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Newsletter - October 2008

Special event!



Get your tickets now to see Emeryville Taiko in concert with Kazuaki Tomida and special guests Voices of Praise. We are honored to share the stage with Tomida-san, one of the original members of Ondekoza who went on to found Kodo. He currently resides, teaches and gives solo performances in the Tokyo area. We also welcome special guests Voices of Praise, First Congregational's community gospel choir led by Kelly Takunda Orphan. Come hear lively rhythms and sweet harmonies resonate throughout the beautiful 124-year-old sanctuary. This may be Emeryville Taiko's last performance for some time, so get tickets while you can! Tickets are $20 general admission; they are available at the dojo or from Brown Paper Tickets.

 
Youth workshop with Kazuaki Tomida (Kodo original member)

At the Emeryville Taiko dojo (1455 64th Street)
Friday October 10, 7:00 - 9:00 pm
Ages 10 - 16; $35
 
This is a rare opportunity for young people to learn from a master drummer from Japan. Translation will be provided, but Tomida-san's jovial and expressive teaching style is easily understood by all. No experience necessary. Call the dojo, (510) 654-6415, to reserve you place.
 
Adult workshops
The Emeryville Taiko Saturday workshops for adults are sold out. For other area workshops with Kazuaki Tomida, go to http://www.etaiko.org/tomidat.htm

 
Upcoming performance

San Francisco International Dragon Boat Festival - Sunday, October 5
We will be performing on Treasure Island at 12:45 pm with plenty of time for audience participation.

 
Performance photos

Emeryville Taiko recently had the opportunity to perform at an Oakland A's game for Japanese Heritage Day. Before the game, some of us played a couple of songs at a VIP party, including a drum roll with A's bench coach Don Wakamatsu on the odaiko (big drum). We had the honor of meeting Yasumasa Nagamine, the Consul General of Japan in San Francisco. Here's a picture of us with him:

Here we are on the field:
And on the JumboTron!
Photos by Alisa Schulman
 
Emeryville Taiko needs your help!

Due to permitting issues, we will soon be unable to hold classes at our dojo. We are seeking an affordable space to rent in Emeryville, Oakland or Berkeley (Saturdays and weekday evenings; must have excellent soundproofing or be in a non-residential area). We are also seeking significant funding for renovation of our dojo. If you have any leads or resources, please contact us. Thank you for your support.

 
Support us

Emeryville Taiko is a San Francisco Bay Area taiko group providing traditional Japanese drumming classes and performances. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Donations are tax-deductible and your financial support is appreciated. You can donate online at our website.