Next Saturday, Oct. 4, the New Moon Festival Society will host Vancouver group Sawagi Taiko for a unique musical performance at the Sechelt Nation longhouse, to be followed on Sunday, Oct. 5 with a three-hour taiko workshop.
Formed in 1990, Sawagi Taiko is the first all-women’s taiko group in Canada.
Group members pool their common and unique experiences as Asian Canadian women and focus their creative energy and ideas into a powerful expression that is always heard and cannot be ignored. Performing at community and corporate events and various festivals across North America, Sawagi Taiko offers an alternative to the stereotype of Asian women as quiet and demure and strives to encourage cultural connections among different communities.
The shíshálh Drum Group will open the Saturday show, and renowned shakuhachi master Alcvin Ramos will be a featured guest. Come out and bring your friends to this special evening of powerful and moving music.
On Sunday Oct. 5, Sawagi Taiko drummers will lead a workshop at the Frank West Hall in Gibsons. Participants will learn taiko drumming techniques and rhythms with these dynamic women. No musical experience is necessary but you must come prepared to move and have fun.
The Saturday performance starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are $15 ($10 for seniors and children 12 and under), at Gaia’s Fair Trade, MeloMania and Tsain Ko Gift Shop. The Sunday workshop runs from noon to 3 p.m. Registration fee is $35 to $55 (sliding scale), $40 to $60 at the door.
For more details on the weekend call Joyce at 604-740-8094 or www.newmoonfestivalsociety.wordpress.com and www.sawagitaiko.com
