To celebrate its 15th anniversary, Puna Taiko is staging a special concert at 7 p.m. June 9 at the University of Hawaii at Hilo Performing Arts Center.
Featured guests are Buzen Tengu Taiko from Fukuoka, Japan, and Michael Gonhata from Honolulu.
Based at the Puna Hongwanji Mission in Keaau, Puna Taiko was founded by then-resident minister the Rev. Earl Ikeda as an effort to provide positive after-school activities for area youth.
Although the initial membership skewed more toward adults and seniors, Puna Taiko eventually merged with a fledgling after-school club at nearby Keaau High School to create the current youth performance group.
Since then, Puna Taiko has grown to nearly 50 active members at any given time and serves drummers ranging in age from 7-70 and older across multiple classes.
“As long as you’re interested in learning, there’s a place for you at Puna Taiko,” says current director Paul Sakamoto. “Being that taiko as an art form originated in Japan, people are sometimes hesitant to pick up the bachi (drum sticks).
“I think taiko has truly grown globally and everyone’s welcome.”
For tickets and more information, visit www.punataiko.com.