The Honor of a Lifetime: Being Invited to Perform at Earth Celebration with Kodo!
For anyone who has ever picked up a bachi, Sado Island holds a legendary, almost mythical status. It’s the epicenter of taiko philosophy, fundamentals, and spirit, the rugged, beautiful home of Kodo. For La Jolla Taiko, making the pilgrimage to Earth Celebration always felt like a distant, beautiful dream. We’ve spent years in Southern California blending our diverse backgrounds into a shared rhythm, constantly practicing, learning, and just enjoying life through taiko.
While our founding instructors visit Sado often, the rest of us were waiting for that right moment. The right calling.
Well, this year, the heartbeat of the drum called back.
We are incredibly humbled and thrilled to announce that La Jolla Taiko (the performing group of Ōnami Taiko Center) has been invited to perform in the Big Little Taiko Fest at Earth Celebration 2026! We will be taking the stage at Ayusu Hall alongside Kodo and a handful of international groups for the [Special Fringe] Big Little Taiko Fest on Saturday, August 22, 2026.
Riding the Waves to the Global Stage
The moment this opportunity shifted from a "what if" to reality, our rehearsals took on a new fire. Taiko is a lifelong journey of learning, and while we approach the stage with deep respect for Japanese culture and tradition, we also bring the unique, vibrant energy of our diverse Southern California (SoCal) community. Not every member of our performing group can make the flight, but they will absolutely be there in every strike and every kiai. Plus, a contingent from our broader Ōnami Taiko Center is making the trip to cheer us on and soak in the festival magic.
We aren't just going to watch; we’re going to connect. We have the absolute honor of sharing the Big Little Taiko Fest stage with some phenomenal, like-minded groups from across the globe:
Makoto Taiko (Los Angeles, CA): Our SoCal neighbors, who share our passion for using the drum to connect people of all backgrounds.
Narukami Taiko(New Zealand): Making their very first overseas appearance with their trademark infectious energy and joy!
Wadaiko UNiSON (Japan): Kyoto-based masters of transcending musical genres to forge new encounters.
Sen Wadaiko Group (Japan): A powerful ensemble of young performers uniting from across the Kanto and Kansai regions.
…and, of course, the legendary KODO!
What We're Playing
Our setlist captures both the spirit of the global community and our own unique SoCal sound. For the big festival finale, we will be joining forces with Kodo and the other four international groups for an epic, all-in collaboration on two Kodo One Earth Music pieces: Shunpuu and Haruka.
When we take the stage for our own spotlight performance, we will be playing Kodo’s powerful piece Tsunagu, followed by Naminomai (“Dancing Waves”). Composed by our very own Chad Przymus, Naminomai is a piece incredibly close to our hearts. A perfect reflection of our ocean-side roots and the rhythmic waves carrying us across the Pacific.
We’re practicing like crazy and we are so grateful for this chance to learn, laugh, and represent our community on the global stage.
See you on Sado Island!
