Ho Etsu Newsletter – December 2017

Ho Etsu Taiko + On Ensemble – New Music Video

Earlier this year, Ho Etsu celebrated our 20th anniversary with an intimate show at The Hideout, a legendary Chicago music venue. Our long-time music mentors Shoji Kameda and Mas Baba of On Ensemble joined us onstage, along with guest artist Ken Yasui.

The incredible support of our crowd and our collaborators made for a ton of memorable moments. Luckily, we caught one of them on camera. Click here (or the image above) to watch our live performance of Lion Chant, composed by Shoji Kameda. Many thanks to our video team, led by Joseph Lim, and our favorite sound engineer Ben Standage for making everything look and sound so good.

Ho Etsu’s 2017 giving campaign rages on! Thanks to all who have contributed so far. We’ve been touched and humbled by your support.

Our fundraiser runs to the end of the year, and all donations are tax-deductible. Visit our online donation page to see what your gift goes toward – new drums, bachi and instrument stands are all in the works – and spread the joy of taiko this holiday season.

Psst! We also accept donations via snail mail if PayPal isn’t your thing. Just send a check payable to Ho Etsu Taiko c/o the Midwest Buddhist Temple, 435 W Menomonee, Chicago, IL 60614.

Beginner’s Taiko Class – Save the Date

Starting in January 2018, Ho Etsu will launch a beginner’s taiko class. In this four-week course, we’ll build on the fundamentals of upright-style taiko drumming and teach attendees a song. The class culminates in a final performance. No previous taiko experience is necessary. Just bring your energy and a willingness to learn.

CLICK HERE to find out more and even register for this class!

Beginner’s Taiko Class: Thursday, January 25, to Thursday, February 15, 7 to 9 p.m., Midwest Buddhist Temple, 435 W Menomonee, Chicago, IL. Sign-up form to follow. Contact tiana@hoetsu.com with questions.