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30th Anniversary Concert – Portland, OR – Nov 16th 2024

Portland Taiko 30th anniversary concert graphic. Two drummers raise their sticks in the air while a third drummer plays in the background. The word "Renaissance" appears below.

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: 

Kristy “Aki” Oshiro

– 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.

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!

City of Beaverton logo

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.

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). 

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). 

 

 

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.

Eugene Obon 2024

 

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.

 

Portland Taiko Farm Festival 2024 West Linn, OR Triskelee Farm

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.

 

 

OMSI After Dark – Portland, Oregon – June 26, 2024 @ 6 – 10 PM

Head to OMSI…After Dark! Drink beer or wine and roam the museum with no kids around! The theme for June’s After Dark night is Blown Away…and you’ll definitely be blown away by Portland Taiko’s performance at this event! You can also enjoy science demos, DJ’s, artisan food and beverage vendors and more! 

Note: Must be 21+ to enter. 

Tickets go on sale soon! ($25 per person, discount for OMSI members.)

Click here for more info and to purchase tickets through OMSI.

 

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.

>>>Buy Tickets

This is a Community Benefit Screening, which means net proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to Portland TaikoPlease 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. 

racc_bw_horiz

Marie Lamfrom Foundation logo

MJ Murdock Charitable Trust logo

Oregon Community Foundation logo

 

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.

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:

 

Marie Lamfrom Foundation logo

MJ Murdock Charitable Trust logo

Oregon Community Foundation logo

 

racc_bw_horiz

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.

Portland Taiko Sounds of Japan performance in Wilsonville OR

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!

JACL Day of Remembrance
McMenamins Kennedy School at 5736 NE 33rd Avenue
Saturday, February 26, 1:30 p.m. 
We are honored to perform at the Portland JACL’s program at the McMenamins Kennedy School, featuring a screening of Reparations with Senator Lew Frederick, Traci Kato-Kiriyama, and Jon Osaki. 

Salem Public Library
Online Performance for Salem Reads 
Saturday, February 5, 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
We’re thrilled to perform for our friends at the Salem Public Library to kick off the Salem Reads Event! There will be audience participation and time for questions and answers. Live Spanish language and ASL interpretation will be included. Sign up in advance to receive Zoom access information on the day before the event: https://bit.ly/SR2022events

Bonenkai 2021
Online Year-End Celebration
Saturday, December 4, 7:00 p.m.
Join us for a special online celebration with performances by Portland Taiko and students from our ‘Naname Fundamentals’ and ‘Beyond Basics’ classes! More information to be posted soon! 

Joy (Comes) in the Mourning
Free program curated by Portland Playhouse
Saturday, September 18 from 12:00 to 5:00 p.m.
602 NE Prescott Street, Portland 97211
Please join us for a heartfelt program reconnecting to mourning traditions and rituals, sharing the practices acknowledging loss, and expressing grief. Portland Taiko is honored to be a part of this event and performs at 4:30 p.m.

COVID-19 Protocols for Oaks Park

Portland Taiko is excited to be presenting a home concert once again! We have been following the latest news on the delta variant and will be taking the following precautions at the Oaks Park concert:

  • All participants (12 and older) must be fully vaccinated or show proof of a negative COVID test taken within 48 hours.
  • All participants (3 and older) must wear a mask.
  • No food is allowed. Pre-purchased dessert boxes will be distributed after the concert or your order can be refunded.
  • Please maintain distance from others at all times and refrain from lingering in the walking paths.
  • All picnic tables and blanket spots will be distanced at least 6 feet from one another.
  • Portland Taiko members are all vaccinated and will be masked.

We are making these changes in accordance with guidelines produced by the WHO, CDC, and our state and local governments. Since we are still learning about the delta variant, we will reach out to our audience members with any further updates. If for any reason you choose not to attend, we will offer you a full refund. Thank you so much for your patience and understanding. We look forward to seeing you again!!!

Gateway Discovery Park
Outdoor Concert sponsored by Portland Parks and Recreation
Saturday, August 21 from 3:00 to 3:45 p.m. 
10520 NE Halsey Street
Free. Join us for this small-group performance in the spacious Gateway Discovery Park! 

Mochitsuki
Saturday, January 23, 12:00 pm
It’s the Year of the Ox and this year’s Mochitsuki is online. There is a full month of programming and we’re happy to be sharing the virtual stage with Oregon Koto-Kai, Robert Kikuchi-Yngojo, Paul Matsushima, and Utsukikai! For the premiere of our video on 1/23, view here!

