Ronin Taiko Returns For A Dramatic Season Opening Concert At The Morikami

DELRAY BEACH, Fla. — (September 3, 2009) – Back by popular demand, Ronin Taiko returns for a brand new season of arts and entertainment at the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens with two high energy full concerts to be held at 7 p.m. on Thursday, October 8 and Friday, October 9.

Featured at other Morikami events, such as Sushi & Stroll and the opening of last year’s season, Ronin’s powerful performances feature Japanese taiko drums. Designed more than 2,600 years ago to intimidate enemies before a war and to celebrate at religious ceremonies and festivals, the powerful, ancient art of taiko has evolved into a popular form of musical expression and performance art.

Since the group’s creation in 2006, Ronin has performed throughout South Florida and the Southeast for a wide range of events from theatrical events to outdoor festivals. Audiences have enjoyed their music at Fruit and Spice Park in Homestead, Old School Square in Delray Beach, Georgia College & State University, Troy University’s Davis theatre in Alabama, the Broward Main Library theatre in Fort Lauderdale and as guest performers at the Miami MetroZoo.

“We would like to provide the audience with a unique experience,” says Malia of Ronin Taiko. “We continuously seek to improve on our skills, and travel to Japan twice a year to train.  It is important to us to be diligent in our discipline, and continue to train at least five days a week.  This is necessary for the physical performance style of taiko.”

“Our training is ongoing,” Malia added. “We are always humbled and inspired by the audience to work harder to further our skills and hope to become proper ambassadors for this art form.”

Tickets are $20 for members; $35 for non-members (per show). The concerts will take place in the Morikami Theater, 4000 Morikami Park Road, Delray Beach. Tickets may be purchased online at www.morikami.org or by calling 561-495-0233 extension 232. Seating is first come first served.

The Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens, open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday, is owned and operated by the Palm Beach County Parks & Recreation Department, in partnership with The Morikami, Inc. It is located at 4000 Morikami Park Road in Delray Beach off Jog Road between Linton Boulevard and Clint Moore Road. For more information about the Morikami, its exhibitions and programs, call 561-495-0233 or visit www.morikami.org.