TaikoArts Midwest's (TAM) Edo Bayashi team presents traditional Japanese Edo festival music and stage dance performance. This music originates from festival street music, dating from 1603-1867 in Edo, Japan, and brought to the stage through the highly esteemed group, Wakayama Shachu, who continues to instruct this team. TAM's Edo Bayashi Team is one of few in North America, equipped with a complete set of officially recognized instruments for Edo Bayashi, and are one of even fewer studying the advanced versions. The Edo Bayashi team is dedicated to further study the music to deepen, share and contribute to expand the cultural diversity in MN arts.
Experience the Heartbeat of Traditional Japan!
The TaikoArts Midwest Edo Bayashi Ensemble brings the vibrant spirit of 17th century Japanese festival music right here to Minnesota. Dedicating themselves to preserving and sharing authentic traditional Japanese music (originated during the Edo period, 1603-1867), the ensemble offers a rare glimpse into a rich cultural heritage.
What to Expect:
- Rare Traditional Instruments: Hear the mesmerizing blend of festival drums (Taiko), crisp metal percussion (Kane), and melodic bamboo flutes (Shinobue).
- Enchanting Performances:Experience c classical Japanese dance (Mai) seamlessly woven with live, traditional music - a rare treat in North America!
- Dynamic Taiko Drumming: Feel the thunderous energy of powerful, full-ensemble Taiko drumming.
Step back in time, feel the celebratory rhythm of historic Tokyo, and immerse yourself in an unforgettable cultural experience!
Performers:
Jeff Ellsworth (Taiko) is excited to be performing Edo Bayashi at Bryant Lake Bowl and would like to thank the members of Other Country Ensemble for their support and attendance at TAM taiko events.
Susan Tanabe (Kane, Taiko) has played taiko since 2005 and is a member of the TAM Edo Bayashi Ensemble, Big Gravity, Ensō Daiko, Jodaiko, and the North American Kasuga Onigumi. She also freelances with other ensembles, orchestras, and artists.
Junko Kumamoto (Mai, Taiko) is dedicated to present and sharing Japanese traditional performing arts through performance and the essence of its culinary culture as a Japanese restaurant owner.
Chiaki O'Brien (Mai, Shinobue, Taiko) is a native Japanese, never played Taiko prior to moving to Minnesota in 2004. She started taking Taiko classes in 2008 and has been hooked since then. She joined the Edo Bayashi Ensemble later. She found out about the existence of Edo Bayashi because she does taiko, not because she was born and grew up in Japan.
Hiroshi Yoshino (Shinobue, Taiko) Though raised around festival drumming in Japan, Hiroshi Yoshino first picked up bachi (drumsticks) in 2016 after moving to Minnesota. He enjoys playing taiko and fue (bamboo flute) as well as composing original music.
Emily Harada (Kane, Taiko) started taiko as a child at the Midwest Buddhist Temple/ Ho Etsu Taiko in Chicago. She had the fortune to watch Edo Bayashi throughout Tokyo, and started practicing this music in Honolulu at the Taiko Center of the Pacific under Kenny Endo, and later with Ho Etsu. She is happy to play with TaikoArts Midwest's ensemble.
The Hosts
Other Country Ensemble (OCE) features veteran musicians from the Twin Cities, performing traditional music from the northern Mediterranean region ranging from Spanish Sephardic to Greek and Turkish music, and original compositions inspired by the regions. They weave tales of the history of the music from 711 A.D on and the fusion of sounds that spread through the Mediterranean, as well as the instruments they perform.
OCE is:
Steve Clarke - bass, alto and C flutes, and soprano sax
Laurie Knutson - bass and alto clarinet Scott Nieman - oud, bouzouki, mandocello
Michael Ziegahn - flamenco guitar, cajon, voice
Mark Black - frame drums, darbuka, and various percussion
OCE on Facebook
TaikoArts Midwest Website
Tickets are $10 in Advance / $15 at the Door. Doors open at 7pm. Online ticket sales end at 6pm.
Our full restaurant and bar service is available in the theater! Order from your seat and enjoy the show, we'll take care of the rest.
We recommend arriving early to grab a drink and find your spot; please keep in mind that we stop seating 30 minutes after the show starts. We do not do refunds or exchanges.