The thunder of Japanese taiko drumming is rolling into Kelowna.

A concert featuring the city91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ™s Yamabiko Taiko group, and Japanese professional drummer Ryo Shimamoto is set for May 31.

It will be followed by a beginner workshop for those interested in Japanese taiko drumming, hosted by Shimamoto, on June 1.

The performance, called Yui (Connection), will be held at the Mary Irwin Theatre (421 Cawston Avenue) on Friday, May 31 at 7 p.m.

The drumming workshop will take place on Saturday, June 1 from 9 to 11 a.m. Both events are organized by Yamabiko Taiko.

The amateur group has performed in the Okanagan and Southern Interior since 2003. They took online lessons from Shimamoto during COVID-19 when their practice hall was closed.

After the pandemic ended, Yamabiko resumed practices and performances while continuing monthly lessons with Shimamoto.

The group invited him to Kelowna thanks to a grant from Japanese Canadian Legacies.

Tickets to the performance are $35, or $25 for children 12 and under. They can be , at the Rotary Centre for the Arts box office, or by calling 250-717-5304.

For more information about the event contact Naoko Nakamura or Drew Makepeace at kelownayamabiko@gmail.com (Naoko), or drew@okanagandrumming.com.

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