New Mexico Taiko - Japanese Drumming Group

Performance Information

New Mexico Taiko does performance in all types of venues. Some examples of events are festivals, International day, banquets, school functions, anniversary celebrations, community celebrations, martial arts events, retail store events, and weddings. We do also travel out of Albuquerque, even out of state, to do performances. New Mexico Taiko even does parades! (We play as we move through the crowd. This is only a couple of people on the large drum on a special cart and lots of percussion.)

New Mexico Taiko Group
Photo: Tye Hardison
New Mexico Taiko Group
Photo: Tye Hardison

We can arrange for you to attend one of our practice sessions to get a feel for our performances and the art of Taiko. Please come and discuss your event with us.

Our Japanese style performance is powerful drum music with choreographed movement. This is very different from traditional Western drumming, Native American Drumming and even traditional African drumming. We do not sit or stay stationary. Our group even has a Taiko drama which is drumming with Martial Arts performed to tell a story. We also at times work with other groups such as the Miyagi Ryu Okinawan Dance group (Traditional Okinawa dance).

New Mexico Taiko also does “Lecture Demonstrations.” This is not really a performance but an educational program about taiko. Taiko history and how taiko is taught is explained along with a demonstration of what the various drum beat are. There is a lot of audience participation of various types and it is a fun interactive program. This program is available for audiences of all ages but is an excellent choice for school age children. Please contact us for more information and how this program can be catered to you events needs.

Fees

Our Fee is $200 per hour plus travel expenses* (minimum 1 hour). Performance length can be adjusted (20, 25, 30, 40 minutes, etc) but the fee is still the same. Taiko Drums are large and it is quite the effort for us to haul and set up. Depending on what length of performance you request will determine the number of drums (and people) we bring and our space requirements. We can work out discounts for non-profits. (We are a 501c3 charitable organization as part of the Japanese American Citizens League [JACL], New Mexico Chapter)

New Mexico Taiko Performance
New Mexico Taiko Performance

As part of the Japanese American Citizens League, New Mexico Taiko does a limited amount of cultural events for honorarium. This is mostly during Asian Pacific Islander month, which is in May.

*Travel expenses are mainly for out of town performances. Obviously they depend on the distance from Albuquerque. They include but are not limited to gasoline expenses, meals, lodging, local transportation, and some airfare for out of state performances.

Size Requirements

For a small performance we need a minimum space of 20 ft long by 16 ft deep (all the same level). For large performances we need 32 ft by about 28 ft. We are somewhat adaptable and have worked with split level stages or odd shapes and spaces. Please contact us to see how we can work things out.

We also have the ability to parade through a venue. With our special cart we have four drummers on large drums moving through the crowd. During the procession the rest of our group plays small drums and lots of percussion.

Dates

Week day performances are difficult, but sometimes possible. During the week evening performances are better with weekends being the best. (All of our members are volunteers and have regular day jobs.)

Weekends fill up fast so please as earlier as possible with your event needs.

Please feel free to contact Calvin Kobayashi, (505-343-1180) or Mail@NewMexicoTaiko.com to discuss your event further.