Oregon Folklife: Performance and Community Conversation with Janet Komoto and the Kawa Taiko Drummers

This will take place at Geiser-Pollman Park in Baker City, OR at 2:00 PM PST time on August 6th.

Sunday, August 6th, 2017 at 2:00 pm (Pacific Time) at Geiser-Pollman Park in Baker City – Join Janet Komoto and the Kawa Taiko drummers and folklorist Josh Chrysler for a demonstration of traditional Japanese drumming and a closer look at one of the many living cultural traditions of the Four Rivers region.

In 2000, the Kawa Taiko group was formed to practice the traditional Japanese art of taiko drumming. With no prior knowledge of the tradition, Janet Komoto became a part student, teacher, and group leader. Janet continues to carry on the tradition with students of all ages from the community.  Join us as Janet and Kawa Taiko share knowledge, stories, and a taiko performance. There will be an open conversation so bring your questions! This takes place immediately prior to the Powder River Music Review, so stick around afterward for more music.

This program is made possible by the Four Rivers Cultural Center, the Oregon Folklife Network, Crossroads Carnegie Arts Center, and the National Endowment for the Arts.  This is a series of programs developed by Josh Chrysler, Staff Folklorist at Four Rivers Cultural Center in Ontario. Chrysler has been hired on contract by Four Rivers Cultural Center through a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts to help produce programs and exhibits that celebrate the traditional culture and folklife of eastern Oregon.