Drumming up support for York charities

Picture: From left, Mary Murata of Kaminari UK shows the basics of Taiko drumming to Brian Joscelyne, President of the Rotary Club of York, and Rotary’s Fundraising Chair Diana Naish. Pic by David Harrison

It’s loud, it’s proud and it’s a new force for charities in York.

Japanese Taiko drumming has been enlisted by the Rotary Club of York as the latest tool in its fundraising arsenal.

The Rotarians are presenting a concert by Kaminari UK, a York-based Taiko group, showcasing their dynamic blend of music and movement to raise cash for good local causes.

The fast-paced, athletic performance at St Peter’s School in the New Year will benefit York Against Cancer as well as other charities that the Rotary Club supports, such as Refugee Action York and Door 84 Youth Club.

Taiko was introduced to York by Mary Murata, a local woman who spent 14 years in Japan and ran a Japan society in York on her return.

The drumming is powerful and hypnotic (Kaminari means thunder in Japanese) and it’s choreographed, with the performers swapping instruments and leaping around the stage without missing a beat.

The idea of harnessing the group’s talents came to Rotary Club of York President Brian Joscelyne after his wife Trish spotted them at a busking festival in York and she told him how great they were.

“We do lots of charity events, from the Dragon Boat Challenge to themed dinners and garden parties, but this is a great opportunity to do something very different and we will hopefully reach a different audience,” said Brian.

“The group is really excellent and we are sure that the audience will have a great night while helping worthy charities.”

Mary Murata said she was looking forward to the fundraising concert. “We’re delighted to get involved in raising money for such a range of good local causes.”

The performance, ‘Journey’, will take a musical tour around Japan and beyond, bringing in Western influences to complement the original Oriental themes of Taiko. Joining Kaminari UK for the concert will be Michael Graham on the koto, a Japanese harp.

Julie Russell, our general manager, said: “We are thrilled to be benefiting from this fantastic concert by such an exciting group of musicians. Thanks to them and to the Rotary Club of York for a brilliant fundraising idea.”

Kaminari UK perform at Shepherd Hall, St Peter’s School, Clifton, from 7pm on Saturday February 10. Tickets priced £12.50 include an interval glass of wine or soft drink, and are available from members of the Rotary Club of York, www.yorkrotary.co.uk. For more information about Kaminari UK, visit www.kaminari-uk.com

And for an insight into Kaminari Uk's talents, visit: https://youtu.be/og6pCWsIlv4