Uzume Taiko

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Uzume Taiko celebrates the rhythm of life itself with shows that wow audiences through a uniquely theatrical blend of music and dance. They have handcrafted a unique brand of West Coast Canadian taiko drumming that offers a visual, sonic, and dynamic experience to their audience.

Uzume Taiko has performed in all corners of Canada, from the Western and Mid-Arctic to both coasts and many points in between. The group has toured their evening concerts, festivals, and youth shows across North America, the United Kingdom, and Europe. With the choreographed physicality of martial arts, the heart-stopping pulse of the Odaiko, and the rhythmic sensitivity of a jazz ensemble, the drummers of Uzume Taiko put on an exhilarating performance.

Bonnie Soon

Taiko Drums, Percussion

Bonnie Soon has served as artistic director of Uzume Taiko since 1999. She incorporates

choreography and theatrical elements with the festival drumming style of Japan to create new work for taiko drums often in collaborations with musicians and artists from diverse cultures and art forms. She builds taiko drum gear and leads taiko workshops and artist residencies in schools and communities. Bonnie began her performing career as a dancer touring with Paula Ross and Kokoro Dance companies and Snake in the Grass Moving Theatre. She has professional credits in stage management and has worked in media production.

Jason Overy

Taiko Drums, Percussion

Jason Overy divides his time between performing, teaching and composing in the world of percussion. He has served as Musical Director of Uzume Taiko since 2004 providing direction on Uzume’s collaboration projects and national and international tours. Jason holds a BMus from UVic and was the percussion section leader of the Band of the Fifteenth Field RCA for over 20 years. He has developed curriculum in percussion, hand drumming and Taiko drumming and teaches music in a variety of settings. Jason holds a Yondan in Shotokan Karate-do and a Sandan in Kokodo Jujutsu.

Jordy Riley

Taiko Drums, Percussion

Jordy joined Uzume Taiko in 2017 performing in evening concerts, festivals, community and corporate events. Jordy began taiko at the age of seven with Chibi Taiko, where he is now the Assistant Artistic Director. Jordy has toured professionally across Canada with Co.Erasga in the production, "OrienTik/Portrait," a fusion of Asian aesthetics through contemporary dance, taiko and classical music. He is a co-founder of Drum Boyz, Vancouver’s newest taiko ensemble who made their public debut by winning the 2016 Nikkei Matsuri Talent Show with an original, comedic composition. Jordy is the Vice-President of the Vancouver Taiko Society and the Development Manager at Jim Pattison Developments.

Boyd Seiichi Grealy

Taiko Drums, Percussion

Boyd Grealy is an Educator, Taiko drummer and multi-instrumentalist. He holds a BMus,

specializing in percussion and composition, from the University of Victoria. Boyd has been a member of Uzume Taiko for over twenty years, having served as co-artistic director, arranger, composer and performer. Musical highlights include: Principal percussionist with the Okanagan Symphony, Taiko drummer and composer with Mearingstone Pipe Band (commissioned by the Vancouver 2010 Cultural Olympiad) and percussionist and drummer for DSR productions. Boyd is currently in his nineteenth year as the music director from grades four to ten at Stratford Hall International Baccalaureate School.

https://www.uzume.com/