For the percussion lover on your gift list we have numerous ways to rock their world! Get off the couch and fulfil your dream of trying taiko drumming for yourself – and yes, it is as fun as it looks! Keep your New Year’s resolution to get fit and have a blast at the same time. 
Katari Taiko 35th Anniversary Concert
Saturday, December 6, 7:30pm
Vancouver Playhouse, 600 Hamilton Street
Give an early Christmas gift of many drummers drumming and join Canada’s first taiko group as they celebrate their 35th Anniversary with a concert at the Vancouver Playhouse. Joining Katari Taiko is a host of guests including Chibi Taiko, Sawagi Taiko, Sansho Daiko and Vancouver Okinawa Taiko for an unforgettable concert that will get the blood pumping and the fingers tapping. A special feature of the concert will be sneak peek at a collaborative work-in-progress that looks at the salmon and its importance to not only Japanese Canadian culture but the province itself.
Tickets and info: kataritaiko.bc.ca
KATARI TAIKO ONE DAY TAIKO WORKSHOP
Sunday, January 18, 10am – 4pm
Learn about taiko history, notation, and basic rhythms at this one-day, hands-on workshop. At the end of the workshop, participants will have learned a taiko piece. No previous experience is necessary.
Venue: Taiko Space, Vancouver (just west of Clark Drive)
Fee: $75 general or $50 for students/ seniors/ unemployed.
Participants must be a minimum of 16 years of age.
Please wear loose, comfortable clothing, and bring a lunch. Bring soft soled indoor athletic footwear, or be prepared to go barefoot – street shoes cannot be worn inside the taiko space. Coffee, tea and juice will be provided.
For more information and/or to register, contact Diane or call 604.683.8240 or visit kataritaiko.bc.ca.
KODO One Earth Tour: Mystery
Thursday, January 29, 8pm
Queen Elizabeth Theatre 650 Hamilton Street
Give the gift of pulses pounding as KODO returns to Vancouver with their groundbreaking new program, One Earth Tour: Mystery. Under the direction of famed Kabuki artist Tamasaburo Bando, KODO will take you into a magical world were serpents coil, and demons and lions move wildly – all to the thunderous roar of the huge drums. One of the can’t-miss shows of 2015.
northerntickets.com/events/kodo-drummers-mystery
Sawagi Taiko Workshop Series
6-week ongoing workshop, Sundays
February 1, 8, 15, 22, March 1 & 8
1:00 to 4:00pm
$150 for all 6 classes
Open to everyone over 16 years of age. A maximum of 12 spots available for the classes on a first-paid basis. Registration will be confirmed upon receipt of payment. You will get a solid grounding in taiko form and rhythms. We will focus on proper stance, how to hit the drum, move around the drum, and, of course, you’ll learn to play a song in an arrangement for performance. Please bring water to drink and wear comfortable, athletic attire. Non-marking, soft-soled shoes are required.
For more information and/or to register, contact Helen.
