Experience the power and rhythm of live Taiko drumming with Ichimi Daiko from 5:10–6:30 p.m. in the UU Amphitheater following the International Engagement Symposium. This special performance is co-sponsored by the International Center, the Cal Poly Music Department, the Japanese Student Association and the APIDA Faculty/Staff Association.

Taiko is rich in history. The taiko was used in agricultural and fishing communities to pray for a successful crop harvest and catches. Later, it served to rally troops during battles. It has also been said that a village’s borders were defined by how far the taiko could be heard. The taiko later became an integral part of shinto and buddhist services. The form of traditional court music, (gagaku), also included taiko as well as fue (bamboo flute) and other court instruments. Today, the sound of taiko may be heard throughout the world bringing different ethnic rhythms into their pieces that may include jazz, latin and African influences.