Taiko performance a great experience

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This article was published 22/08/2019 (2506 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

East Kildonan residents Zen and Luca Kennedy had the special experience of performing at the 2019 Japanese pavilion, held at Petrus Hall (2624 Inkster Blvd.).

“We played the taiko for three shows,” said Luca, 12. “We had played the song before at the Japanese Cultural Centre, for our graduation at the language school.”

The music was led by Winnipeg’s own Hinode Taiko, a group famous across Canada as the first multi-ethnic taiko group.

“They were all nice and complimented us. Everyone helped out,” said Zen, 14. “If it is possible I would do it again because the other taiko players were really nice, they helped make it fun.”

The performers parents agreed that it was a great experience.

“Its good to have the kids take part in activities that help them to know their culture better so that they know where they came from,” said Derrick Kennedy. “But then at the same time so that they can see the similarities and differences that their culture has to other cultures. That helps to create a better understanding of how we are all the same.”

Zen said, “I think its good to learn about what other people did before you, so you can feel connected to who you are and where you came from.”

Naoko, their mom said, “The kids are very connected to their Japanese roots and this will help them to create traditions with their children. Zen and Luca were the youngest kids performing and it would be great to see more kids next year.”

Evan Comstock is a community correspondent for East Kildonan.

Evan Comstock

Evan Comstock was a community correspondent for East Kildonan.

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