History of

Taiko Center of Los Angeles

The Taiko Center of Los Angeles (aka: TCLA) was founded by Reverend Shuichi Thomas Kurai in January of 1997.

TCLA started with just a handful of participants and now has over 100 active participants. Two performing ensembles were established:  "Satori Daiko" (Drums of Enlightenment) In 2000 and "Shinzen Daiko" (Compassionate Heart) in 2004.  These two ensembles perform thoughout Southern California, the U.S. and in Japan. as well.

Currently Taiko Center of Los Angeles offers taiko classes taught by Rev. Kurai and his staff.  Lessons are conducted throughout the year. Fundamentals of taiko drumming, such as stance (kata) and developing energy (ki) to learning fundamental taiko skills are learned in the beginning classes. Higher level taiko skills are learned in the intermediate classes.

In June of 2003, Satori Daiko released a cd, entitled, "Kyokusen", Flowing Path.

The recording is an ecclectic mix of taiko music with Japanese traditional instruments such as the koto Japanese zither, shamisen (Japanese lute) and yokobue (Japanese flute) with touches of world music - Brazilian Samba, Indonesian Gamelan and even jazz tap dance. 

TCLA collaborates regularly with koto artist Yukiko Matsuyama (www.kotoyuki.com) and Tsugaru shamisen artist, Mike Penny of Monsters of Shamisen and Fishtank Ensemble.

Collaborations in the past have been with Lillian Nakano and the Sanmi Shamisen Ensemble, saxophonist, Japanese classical percussion group - Katada Kai, Japanese Traditional Performing Arts Organization, Francis Wong, pianist Glen Horiuchi, dancers Fred Strikler, Denise Donovan and Miki Amen, Vivir Brazil, ELA Taiko, Quetzal, UCR Gamelan Ensemble, UCR Wind Ensemble, Gluck Tap Dance Ensemble, Riverside Community College Dance Dept, Rei Aoo Dance Planet and East Wind Chinese Lion Dancers

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Concert Performance History

Oct. 13, 2000
University Theater
University of California, Riverside, CA
For images, go to UCR-1 Concert..

Mar. 2, 2001
Garrison Theatre
Pomona College, Claremont, CA
For images, go to Pomona College Concert.

Mar. 23, 2002
Performing Arts Center
California State University, Northridge, CA
For images, go to CSUN Concert.

May. 18, 2002
Sherman Indian High School
University of California, Riverside, CA

Oct. 19, 2002
Schurr High School, Montebello, CA
Schurr High School Music Boosters Benefit

Nov. 16, 2003
North Kingman High School, Kingman, AZ
White Wind Tiger Foundation & Kingman Lion's Club

June 7, 2003
University Theatre
University of California, Riverside, CA

June 28, 2003
Aratani /Japan America Theatre, Los Angeles, CA
Japanese American Cultural and Community Center

July 26, 2003
John Anson Ford Amphitheatre, Hollywood, CA

August, 17, 2003

Japan-U.S. Joint Concert

Tsubetsu City, Hokkaido, Japan

April 17, 2004

University Theatre

University of California, Riverside, CA

August 18, 2004

John Anson Ford Amphitheatre, Hollywood, CA

with Rei Aoo's Dance Planet

March 12, 2005

Schurr High School, Montebello, CA

Schurr High School Music Boosters Benefit

April 16, 2005

University Theatre

University of California, Riverside, CA

July 27, 2005

City of Buena Park Summer Concert Series

Boisseranc Park, Buena Park, CA

June 3, 2006

Schurr High School, Montebello CA
Japan Tour 2006 Fund-Raising Concert

June 28, 2006

City of Buena Park Summer Concert Series

Boiseranc Park, Buena Park

July 22, 2006

Naniwa Festival, Osaka, Japan

July 29, 2006

Corcert at Shima Cultural Center Theatre

Mie Prefecture, Japan

August 16, 2007

Banning Arts Council Summer Concert Series

Banning, CA

October 13, 2007

Satori Daiko Concert

Kingman High School, Kingman, AZ

February 16, 2008

Hidano Super Taiko Concert

featuring Taiko Center of Los Angeles

Aratani/Japan America Theatre

Little Tokyo, Los Angeles

March 1, 2008

TCLA Concert

Mt. San Jacinto College

Hemet, CA