See Japanese taiko drumming this weekend

The Wareham Free Library will continue its Spring Concert Series with a special performance by Odaiko New England on Saturday, June 20, at 1 p.m. at 59 Marion Road, Wareham.

Odaiko New England is the oldest operating taiko, a Japanese drumming organization, in the Boston area, according to the group's website. The taiko drumming organization has performed for more than 30 years and offers performances, classes and workshops aimed at increasing appreciation and understanding of Asian American cultures. The group describes taiko as an art form that brings people together “in harmony and community.”

According to Wareham Library Director Patrick Marshall, the group aims to make taiko familiar to American audiences through its performances, classes and workshops. 

In an email to Wareham Week, Marshall wrote that the group believes taiko has the power to bring people together in harmony and community. Following the spirit of "kumidaiko," Odaiko New England drums as "ONE voice."

Marshall wrote that Taiko drums have a rich history, including uses in Shinto and Buddhist rituals, cultural matsuri festivals, and soundscapes in Japanese kabuki or noh theater. 

The kumidaiko drumming Wareham residents will see on Saturday brings many different types of drums to the stage, Marshall wrote. The style originates from Daihachi Oguchi, a Japanese drummer who was studying American jazz music in the 1950s. 

Since then, there has been an "explosion" of kumidaiko groups around the world and the art form of taiko is continuously evolving, Marshall wrote. 

The outdoor concert is sponsored by the Massachusetts Cultural Council. Attendees are encouraged to bring a lawn chair or blanket, sunscreen and a picnic snack. 

Admission to the show is a donation to Damien’s Food Pantry. Organizers noted parking may be limited, with additional parking available at the Town Hall and Multi-Service Building complex across from the library.

In the event of rain, the concert will be held at the Multi-Service Center.