Benefit Concert for Japan

Last night we put on a Benefit Concert for Japan with Portland Taiko, Monmouth Taiko, Carla Mann and Jim McGinn, Mexica Tiahui, Takohachi, Mike Barber, Natya Leela Academy, and Hanzaburo Araki. In addition, we had the Consul-General Takamichi Okabe, Barbara Sestak (Dean for the School of Fine and Performing Arts), Rev. Robin Yim, Ken Garner, Rev. Lisa Uzunoe, Hiroyuki Ito, Katherine Morrow, Asami Katayama and James Batson.

Thanks to our volunteer staff: Jesse Berdine (stage manager), Robin Mullins (house manager), Rose Etta Menger (backstage), Amy Chan (design), Robert Goss (production coordinator, Lincoln Hall), Heather Myers and Jessica McElfresh (music dept), and Bryan Johanson. Printing donations by Clean Copy, Smart Copy, and Documart (SW Washington Street).

While we came together under tragic circumstances, the outpouring of support for the victims of the earthquakes and tsunami in Japan was inspiring. Portland Taiko and Portland State University, Department of Music would like to thank all the performers, speakers, volunteers, and donors.

Update: We raised $16,895 for Mercy Corps! Quick clip on the news station KGW.

TACHIBANA DANCERS at the Body Vox Studios, 4/9, 7:30pm

I’ll be performing Byakkotai once again with the Tachibana Dance Group on Saturday April 9, 7:30pm. The event is a fundraising gala for the Dance Coalition of Oregon held at the BodyVox studios.

Dance Coalition

East Asian Drumming and Performance Series at PSU

Portland State University will present an East Asian Drumming and Performance series highlighting the vibrant traditions of Japanese and Asian American taiko, Chinese Dragon and Lion Dance, and Korean drumming and dance. All three events are free and open to the public, and will include performances as well as workshops.

Portland Taiko
Thursday, March 10, 3:00-4:30 pm in Lincoln Hall, Rm. 175

Lee’s Association Dragon and Lion Dance Team
Thursday, April 7, 6:00-7:30 pm in Lincoln Recital Hall, Rm. 75

Seung-Hee Ji and the Oregon Korean Traditional Art Center
Friday, May 6, 6:00-7:30 pm in Lincoln Recital Hall, Rm. 75

Here’s a nice video produced by Simona Patange at PSU-TV covering the Korean drumming and dance event.