Main Stage Performers
Kogen Taiko
Front from Left: Charissa Uemura, Pam Dagoberg, Cheral Tsuchiya, Connie Tsuchiya
Back from Left: Todd Tsuchiya, Tim Dagoberg, Joyce Yamamoto, Jason Yamamoto, Kimi Aisawa - Romportl, Brian Tsuchiya
Kogen Taiko began in 1984 when six members of the Twin Cities Buddhist Association formed Twin Cities
Bukkyo Kai Taiko. Supported by Chicago's Midwest Buddhist Temple Taiko group and groups in Los Angeles
and New York, we emphasized openness, sharing and participation when making music, costumes and
instruments.
This spirit of harmony reflects Jodo Shinshu Buddhism's emphasis on living deeply rather than striving for perfection and remains as the cornerstone of our practices and performances. We blend traditional Japanese drumming with American multi-ethnic rhythms into music that is truly Japanese American.
In 1990, after numerous relocations and the addition of several members, Twin Cities Bukkyo Kai Taiko
regrouped.
We chose the name 'Kogen' from a Buddhist Sutra meaning, "Light emanating from Buddha's Face."
http://www.tc.umn.edu/~dagob001/kogen.html
The Heritagefest "Narren"
The Heritagefest "Narren" from New Ulm, Minnesota, provide fun and good humor for people of all ages. With their hand carved wood masks and colorful costumes they greet people, shunkel and dance with anyone willing to join them. Some members of the Narren include: Hatti, the Hexon; Tillie, the feather lady; Fritz, the sausage maker; Pinella, the flower lady; Otto, the bachelor; Rosa, the baker; Sepp, the unmusical musician; Anna, the owner of a local establishment and many others. In the German language, the word "Narren" means "a group of fools" which you will be able to see in action when they come to visit CulturFest.
For more information, visit thier website at
www.heritagefest.org
Danielle Daniel and Co.
African, African-American storytelling
Hear spellbinding folktales, stories, jokes, riddles, folk songs, and blues handed down through generations, "stories containing the wit and wisdom of the ages for all ages." Danielle's stories combined with Alphonse Bolden's unique blend of music will captivate and transport you on an exciting journey filled with adventure, suspense, and drama. Danielle believes the power of storytelling can heal and unite communities. She uses her performances as a bridge between cultures, reminding audience members of the importance of sharing their own stories. Never stilted or dull, Danielle's workshops and performances are entertaining, educational, and inspiring. Experience the magic!
Bob, Julie and the Lincoln Middle School
Bob and Julie bring American roots music and dance to all ages at school and community events across
the USA and overseas (Poland, France, England and The Netherlands). Their lively programs feature
percussive step dancing, vocal harmonies, guitar, banjo, button accordion and bass. Everyone is welcome
to join in and have fun!
Bob and Julie have spent this week providing a residency program to the students at Lincoln School. All of
the students learned the dances of the early American immigrants during their music and physical education
classes. Each of the 3 fifth grade class had the chance to learn an additional dance tradition from either
Indonesia, England or New Zealand.
Saman! The Dance of a Thousand Hands
Hands weave hypnotic patterns in space as a row of kneeling dancers sing. From the province of Aceh on
the island of Sumatra (near the epicenter of last December's earthquake and tsunami), the Saman dance is
a proud expression of Acehnese culture.
Sword Dance from Yorkshire
From the mill and mining villages of England come breathtaking dances with interlocked swords. With energy
and grace the dancers tangle and untangle their swords - watch out for the astonishing ending!
Tititorea
A feast for the eyes, Tititorea is a Pacific Island dance tradition from the Maori people of New Zealand.
With their own voices for accompaniment the dancers perform dexterous manoeuvres tapping, clashing, flipping
and catching short sticks all in time to a graceful song.
Dances of the Early American Immigrants
Minnesota's early immigrant settlers brought music and dance traditions from their native lands. Though their
languages differed, the German, Scandinavian and Eastern European immigrants shared a vocabulary of dances:
the Polka, Waltz, Schottishe and related dances. Lincoln students have learned these dances during the
residency and will invite you to join them today!
QuetzalCoatlicue - Danza Mexica
Azteca is a collective of Mexican American and Mexican Natives brought together by the desire to learn and
share the traditional culture of ancient Mexico.
We are a grassroots effort engaged in the promotion and development of leadership skills through the learning and teaching of history, music and dance. Our dances are metaphors displaying the history of the Indigenous people known as the Chichimeca (or Aztec) and the relationship between the human race and the universe.
Each dance tells the story of the balance sought between dual forces seeking the harmony needed to sustain life.
The CulturFest Band
Local musicians will get together to share their talents with others in the community in a special set of
peace and justice music. You are invited to sing along to many familiar songs that have transcended the
last several decades.
Featured are Dan Leer, David Dow, Dave Schroeder, John Weisenburger, Jayne Jacobson, Jodi DeKam, and Gary Ebnet.