Enthusiastic taiko friends (including Gaston from Argentina, Margaret from Winnipeg, and Zenshin from Maui!) filled 590 workshop, concert, lecture, and intensive slots in three fun-filled days at the new Asano Taiko U.S. facility! We had the privilege of being the first group to play the new drums and use the new soundproof rooms. Seven guest artists from Japan, plus Tanaka Sensei and PJ and Roy, gave lectures, performed, and taught workshops alongside me and Yuta. We debuted Eau de Squarepusher, the large-ensemble version of Jack Bazaar, and Yuta's newly polished version of Omiyage. 24 participants took part in the fun-filled Matsuri Crashers Battle (including Johnny Mori and Derek Oye with a shishimai theme!), with all sorts of new ideas and phrases.
Thank you everyone for a remarkable first weekend!