member.