LIHU‘E — The sound of taiko is supposed to cleanse the soul and chase away any bad spirits, Art Umezu of Musique International said Friday night. Ryukyukoku Matsuri Daiko did not disappoint, its taiko coupled with energetic movements from its
LIHU‘E — The sound of taiko is supposed to cleanse the soul and chase away any bad spirits, Art Umezu of Musique International said Friday night.
Ryukyukoku Matsuri Daiko did not disappoint, its taiko coupled with energetic movements from its players reverberating from The Jam Room and overflowing into Kukui Grove Center mall.
RMD was part of Party Rock 2011, hosted by The Jam Room to send off 2011 and welcome in 2012 at the weekly venue for youth at the mall.
“I didn’t know this was a weekly thing,” said one of the RMD parents who opted to wait outside the jam-packed room next to Game Stop. “Ken Yamauchi, who takes care of the RMD arrangments, didn’t know, either. I guess we learn something every day.”
Umezu, who along with Daphne Sanchez coordinates the impromptu youth offerings, said originally the event was supposed to be in the mall’s exhibition area near Deja Vu, but the Santa’s Place display could not be cleared in time, so the party just moved back to The Jam Room.
“They just couldn’t get a stage up and have enough room for everyone,” Umezu said. “But this is all right because it’s more intimate.”
Andrew Pascual, a senior at Kaua‘i High School and a member of the popular Pink Pebbles, was garbed in a bright red shirt and silently moved between the activity taking place inside the room and outside.
Ryland Balbin and Angelica Camarillo worked on renditions of dragons to welcome the Year of the Dragon.
Party Rock 2011 is the culmination of Pascual’s efforts at coordinating the large gathering for his senior project at Kaua‘i High School.
“It was all rright,” Pascual said. “We had to do some work-arounds, but everything is working out and my friends are getting some good exposure for their art.”
Both artists had their respective followings of fans who sat around watching the developing dragons, amazed at the flow of young people going in and out of The Jam Room.
“I think it’s time to get a Jamba (Juice) break,” said Angelo Catigay, Balbin’s uncle. “This is going to take a while.”
Pascual said the event was made possible through the efforts of Kukui Grove, The Jam Room and Musique International.
“All that’s left now is the paperwork,” Pascual said.
