Performances
Japanese Folk Dancing (Bon Odori)
It is tradition for Obon to feature bon odori, or Japanese folk dancing. These dances are simple in steps, but tell descriptive stories in their movements, for example, of fishermen hauling in a catch, or of coal miners digging and pushing their carts.
These dances move in a circle around a central tower structure called a yagura, and are open to all to participate! No experience necessary... just jump in and watch one of the experienced dancers. You can easily spot these dancers in their beautiful summer yukatas. They are delighted when people join in.
On the yagura, a drummer will play taiko to provide a steady beat while the dance music carries you away in the experience!
These dances move in a circle around a central tower structure called a yagura, and are open to all to participate! No experience necessary... just jump in and watch one of the experienced dancers. You can easily spot these dancers in their beautiful summer yukatas. They are delighted when people join in.
On the yagura, a drummer will play taiko to provide a steady beat while the dance music carries you away in the experience!
Music Performances
FOUR groups perform live at Ekoji's Obon Festival!
The Aloha Boys will have you relaxing and smiling with their acoustic down-home, backyard-style Hawaiian music. You can't help but smile at these guys who've been playing together for more than 20 years.
We also extend a warm welcome to Miyako Taiko, new to Ekoji's Obon Festival stage this year. Founded in 2014, Miyako Taiko part of the Mark H Taiko School.
Finally, Nen Daiko, Ekoji's own taiko ensemble, will play both happy festival music and more dramatic songs. No Youtube video can give you the full experience of a live taiko performance. Feel the lively and intense rhythms in your chest. Joining Nen Daiko, will be Dounen Daiko, Ekoji's youth taiko ensemble will also have their own performance sets!
The Aloha Boys will have you relaxing and smiling with their acoustic down-home, backyard-style Hawaiian music. You can't help but smile at these guys who've been playing together for more than 20 years.
We also extend a warm welcome to Miyako Taiko, new to Ekoji's Obon Festival stage this year. Founded in 2014, Miyako Taiko part of the Mark H Taiko School.
Finally, Nen Daiko, Ekoji's own taiko ensemble, will play both happy festival music and more dramatic songs. No Youtube video can give you the full experience of a live taiko performance. Feel the lively and intense rhythms in your chest. Joining Nen Daiko, will be Dounen Daiko, Ekoji's youth taiko ensemble will also have their own performance sets!
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