Uzume Taiko
Uzume Taiko is West Coast Canada’s premiere professional taiko drumming group. Performing both nationally and internationally since 1989, the group performs their unique West Coast Canadian taiko drumming styles to receptive audiences the world over. Uzume Taiko has presented concert tours in the United Kingdom, Ireland, the Channel Islands, Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands, France, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Japan, the United States and in all corners of their homeland, Canada. From the Western and Mid Arctic to both coasts and many points in between, Uzume has also played at folk and jazz festivals throughout the Nation. The troupe has an active history presenting shows for youth throughout BC and leads taiko drum workshops in schools and communities for people of all ages. Uzume Taiko has self-produced six music CD's and one concert DVD available on Bandcamp through their web site: uzume.com.
Musical Ensemble collaborators have included Chor Leoni Choir, Victoria Symphony Orchestra, Big Wreck rock group, Orchid Ensemble, Hard Rubber Orchestra, Mearingstone Pipe Band, SFU Pipe Band, LOUD (electronic taiko drum guitar duo) and South Asian Arts (dhol drums and Bhangra dance).
Musical soloist collaborators have included Albert St. Albert (African percussion), Micheal O’Neill (highland pipes), Peggy Lee (cello), Alcvin Ramos and Takeo Yamashiro (shakuhachi flute), Curtis Andrews (South Indian, Ghanaian percussion), Ben Rogalsky (mandolin, banjo, harmonica, vocals), Dave Corman (guitars, keyboards), Simon Kendall (Hammond B organ), Boris Sichon (Middle Eastern multi-instrumentalist), Kesseke Yeo (West African dance and drums), Paul Bray (Afro-Centric percussion), Graham Ord and Amy Newman (saxophones).
Artist collaborators have included Kokoro Dance (butoh dance), Flamenco Rosario (flamenco dance & music), Lorita Leung Dance Company, Chengxin Wei (choreographer, martial artist), Kim Sato (hip hop dancer/choreographer), Gerardo Avila (storyteller, clown), Snake in the Grass Moving Theatre (clown, visual art, storytelling), Paula Ross Modern Dance and Mortal Coil (stilt walkers).