Contemporary Japanese taiko drumming (wadaiko) emerged in the 1950s as a way to resurrect and revitalize regional folk drumming traditions. As it evolved, many different regional drumming styles were incorporated, including festival traditions from the Shitamachi area of Tokyo.

In this presentation, Benjamin will examine the international spread of the Sukeroku style of wadaiko performance, which emerged from this Shitamachi area. Beyond tracing its evolution from festival drumming to stage performance, he will discuss how the style came to be played by performers around the world. Further, Benjamin will examine the manner in which this spread has been accompanied by a complex discourse on “tradition” in relation to the art form as it has come to be performed in a variety of settings, from community festivals to daily performances at Walt Disney World.

All are welcome to join and bring a lunch or snack!