Name: ROU - enTaiko & Deaf and Hard of Hearing Taiko Ensemble from Japan
Start: 2026-03-14T16:00:00-07:00
End: 2026-03-14T17:00:00-07:00
Location: Lincoln Performance Hall

ROU -  enTaiko & Deaf and Hard of Hearing Taiko Ensemble from Japan

"Mesh Mélange"enTaiko’s Inclusive Dance Project"Mesh Mélange" is a groundbreaking initiative that unites dancers and musicians with disabilities to create performances that challenge traditional art forms. Through the dynamic rhythms of taiko drumming and percussion, this project bridges communities, showcasing the transformative power of creativity, inclusion, and connection. The title Mesh Mélangecaptures the essence of this event: a vibrant fusion of individuality and unity, where diverse talents come together to weave a stunning tapestry of sound and movement.About enTaikoFounded in 2007, a youth-based taiko ensemble in Portland, OR. The group is from Kinder to Middle school dedicated to preserving and sharing Japan’s centuries-old musical traditions while introducing taiko drumming to new audiences. This year, enTaiko Ensemble, led by Makoto Barmon, Kazuyo Ito and Jimi Nakagawa, along with skilled adult drummers, offers captivating performances that immerse audiences in Japanese culture.Guest ArtistsDenise Busch: DanceAbility at STEPS PDXLed by the inspiring Denise Busch, DanceAbility creates an inclusive space where individuals with and without disabilities—and with varying levels of dance experience—can explore the joy of movement. This process affirms that everyone can dance, redefining perceptions of ability and artistry.Scott Selby: Deaf Tap DancerScott is a Deaf tap dancer who defies expectations with his passion and creativity  He discovered tap dancing in college  He performed at Garden Home Rec Center and Echo Theater Company. His determination inspires others, showcasing that everybody can dance.Walle Brown:  Walle is a world-class breaking artist known for his dynamic energy, precision, and innovative style. With numerous titles in regional and international breaking championships, he has captivated audiences on stages and battle floors around the globe. A passionate performer and educator, Walle collaborates with artists across disciplines, bringing breaking into new creative contexts.A Celebration of CollaborationExperience the magic as dancers and drummers of all ages and abilities share the stage, creating a breathtaking symphony of sound and movement. Celebrate the beauty of diversity as inclusivity and artistry unite to challenge conventions, inspire connection, and redefine performance. Mesh Mélange is more than a performance—it’s a movement that showcases the limitless potential of collaboration and the transformative power of inclusive art.Concert Information:Saturday, March 15, 2025 | 5:00 PMPCC Sylvania Performing Arts CenterTickets: www.enTaiko.orgKazuyo ItoArtistic Director, enTaiko[rankazuyo@gmail.com]

enTaiko

Experience Deaf taiko artists from Japan with enTaiko and youth drummers in a powerful cross-cultural performance

Lincoln Performance Hall

<h3>LOCAITON CHANGE</h3>At PSU Lincoln Performance Hall <h3>ROU</h3><h3>enTaiko Concert 2026</h3> Featuring: Kobiki (Osaka) &amp; Yumenko (Tokyo), Japan Special Guests: Gathered–DanceAbility (Portland), Matsuriza (Orlando, FL), and Walle Brown Breaking (Seattle)enTaiko presents ROU, a powerful performance celebrating Deaf artistry, cross-cultural collaboration, and the future of inclusive taiko.This year’s program features two renowned Deaf taiko artists making their first Portland appearance: Kobiki from Osakaand Yumenko from Tokyo, Japan. Their work reveals how Deaf drummers experience rhythm through vibration, movement, and visual musicality, offering audiences a rare opportunity to experience taiko beyond sound.ROU—a Japanese word referring to Deaf and Hard of Hearing communities—brings Deaf and hearing performers together on one stage. The result is a vibrant and deeply expressive evening that expands how we understand rhythm, communication, and connection.We are also honored to welcome Gathered–DanceAbility, an inclusive dance company whose collaboration with enTaiko blends movement and rhythm to create new possibilities for performance and accessibility.Join us for an unforgettable evening celebrating culture, accessibility, and the power of inclusive performance.100% of proceeds support enTaiko, helping us sustain community partnerships, provide scholarships, and expand access to the arts.

YUMENKO is a Tokyo-based taiko performance ensemble founded by Deaf taiko artist TETSUYA, dedicated to exploring a distinctive, visually driven approach to taiko drumming. Centered on Deaf and hard of hearing performers, YUMENKO creates original works that emphasize physical sensation, rhythm, and movement, inviting audiences to experience taiko beyond sound alone. With members in Japan and YUKI based in Germany, the ensemble performs both in Japan and internationally, expanding how rhythm and vibration are shared and understood.

KOBIKI is a Deaf and Hard of Hearing taiko ensemble based in Osaka, Japan. Founded in 1992, the group grew out of a commemorative performance for the Toyonaka City Association for People with Physical Disabilities and adopted the name KOBIKI in 1995. Through intensive training and embodied rhythm, KOBIKI shares the power of traditional Japanese taiko, expressing resilience, dedication, and the joy of collective performance.

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ROU - enTaiko & Deaf and Hard of Hearing Taiko Ensemble from Japan

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ROU - enTaiko & Deaf and Hard of Hearing Taiko Ensemble from Japan

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