Miyako Taiko
Sakura Taiko Fest at sylvan theater
Sponsored by chase and Produced by Miyako Taiko
The Sakura Taiko Fest has grown from a small concert first held in a dance studio to a full day of free, family-friendly taiko performances in downtown DC. Each year, we welcome a number of North American taiko groups and feature a variety of different taiko styles as a celebration of Japanese-American cultural and artistic traditions.
Miyako Taiko was founded in 2014 as a community group affiliated with the Mark H Rooney Taiko School. The group works together to strengthen its members’ practice of taiko, develop relationships within the taiko community, and broaden public knowledge of the art and traditions of taiko. They love to share their taiko and their energy at events in DC, Maryland, and Virginia.
Sakura Taiko Fest Schedule*
12:05 PM: Mark H Taiko Students
12:30 PM: Fushu Daiko
1:05 PM: Nen Daiko
1:35 PM: Tsumugu
1:45 PM: Miyako Taiko
2:25 PM: JGB Shibuki
3:05 PM: Gendo Taiko
3:45 PM: MHTX
4:25 PM: ShinDaiko
5:05 PM: Great Lakes Taiko Center
5:40 PM: Shin- En
*Subject to change
Performing Groups
ShinDaiko
ShinDaiko is a Japanese taiko drumming ensemble based in Boston, Massachusetts. As a contemporary taiko ensemble, they build on traditional taiko roots while exploring modern melodies and sounds with a multi-instrumentalist roster of musicians. The Japanese character “Shin” in ShinDaiko means “advancing” or “moving forward.” ShinDaiko seeks to always be moving forward in their musical vision, to explore new ideas and concepts, and to weave the powerful sounds of taiko with other musical influences to create their own distinct melody.
Fushu Daiko
Since our beginning in 1990, Fushu Daiko has practiced joyously on a quest for dynamic wholehearted taiko drumming, understanding, and appreciation in the way of taiko, Japanese culture, and all of life.
Fushu Daiko is made up of many nationalities and backgrounds, yet we have been drawn together by the taiko. Through its vibrations, Fushu Daiko wishes to create a sense of connection in the hearts of those who feel the taiko’s beat.
Nen Daiko
Nen Daiko is the taiko ensemble of Ekoji Buddhist Temple in Fairfax Station, VA. Since 1994, Nen Daiko has been entertaining audiences throughout the Washington, DC metropolitan area with a repertoire that includes traditional festival songs and more contemporary compositions. Our members are from diverse backgrounds and faiths, joined by our common respect for the art of taiko, the teachings of Buddhist taiko, and our joy and exuberance for the artistic expression of taiko. The group owes much gratitude to Ekoji’s founding minister Rev. Kenryu Tsuji who provided the name “Nen,” our sister groups Soh Daiko (NY) and Hoh Daiko (NJ) for their generous mentorship, and all the causes and conditions that have allowed us to practice and share the art of taiko for the past 29 years.
In October of 2017, members of Nen Daiko created Dounen Daiko for youth ages 12-17. The group was named by Ekoji’s resident minister, Rev. Nari Hayashi. The kanji (Chinese character) “dou” means “child” (e.g., child of Nen Daiko) and comes from the Sanskrit of “kumara” which means a child from the age of 8 to 19 who studies and follows the Buddha’s path. Nen Daiko members run the youth group and love to see how Dounen members embrace and integrate the joy of taiko into their lives.
JGB Shibuki
Formed in 2016 in Buffalo, NY JGB SHIBUKI grew out of members of the Japanese Group of Buffalo who shared a dream and desire to learn taiko. The word SHIBUKI means “splash” in Japanese, and is inspired by the nearby natural wonder, Niagara Falls.
Great Lakes Taiko Center (GLTC)
Great Lakes Taiko Center (GLTC) is a nonprofit arts & culture collective in Southeast Michigan USA, sharing the gift of Taiko arts experiences through education and performances. Taiko is rooted in the ancestral wisdom and cultural history of Japanese music traditions and continues to grow today as a global cultural arts movement that amplifies imagination, uplifts spirits, and builds community. Through the art of Taiko, GLTC members and supporters embody practices of collective care and creative connection in their communities as they drum, dance and dream together with abundant love and joy.
Members attending Sakura Taiko Fest 2024 will represent three of our Taiko Performance Groups:
Raion Taiko (Sound of Thunder) Ensemble 2009
Godaiko (Great Lakes) Drummers 2015
T3: Tanoshii Taiko Tai (Fun Drum Team) Community Group 2017
Gendo Taiko
Gendo Taiko is a contemporary Taiko drumming ensemble centered around celebrating diasporic Asian identities. Consisting of students from Brown University and the Rhode Island School of Design, the group plays across New England for events ranging from music festivals to small gatherings.
Nen Daiko
Nen Daiko is the taiko ensemble of Ekoji Buddhist Temple in Fairfax Station, VA. Since 1994, Nen Daiko has been entertaining audiences throughout the Washington, DC, metropolitan area with a repertoire that includes traditional festival songs and more contemporary compositions. Our members are from diverse backgrounds and faiths, joined by our common respect for the art of taiko, the teachings of Buddhist taiko, and our joy and exuberance for the artistic expression of taiko. The group owes much gratitude to Ekoji’s founding minister Rev. Kenryu Tsuji who provided the name “Nen,” our sister groups Soh Daiko (NY) and Hoh Daiko (NJ) for their generous mentorship, and all the causes and conditions that have allowed us to practice and share the art of taiko for the past 29 years. In October 2017, members of Nen Daiko created Dounen Daiko for youth ages 12-17. Nen Daiko members run the youth group and love to see how Dounen members embrace and integrate the joy of taiko into their lives.
Pittsburgh Taiko
Pittsburgh Taiko is a community group dedicated to sharing the art and spirit of taiko with our city and with friends throughout the world.
We perform pieces in various regional Japanese styles, as well as original compositions. As part of the Japan-America Society of Pennsylvania, we also do outreach to local schools and other groups, teaching a bit of taiko history and how taiko are used in Japan.
We welcome everyone in our beginner classes, and many of our performers started learning taiko with us. We hope we can share our love of taiko with you!
YOUR FESTIVAL EXPERIENCE
What began with a gift in 1912 at the Tidal Basin is now a four-week extravaganza spanning Washington, DC, and neighboring communities in Maryland and Virginia. From exciting events to convenient hotels, delectable Cherry Picks restaurants, vibrant Art in Bloom installations, and a jaw-dropping City in Bloom to joyful Petal Porches, see the Washington, DC area as you can only see it once a year!
Explore the Festival's Roots
Travel to Japan is open once again, and we invite you experience and explore Japan firsthand. Learn more about the Festival partners who would love to help you plan your trip!
Sponsored By
