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LAC brings Taiko Drums to Huntington library on July 10

The LaFontaine Arts Council will be sponsoring a performance by Taiko Drums at the Huntington Branch of the Huntington City-Township Public Library on Tuesday, July 10, at 6 p.m. This performance is free to the public. All ages are invited to attend the 45-minute performance.

The Taiko Drums are a part of the Fort Wayne Dance Collective. Taiko is a traditional Japanese musical term that means “big drum.” The large, hollow, skin-covered drums used in taiko are played vertically, horizontally or diagonally to create a range of vibrant rhythms. But taiko is not just about sound. Its characteristic beat is achieved through choreographed arm movements, as drummers “dance” their sticks from drum to drum.

Established in 1997, Fort Wayne Taiko is the only taiko group in Indiana and one of few in the midwest. Inspired by a performance by Vancouver- based Katari Taiko, the small group of volunteers built its first set of drums out of bourbon barrels bought from a Louisville distillery. As they have grown, they have remained passionate about sharing the taiko experience with the community. Their mission is to honor the ancient tradition of taiko with distinct, multifaceted performance art.

Fort Wayne Taiko has hosted touring taiko groups from around the world. Its members have attended the North American Taiko Conference, spent time at taiko camps and workshops and have traveled to Japan to study under renowned Japanese taiko masters. In July of 2014, Fort Wayne Taiko was invited to play at the World Taiko Gathering in Los Angeles, CA.

For more information, contact Debbie Dyer at the LaFontaine Arts Council at 358-0055 or call the Huntington library branch at 356-0824. The Huntington branch is located at 255 W. Park Drive, Huntington.