History:

The Taiko Center of Los Angeles (aka: TCLA) was founded by Reverend Shuichi Thomas Kurai in 1996.

TCLA started with just a handful of participants and now has over 100 active participants. Two performing ensembles were established:  "Satori Daiko" (Drums of Enlightenment) In 1999 and "Shinzen Daiko" (Compassionate Heart) in 2004.  These two ensembles perform throughout Southern California, the U.S. and in Japan as well.

Currently Taiko Center of Los Angeles offers taiko classes taught by Rev. Kurai and his staff.  Lessons are conducted throughout the year. Fundamentals of taiko drumming, such as stance (kata) and developing energy (ki) to learning fundamental taiko skills are learned in the beginning classes. Higher level taiko skills are learned in the intermediate classes.

In June of 2003, Satori Daiko released a cd, entitled, "Kyokusen", Flowing Path.

The recording is an ecclectic mix of taiko music with Japanese traditional instruments such as the koto Japanese zither, shamisen (Japanese lute) and yokobue (Japanese flute) with touches of world music - Brazilian Samba, Indonesian Gamelan and even jazz tap dance. 

TCLA collaborates regularly with koto artist Yukiko Matsuyama (www.kotoyuki.com) and Tsugaru shamisen artist, Mike Penny of Monsters of Shamisen and Fishtank Ensemble, former Kodo members, taiko soloist Shuichi Hidano and Hiroyuki Hayashida and his taikog ensemble from Japan, Zipang.

Collaborations in the past have been with Lillian Nakano and the Sanmi Shamisen Ensemble, saxophonist, Japanese classical percussion group - Katada Kai, Japanese Traditional Performing Arts Organization, jass saxophonist Francis Wong, pianist Glen Horiuchi, tap dance artists Fred Strikler, Denise Donovan and Miki Amen, Vivir Brazil, ELA Taiko, Quetzal, UCR Gamelan Ensemble, UCR Wind Ensemble, Gluck Tap Dance Ensemble, Riverside Community College Dance Dept, Rei Aoo Dance Planet and East Wind Chinese Lion Dancers, Riverside City College Tap Ensemble, Village Arts Dance Studio, Monsters of Shamisen, Japanese folk Minyo singer Matsutoyo Sato, Japanese contemporary music band Kotoyuki, Japanese folk Minyo singer Marisa Kosugi, Japanese folk music fusion band Minyo Station and percussionist Ray McNamara.