Dounen Daiko Celebrates with KID Museum

Ekoji’s teen taiko performance group, Dounen Daiko, is now in its third year. Coached by Nen Daiko members, this exuberant group of youth ages 12-17 are growing in confidence and jelling as a team.

​On February 9, the group performed at the KID Museum in Bethesda, Maryland at their Ume Matsuri. They debuted the group’s first original song, Anthem, written by Brant Horio and Emily Ihara. It’s a song about finding your voice and contributing to the world. Each performer has a solo where they play in a way that shares a bit of their personality.

After the performance, Dounen Daiko invited audience members to play taiko. This audience was mostly families with small children, which is always an adorable sight as they peek over the taiko.

Photos by Mike Gallan

Nen Daiko is heading into our busy performance season during cherry blossoms. Dounen Daiko will join us for some performances:
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• March 21 - Smithsonian American Art Gallery (National Portrait Gallery) in Washington DC
• March 28 - Freedom Walk, National Japanese American Memorial in Washington DC
• March 28 - Cherry Blossom Jubilee at the Torpedo Factory Art Center in Alexandria VA
• March 28 - Sakura Taiko Takeover at the Tidal Basin in Washington DC
• April 4 - Sakura Matsuri in Washington DC
• April 4 - District Wharf Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington
• April 5 - Sakura Sunday at the National Harbor in Maryland

For details, and to hear about new events as they get added, visit Nen Daiko’s website or follow us on Facebook or Instagram.