Linfield University hosts a special performance by Portland Taiko, a Japanese drumming ensemble, at 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 26 on the university’s Intramural Field. Admission is free and guests are invited to bring chairs and blankets to enjoy the show. Face coverings are required at all Linfield events.
“This event is an incredible opportunity to see, hear and experience the intensely dramatic sounds and powerful energy of Japanese drumming, and to expose the campus and local community to the musical tradition of another culture,” said Anna Song, professor and chair of the Department of Music. “I’ve watched Portland Taiko perform, and they are incredible… both as drummers and as story-tellers. Their shows are truly mesmerizing to watch.”
Portland Taiko travels throughout the Pacific Northwest, educating audiences on Japanese and Asian American culture. The ensemble has performed more than 1,500 times since its founding in 1994.
“Taiko is a Japanese drumming tradition that blends music and movement,” Portland Taiko Executive Director Wynn Kiyama said. “For Portland Taiko, we combine that with an Asian American sense of identity, creativity and empowerment.”
This performance is part of the Linfield Lively Arts Concert Series. The series brings world-class musicians and ensembles to Linfield University for concerts, masterclasses, open rehearsals and “Meet the Musician” events with students and local audiences.
The 2021-22 series continues with a concert by violinist Rachel Barton Pine at 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 16 and the vocal quintet, Amarcord at 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 5. Both performances will be in Richard and Lucille Ice Auditorium in Melrose Hall. More information on the Lively Art Concert Series is at https://linfield.edu/music/lively-art-concert-series.html.
For more information, call 503-883-2275 or visit linfield.edu/arts.