Bonenkai (Year-End Party, Recital, and Fundraiser)
Friday, December 4, 7:00 – 8:30 pm
Join us for our annual year-end gathering! We will present taiko performances by our students, release the uncut taiko videos from our fall concert video event, and share our musical tribute to Valerie Otani. Stay tuned for details.

Fishtrap and the NEA Big Read
Thursday, March 19 at 7:00 pm
OK Theatre
2018 W. Main Street
Enterprise, OR 97828
Cancelled due to the covid-19 corona virus. We are working with the Fishtrap Writer’s Workshop to reschedule this wonderful program and hope to be in Enterprise sometime soon!

Asian Celebration
Sunday, February 16 at 1:40 pm
Lane County Fairgrounds
796 W 13th Avenue
Eugene, OR 97402
Celebrate the Year of the Rat with tons of performances, food, a huge marketplace, and hands-on activities! Portland Taiko performs on Sunday at 1:40 pm!

Mochitsuki 2020
Sunday, January 26 at 2:00 p.m.
PSU Viking Pavilion, Peter Stott Center
930 SW Hall Street
Portland, OR 97207
Celebrate the Year of the Rat with food, demonstrations, stage performances, and of course, mochi! The whole event lasts from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Portland Taiko goes onstage for 20 minutes starting at 2:00 p.m.

Portland Taiko’s 25th Anniversary Concert

Saturday, November 2 at 7:00 p.m. and Sunday, November 3 at 2:00 p.m.
PSU Lincoln Performance Hall
1620 SW Park Avenue
Portland, OR 97201
Portland Taiko’s 25th Anniversary Concert will feature current and past members, new works, and special guests Kenny Endo (Hawai’i), Tiffany Tamaribuchi (California), and the Kalabharathi School of Dance (Oregon). Please join us as we celebrate 25 years of drumming and community engagement! SOLD OUT! 

Thank you so much to our Saturday audience!!! For Sunday ticket-holders, remember it’s Daylight Savings and you get an extra hour of sleep tomorrow before the matinee!

Oregon Nikkei Endowment, 30th Anniversary Celebration

Saturday, September 14, 2019 from 4:00 — 6:30 p.m.
Festival Street, NW 4th & Flanders
Portland, OR 97209
Sneak peek at the Oregon Nikkei Legacy Center’s new museum space with food, fun, and hard hats! Portland Taiko performs at 5:45 p.m. for thirty minutes. We’re thrilled to be joining in this celebration of Oregon Nikkei Endowment’s 30 years of history, community engagement, and activism. Open to the public but a ticketed event

Fourth Plain Multicultural Festival

Saturday, September 7, 2019 at 3:15 p.m.
Evergreen Park
3500 East Fourth Plain Boulevard
Vancouver, WA
This free event includes multicultural music and dance performances, sports and arts activities, children’s games, food vendors, booths for local organizations, and more! It runs from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and Portland Taiko performs for 30 minutes starting at 3:15 p.m. Information here!

North American Taiko Conference

Friday, August 9, 2019
PSU Smith Memorial Student Union
1825 SW Broadway
Portland, OR 97201
The Taiko Community of Portland (Portland Taiko, Takohachi, en Taiko, Unit Souzou, PSU Taiko Ensemble, and Catlin Gabel Taiko Club) will perform TOGETHER WE RISE to welcome the attendees of the North American Taiko Conferece! 

Obon Festival

Saturday, August 3, 2019 from 3:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Oregon Buddhist Temple
3720 SE 34th Avenue
Portland, OR 97202
It’s obon season again and we’re thrilled to return to Oregon Buddhist Temple’s Obon Festival. Come enjoy an afternoon of performances, delicious food and drinks, cultural and religious programs, and obon dance! Portland Taiko performs at 6:30 p.m. and the obon dance follows soon after!

Starlight Parade

Saturday, June 1, 2019 at 8:30 p.m.
Downtown Portland
Portland, Oregon
Portland Taiko is thrilled to run its Portland Festival Yatai (float) once again through the streets of downtown Portland at the Rose Festival Starlight Parade. This year, we’ll be debuting our brand-new festival music written by Keiko Araki! Parade route and information here.

Fear No Music

Monday, May 6, 2019 at 7:30 p.m.
The Old Church
1422 SW 11th Ave
Portland, Oregon
Portland Taiko will appear as guests for Fear No Music’s Japanarama concert, reprising Kenji Bunch’s Dango Jiru and other pieces from our Sticks and Strings concert. Also works by Pauchi Sasaki, Barbara White, Stephen Hartke, and Wang Jie. Get your tickets here!