Since I’m all about promoting music and the arts, but am also near broke, today was a fabulous opportunity to catch a free performance and get a cultural experience all in one.
The Portland Center for Performing Arts (PCPA) put on the first of a series of monthly “Noontime Showcases”, which basically is a brown bag lunch chance to see some of the cool things coming to PCPA. Because it was such a gorgeous day, they blocked off the street between the Antoinette Hatfield Hall and The Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall.
For the day’s treat, we saw a preview by just a few of the members of the Portland Taiko (CD
Taiko is a traditional Japanese drum style that is much an art form as a musical one. Featuring as many as 20 drummers working in choreographed syncopation, the Portland Taiko group is just one of several taiko troupes I’ve had the chance to see over the years. As a Japanese American, I feel a deep link to the art form, but also think that it’s a unique cultural experience for people of any ethnicity to see, especially if you’re interested in music, dance or art.
In the case of their latest show, which celebrates the richness of Japanese American heritage, this might be even so.
Upcoming Noontime Showcases
The PCPA offers their free noon programs monthly through June. Upcoming shows are:
* Tears of Joy – Puppet group performing excerpts from their hit Stellaluna, Monday, October 14
* Sally Harmon – contemporary classics on the piano, Monday, November 17
* A Tuna Christmas – a look behind the scenes of the play, Monday, December 15.
As the weather isn’t likely to stay good for the rest of the year, the upcoming “Noontime Showcases” will likely be inside at the Antoinette Hatfield Hall, there on Broadway. As you can see from the photos, there was something for all ages to see (and hear), and a great opportunity for a lunchtime field trip or a breather if you play work downtown.
September 18th, 2008 at 3:14 pm
[...] reported last week, the Portland Taiko (CD|DVD) drum group will be performing their new show “In the Footsteps [...]