ShAStatAiko.net
Title
Shasta Taiko japanese drumming ensemble located in Mount Shasta, California
Description
Shasta Taiko was started in 1985 by Russel Hisashi Baba and Jeanne Aiko Mercer, both recognized artists in traditional and contemporary Taiko, new music, and jazz. Sponsored by the California Arts Council Artist in Community grant and the Mt. Shasta Parks and Recreation District, Baba and Mercer have offered lessons in traditional and modern taiko - Japanese style drum - to the Mt. Shasta community. Their students have ranged in age from 6 to 70 years and perform for community events in schools, hospitals, care centers, festivals, and benefits. The performing group has toured in California, Oregon, Nevada, and Alaska. They have also produced successful sold-out formal taiko concerts in Mt. Shasta and introduced world class guest artists to the area as well. Shasta Taiko has performed two times at the International Taiko Festival at the University of California, twice at Stanford University’s Collegiate Taiko Invitational, twice for the Camai Festival ( Yupík Eskimo dance & drum festival) in Bethel, Alaska and in two concerts at the University of the Pacific in Stockton, CA. They have also appeared at Sacramento Taiko Dan’s 3rd Anniversary Concert, San Jose Taiko’s Summer Series 2000, the Asian Pacific Heritage Festival in San Jose, CA, the Asian Cultural Festival in Anchorage Alaska, and for the 2nd North American Taiko Conference and the Japanese American National Museum in Los Angeles.
A video documentary “Shasta Taiko” won the 16th Annual National Cable “Ace” Award in the Cultural affairs category. their latest CD recording, “Spirit Drum -Taiko Stories from America” also features original Shasta Taiko members, Masato Baba and Shoji Kameda.
With the help of noted taiko maker Mark Miyoshi, Russel and Jeanne have been recognized as leading Asian taiko players, and their work brings a new and refreshing approach to American taiko. Their taiko program is one of the first to teach and perform with children in America. Baba and Mercer have 29 years of taiko experience, starting with Seiichi Tanaka and the San Francisco Taiko Dojo.
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