The University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo Performing Arts Center presents the Big Island Taiko Festival 2013 featuring Taishoji Taiko, Hui Okinawa Kobudo Taiko, Puna Hongwanji Taiko Club and Kona Daifukuji Taiko on Saturday, June 8 at 7:30 pm and Sunday, June 9 at 2 pm.
Taishoji Taiko, under the direction of Chad Nakagawa, was founded under Yoshihumi Ono at Taishoji Soto Mission in Hilo. “Their energetic, dramatic style will have you feeling the rhythm right to your core!” said Lee Dombroski, Performing Arts Center manager and festival producer.
Hui Okinawa Kobudo Taiko, under the guidance of Milton Yafuso and Troy Sakihara, practices and performs a drumming style based on Okinawan martial arts. “Our three-fold mission builds leadership and promotes and preserves the interest in and appreciation for the history and traditions of Okinawan culture and the arts,” said Yafuso.
The Puna Hongwanji Taiko Club, under the direction of Rev. Earl Ikeda, Paul Sakamoto and Lani Tak, was founded in 2003 by Ikeda as a community-focused group with drummers of all ages and experience striving to perpetuate taiko as a cultural and recreational activity.
Kona Daifukuji Taiko was founded in 1988 by Rev. Tamiya and his wife and is comprised of youth from elementary through high school under the direction of instructors Akemi Iwamoto and Justin Fernandez.
Tickets are general admission and priced at $10 General, $5 Seniors, UH Students (with valid ID) & Children 17 and under. Summer Box Office hours are Monday – Friday, May 28- June 7, 10 - 2 p.m. Call 974-7310 or order online at artscenter.uhh.hawaii.edu.