TAIKO NEWS
Taiko Drumline: The latest news from Tacoma Fuji Taiko
By WENDY HAMAI

UWT performance! Tacoma Fuji Taiko was the kick-off performance for University of Washington Tacoma's Asian Pacific American Heritage Month's observance on 5/5/10. It was the first non-Temple sponsored event that we played for since forming a little over a year ago. Thank you to TBT members who came to support us. It helps to bring our own cheering section! Since it was part of APA Heritage month, we talked a bit about the "heritage" of the area and the Japanese American community in Tacoma. We described what Nihon Machi (Japan town) which included part of UWT is on and the area around the TBT was like before WWII and what a thriving community it was. Our performance was dedicated to the older folks at our Temple and their parents who are no longer with us, for their hard work to sustain the Temple to preserve our culture and heritage.

Bon Odori is coming up and we're now gearing up for our performance this summer! We also have plans to sell T shirts with our new logo on it to raise funds for repair of and additional equipment.

4th Wednesday Taiko sessions. Ever wanted to just try taiko but never had the chance? We've been holding these sessions every fourth Wednesday of the month since January. These sessions are an informal opportunity for folks to try out taiko, learn some songs and see what it's like. There's no commitment to perform or to attend regularly. Temple and non-Temple members are welcomed. If you're interested or know of someone who might be - please contact Wendy at hamaistoll@harbornet.com or 253 566-9503 for more info.

Gassho,
Wendy Hamai hamaistoll @ harbornet.com