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Maz and I will be performing in the big TaikoProject show, Rhythmic Relations 2011, to be held in the Los Angeles Little Tokyo JACCC plaza on Saturday, June 25. We’re collaborating with Ryutaro and the show will include TaikoProject’s affiliated groups Bombu, Kitsune, and Loma Pacific. If you’re in the area, please join us!

Rhythmic Relations 2011
Featuring TAIKOPROJECT, Bombu Taiko, Kitsune Taiko, and Loma Pacific Taiko
With Special Guest Ryutaro Kaneko (former director for KODO)
Two shows only – Saturday, June 25, 2:00 pm & 7:30 pm
JACCC Plaza, Little Tokyo
Ticket info: http://jaccc.org/taikoproject.php
Show info: http://www.taikoproject.com/RR2011

Another day of Meidoko rehearsals for our upcoming Green Shows here in Ashland, OR set for July 24th and September 6th. It’s the second rehearsal with local bassist Michael Moellan. He has the right attitude, chops and musicality for what we’re doing. It’s a great pleasure to work with this guy.

I’ve cobbled together some of the things I’ve been practicing for the last few months into a rough solo piece. The composition has provided lots of inspiration thus far but I feel this practice arc coming to a close. I’m hoping some constructive criticism would give me a few more hours of motivated practice. Any suggestions of things I should try differently?

Watch the video with click-able timestamps here.

Untitled naname solo
Work in progress.

(00:06) ryoutan section
(01:56) movement section
(01:59) M1-4
(02:14) Tribeca
(02:30) Super Klock Don
(02:33) Backstroke
(02:43) Scissors
(02:48) Helio
(02:49) Wipers
(02:55) Cronkite
(03:10) ka section
(03:16) Kark (working name)
(03:33) Joan of Arc (working name)
(03:38) Joan of Ard (working name)
(03:43) Donzoko

Composed as a demonstration for 2011 “Bon Taiko Bonanza” Taiko Conference workshop. Performed by Kristofer Bergstrom, May 11, 2011. Composition and recording released under the Free Art License 1.3.

InventiOn 2011, On Ensemble’s year-long focus on creativity, is going swimmingly. Settling down from the craziness of Cerritos Center in March we’ve been in town for most of April and May, with smaller school shows and workshops here and there. It’s a bit of down-time before things get busy again in the summer and toward the end of the year. Our program of Creative Rehearsals, empowered by the financial support of the FoundatiOn Team, has been a great success. Kelvin comes to town next week for more exploration. Very exciting!

Tomorrow I will pass the half-way point toward my long-term goal of 10,000 hours of practice! This milestone is coming at a great time… April and May have been some of my best practice months ever (knock on wood). Here are a few thoughts on recent practice successes and on the 5000 hours thus far.

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