Katari Taiko, the first taiko group formed in Canada, is a constantly changing and intensely creative hybrid. On December 6, in celebration of its 35th Anniversary, Katari Taiko is presenting a special concert featuring its own contemporary and traditional music and that of guests, Chibi Taiko, Sansho Daiko, Sawagi Taiko and Vancouver Okinawa Taiko. All of the groups will join Katari Taiko in the premiere a brand new collaborative work, “The Salmon Project” (aka Fishstix) inspired by the return of the wild salmon to the Fraser River with an visual installation created by art workshop participants at the Carnegie Community Centre.

Salmon is the unifying symbol for this project. Salmon drew Japanese people to Canada in the early 1900s and helped form a distinct Japanese Canadian culture. Five taiko groups will each create new 5-8 minute pieces based on aspects of salmon history and culture to develop a collaborative, multidisciplinary performance piece for the 2015 Powell Street Festival. These pieces will be unified through percussion, spoken word, song, masks and movement performed by taiko players and guest artists and will include processions of colourful visual elements created by local Downtown Eastside (DTES) residents, community volunteers and children. This project arose from recent taiko group collaborations and a desire to more fully explore the sense of community and shared history. It also stems from PSFS’ ongoing outreach to DTES community members through free artistic programs. As a non-traditional approach to taiko composition, the project will provide a catalyst for growth within the Vancouver taiko community, and will provide community participants with an opportunity to more fully participate at the Festival.

The final project will be presented at the Powell Street Festival 2015! Stay tuned for more details.

If you are interested in volunteering for upcoming art workshops in 2015, please contact us.

This project is funded by Vancouver Foundation and BC Gaming. Supported by Powell Street Festival Society and Vancouver Taiko Society.
Katari Taiko Photo by Jeanie Ow, 2014