httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I85V-1Mz9Ow

Grass Valley Taiko will celebrate 10 years of Japanese drumming in our community Saturday October 23, 2010 at the Center for the Arts at 8:00 pm in Grass Valley.

Under the leadership of Mitzi Garnett of Grass Valley Taiko.  Featuring  the “Father of North American Taiko,” Grand Master Seiichi Tanaka, and members of the San Francisco Taiko Dojo, the largest and oldest group in the western world.

Both Grand Master and Mitzi Garnett have much in common rooted in taiko drumming.  Both had a vision, fueled by their passion.

In the late-1960’s, while enjoying a Cherry Blossom Festival in San Francisco’s Japantown, a youthful Seiichi Tanaka observed that it was odd that there were no taiko drummers in the celebration.  Taiko drummers always graced Cherry Blossom Festivals in Japan.  When he returned to Japan, he took up taiko drumming, studying under Grand Master Daihachi Oguchi of Osawa, Japan.  He ultimately returned to the States after a couple of years and became the lone drummer at the Cherry Blossom Festival!

Needless to say, steadily over the years, taiko drumming had become an integral part of the annual Cherry Blossom Festival in San Francisco.  Grand Master subsequently founded the San Francisco Taiko Dojo where he continues to this day teaching this centuries old art form to adults and children.

In addition, Grand Master and his group are often seen at many Asian-influenced events, parades, schools, concerts, and even movies!  Many teachers of taiko throughout the United States are direct descendants of, or have been influenced by, Grand Master’s teachings over the years.

For tickets, please visit the Center Box Office (530-274-8384) at 314 W. Main Street, Grass Valley, or at Briar Patch (530-272-5333).