The concert

TaikoArts Midwest proposes a simple, ground-breaking idea: bring the best North American & Japanese female taiko artists together for a 2-week international cultural exchange and artist residency to collaborate and create a one-of-a-kind performance. Envisioned as a catalyst to fuel movement towards gender equity in taiko, this project celebrates and puts women center stage in a collaborative one-of-a-kind performance at the Ordway Center for Performing Arts in St. Paul, MN.

TaikoArts Midwest’s HERbeat VIP Reception (Limited Ticket Availability)

Join us for an exclusive VIP reception immediately following the historic concert. You will meet a selection of HERbeat artists, experience a personal taiko performance, and catch a sneak peek at never before seen footage of the upcoming HERbeat documentary. You will also have a chance to ensure the HERbeat movement reaches people everywhere around the world.

This will be a separate ticket purchase from the concert. Concert tickets will not grant you access to the VIP reception. Conversely, your VIP ticket will not grant you access to the concert. Your VIP ticket purchase includes access to the VIP reception and a drink ticket. A cash bar and appetizers will be available.

THE RESIDENCY: For two grueling, groundbreaking weeks in February 2020, the top women Taiko players from around the world will travel from their home countries and cities to Saint Paul, joining their worlds together for the first time in history. They will collaborate on new taiko compositions, strengthen connections between global taiko female leadership, and the culmination of this two-week, once-in-a-lifetime experience will be a historic concert at The Ordway Center for the Performing Arts.

THE CONCERT: On February 29, 2020, The Ordway Center for the Performing Arts will host a  revolutionary lineup of women rock star Taiko players from around the globe. Revolutionary because traditional Japanese Taiko drumming has been dominated by men. Revolutionary because women have historically been ignored and even erased from the story of Taiko. Revolutionary because these women players have never come together like this before, never told their stories, never shared their work and talents. Featured performers include Tiffany Tamaribuchi (Sacramento Taiko Dan), Chieko Kojima (KODO), Kaoly Asano (GOCOO), and more. These are some of the best players in the world. You will want to be there to witness this historic event for yourself.