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Last weekend was a blast working with the Dancing People Company here in Ashland, Oregon. We had four performances at the historic Armory performance hall for DPC’s annual winter solstice celebration concert “Call Back the Sun”. This time I didn’t collaborate with them using taiko; instead, I used berimbau, cajon and dumbek. It was a slight challenge writing the music for their dance piece “Grassfire” and I’ve realized my potential for alternative percussion set ups. I hope to post some footage of the performance soon.

What else? I currently have 5 taiko students that are showing lots of progress. One in particular, Megan Janssen, is amazing me with how quickly she learns. This is very, very inspiring. I’m planning next year’s Meidoko Green shows which will this time incorporate more students. If all goes well these shows will definitely be something for you all to see.

Rehearsal went well today with the Southern Oregon University percussion ensemble. I’ll be collaborating with the ensemble on Tuesday November 29th 7:30PM at the SOU Recital Hall. Amongst other pieces, we’ll perform composer Maki Ishii’s “Monochrome” made famous by Taiko groups Ondekoza and Kodo. If you’re in the area please stop by. Admission is only $5.00.

Here’s some footage of my recent collaboration with Phoenix Sigalove last Friday evening at the Tatanka benefit concert. Here’s the link below:

Last Saturday I led a follow up to an introduction to Taiko workshop. Things are going well and I’ll be meeting with some excited Taiko students one more time this month before heading down to Los Angeles for more On Ensemble work.

Meidoko plays La Clinica (Affordable Healthcare Excellence for All):

Join us for Raise Your Heart for Health, our annual late-summer fundraiser. Enjoy fine foods and wine and top-notch entertainment in an extraordinarily fun event that benefits uninsured and low-income residents of our community.

Come to our third annual event, which is planned from 3:30 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 18, again at Voorhies Mansion, 2310 Voorhies Road, the home of EdenVale Winery.

Yesterday’s introduction to taiko workshop was a success! I managed to get eight participants, and that’s a lot for Ashland. There will be a follow up workshop this Saturday September 16th.

Meidoko had its second Green Show last Tuesday evening and what a success! I can’t wait for our next opportunity to play. This Saturday I’ll be giving an introductory Taiko workshop at Studio Z here in Ashland, Oregon from 1PM-3PM. I’m excited from the response of our Green Show and the interest that it has generated for this weekend’s workshop.

The Meidoko Green Show is tomorrow evening at 7:15 on 15 South Pioneer St. here in Ashland, Oregon. I’m really excited about the music we’re presenting and to be taking on so many challenges with using taiko in such an unconventional manner. At the same time, even though I find this presentation to pretty challenging, the artists that I’ve been collaborating with have made it easier and a joyous process. For they are awesome musicians and people, and very much a pleasure to work with.