TAIKO WITH TONI AND LANCE
“Taiko with Toni and Lance” was formed in 1995 when Toni returned to Denver from California, after 8 years of playing with San Jose Taiko. Currently, Toni Yagami, Lance Acker and members from our current rehearsal groups, combine the joyous sounds of Japanese taiko (drums), hand percussion, bamboo flutes, and a “swinging” clarinet, as we play traditional and contemporary tunes. Japanese culture and history are intermingled with various other cultures throughout our musical presentation. We hope you will find something that you can relate to, and that it brings a smile to your face, your heart, and your soul!
YASU ISHIDA
Inspired by the movie “Patch Adams”, Yasu came to the United States to become a professional hospital clown. Earning a Master of Fine Arts in Theatre for Young Audiences, he also graduated from the Chavez Studio of Magic, one of the world’s most prestigious magic schools. He beautifully imbues the essence of traditional Japanese culture into his magic and storytelling. Yasu has enthralled family audiences all over the United States, including performances at the Disney SummerStage Kids in New York, the National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, D.C. (the world’s largest festival of Japanese culture outside of Japan), the Florida Storytelling Festival, the Hawaii Book & Music Festival, the Tryon Super Tuesday Children Festival (NC), KIDabra International and Touhill Performing Art Center (MO). For more information, visit yasutheatre.com.
Co-Sponsored by the Des & Carrie Bennion Family/The Bon Agency Insurance
Partial funding is from Natrona County School District No. 1, the Wyoming Community Foundation – Casper Area, and the Wyoming Arts Council through the National Endowment for the Arts and the Wyoming State Legislature.
