Alberta’s oldest Japanese drumming group Kita no Taiko celebrated 40 years with a special show this weekend. Titled “New Rhythms Timeless Spirit,” the show shares the idea of classic repertoire with contemporary Taiko music the group has collected over the last decade. “We’re sharing the work of the people in the group before us, the people who founded the group,” said president Carley Okamura, adding that the concert features a tribute to one of the founding members who recently died. “It’s very important that we can share that legacy, but also continue it.” Taiko translates to “drum” in Japanese, but refers to a variety of percussion instruments. Kita no Taiko is an ensemble that uses drums of different sizes and tones, working together. “The drums make a very loud booming sound. You use large drumsticks, and when you play, you have an active stance like martial arts,” explained Okamura. “Altogether, it’s an activity that has music and rhythm and movement and cultural aspects such as costume and other Japanese aspects.” Kita no Taiko has performed at events like the Fringe, K-Days and the Heritage Festival and at venues across the city. The group also hosts workshops for $50 a person. With files from CTV News Edmonton’s Miriam Valdes-Carletti
