REVIEWS
“The TAIKOPROJECT has shown to me the joy that was possibly felt when our ancestors first created sound by striking the taiko...something that’s rooted deep inside of ourselves, that stimulative energy that makes us feel alive.”
- Akaji Maro, Tokyo International Taiko Contest Judge, Director of Dairakudakan
"TAIKOPROJECT’s talent, energy and professionalism blew us all away. They performed for over 5,000 K-12 grade students and to a sold-out crowd at our public performance, and all at 5,500 feet above sea level!”
- Peggy Thompson, Tahoe Arts Project, South Lake Tahoe, California
“Fusing tradition with edgy and sometimes daring contemporary elements, TAIKOPROJECT is among the fast-rising stars of American taiko.”
- 'Big Drum' Feature Article, Japanese American National Museum, Los Angeles, California
“It is these creative movements (in TAIKOPROJECT) that represent milestones in the artistic evolution of North American taiko.”
- Chelsey Ruth & Philip Tanedo, Yonsei Taiko, Stanford University, Stanford, California
"TAIKOPROJECT's artistic innovation and community spirit re-inspires me to remember everything that made me originally want to play taiko."
- Gayle Isa, Director, Asian Arts Initiative, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
“The most amazing taiko performance. These eight performers flew through the air, solved world hunger, and invented a better mousetrap in those two hours. Well, not really, but I liked them as much. And they did KINDA fly through the air, sometimes.”
- John Fu, brainymonkey.com
“For a pure taiko experience, there's no group better to watch than TAIKOPROJECT. If you can see them and not want to jump up and play, you can be declared clinically dead in 37 states.”
- St. Louis Osuwa Taiko, stlouis.osuwa.taiko.cc
“TAIKOPROJECT is a terrific, youthful blend of tradition and emerging artistry. It is a hilarious and touching treatment of the artform of taiko and its deep importance to a distinctively American community... TAIKOPROJECT rings true.”
- Michael Reed, Arizona State University Public Events, Phoenix, Arizona
“TAIKOPROJECT’s performances were a great success, leaving our audiences exuberant and ready for more. Our two packed houses were thrilled with TP’s multi-genre approach and their unique American take on the Japanese art of taiko.”
- Matt Krashan, Director, University of Washington World Series, Seattle,Washington
“TAIKOPROJECT is one of the most exciting next generation ensembles playing today.They play with sheer pleasure and consummate skill, telling a story of taiko that is deeply personal and recognizably universal.”
- Martin Wollesen, University of California - San Diego ARTPOWER!, La Jolla, California
“They blew the roof off with their energy and willingness to take taiko into the 21st century by experimenting with various media and settings.They take American taiko outside the box.”
- International Examiner, Seattle,Washington
“...the players are respectful of the tradition without being obsequious.They back up their youthful bravado with a high level of technical ability, not relying on flash and effects to carry the day.Their brand of taiko is loud, fast and clean—the energy level set a maximum.”
- The Bulletin, Vancouver, Canada
“This isn’t your mama’s taiko… but it may be your hip, younger cousin’s!”
LA Weekly
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