Hanayui

I won't get busted for stealing this picture, will I? Props go to rhythmix.org

We're gearing up for a special visit by world-renowned Hanayui. They are a trio of dancers and vocalists hailing from the famous island of Sado, home to the infamous taiko group, Kodo. Two members of Hanayui are also founding members of Kodo, and they are touring with master fue player Kaoru Watanabe, a former Kodo member himself. They'll be holding a workshop at Rhythmix Cultural Works on March 11, but if you haven't signed up by now, I'm sorry to say it's sold out (I signed up already!). They will also be holding a performance on March 13th, and if you don't get your tickets in like 2 seconds from now, they will be sold out too. Information about Hanayui's visit can be found here.

One of the reasons the workshop sold out is because we have a limited amount of drums. The other night Janet and I spent some time putting some love into our practice drums, which have held up surprisingly well given the fact that my taiko class has been pounding them for the past 8 months. We pulled miles of rope and I'm sure we both walked away with bulging water-blisters (Well I did, anyway). A couple of them needed extra TLC, so I brought them home for a nice stretch and extra packing-tape repairs. That's right people, I said packing tape! These drums are made out of water barrels, metal rings and packing tape, all strung together with rope. And yo, they sound good! A big improvement on old tires. Not that there's anything wrong with tires. I played drums covered in nasty old carpet scraps, so it really is an honor to have the space to make noise and drums to make noise with. Here's a pic:

I can't wait. Get your tickets if you haven't already!