The University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo Performing Arts Center presents the Big Island Taiko Festival 2019 featuring Taishoji Taiko, Puna Hongwanji Taiko Club, Kona Daifukuji Taiko and Ryukyukoku Matsuri Daiko of Kohala Saturday, June 8, at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, June 9, at 2 p.m.
Taishoji Taiko, under the direction of Chad Nakagawa, was founded by Yoshihumi Ono at Taishoji Soto Mission in Hilo. The Puna Hongwanji Taiko Club, under the direction of Rev. Earl Ikeda and Paul Sakamoto, was founded in 2003 by Rev. 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 following the directions of their instructor, Akemi Iwamoto. Ryukyukoku Matsuri Daiko from Kohala is under the direction of Akemi Martin Sensi, and currently boasts over 100 active members across the Hawaiian Islands.
Tickets are $20 General, $15 Discount, and $7 UH Hilo/Hawaiʻi Community College students (with valid ID) & Children 17 and under. Box Office hours are June 4-7, Tuesday – Friday, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Call 932-7490 or purchase tickets online at artscenter.uhh.hawaii.edu.