Exploring Culture Through Taiko

About this event

Exploring Culture Through Taiko: Rhythm, Heritage & Leadership (Tucson, AZ)

Join us for a unique cultural exploration with Odaiko Sonora, Tucson’s Japanese ensemble drumming organization, for an afternoon of taiko, history, and conversation.

This 90-minute experience will include hands-on taiko time, a tour of Odaiko Sonora’s drum-building workshop, and a visit to their exhibit exploring Japanese American incarceration, taiko in Arizona, and the organization’s history. We will also hear from Odaiko Sonora leaders about building a sustainable arts nonprofit, diversifying revenue streams, and intentional succession planning.

Light refreshments will be served.

Maximum Registration: 24 participants

Event Details

Date: Sunday, November 22, 2026

Time: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM

Location: Rhythm Industry Performance Factory 1013 S. Tyndall Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85719

Advance Registration — Through Friday, November 20 at 12:00 PM

ACEL Members: $28 Non-Members: $35

General Admission: $42

What to Expect

Participants will have an opportunity to:

Experience hands-on taiko drumming

Learn about the history and cultural significance of taiko

Tour Odaiko Sonora’s attached drum-building workshop

Explore an exhibit on Japanese American incarceration and taiko in Arizona

Learn about the journey of a small arts nonprofit and its approach to sustainability

Hear about strategies for diversifying revenue and intentional succession planning

Connect with other ACEL members through a shared cultural experience

No prior experience with taiko or music is required.

Featured Speakers

Karen Falkenstrom Co-Founder & Director, Odaiko Sonora

Ishani Deo Assistant Director, Odaiko Sonora

About Odaiko Sonora

Odaiko Sonora is a 501(c)(3) arts education organization and Tucson’s taiko ensemble. Serving Southern Arizona since 2002, Odaiko Sonora works to increase familiarity with and understanding of taiko through classes, workshops, performances, school residencies, team-building programs, and concerts featuring internationally acclaimed taiko artists.

Learn more at tucsontaiko.org.

Registration

Space is limited. Advance registration pricing is available through Friday, November 20 at 12:00 AM. After the advance registration deadline, the general admission rate of $42 applies.

We look forward to sharing an afternoon of rhythm, culture, history, and leadership learning together.

Click the link to register today! https://www.aceleaders.org/chapters/tucson-az#!event/register/2026/11/22/exploring-culture-through-taiko-rhythm-heritage-leadership-tucson-az