Utah’s Taiko drumming groups are a cultural force for good
Utah has a rich Taiko tradition and supports several Taiko groups. This directory of Utah-based Taiko performance troops that will speak to your soul and bring a smile to your face.
Rocky Mountain Taiko
Salt Lake County, Utah County, and Davis County
Founded by Bo Cloe in 2016, Rocky Mountain Taiko inspires students and audiences to find and improve their personal best in their taiko practice and their lives. Taught by Tiffany Tamaribuchi, Kenny Endo and Takashito Nishino, Bo draws on the deep traditions of Japanese culture and taiko to explore the limits of the art form. Rocky Mountain Taiko accepts students with any level of taiko experience, including those who have never lifted a bachi or struck any kind of drum.
Kenshin Taiko
Salt Lake County, Utah County, and Davis County
Founded by Laura Olsen and Denyse Nakashima, who were taught by Kenny Endo and Kirstin Pauka. Kenshin Taiko performs regularly for audiences in Salt Lake County, Utah County, and Davis County. This taiko group is sponsored by the Japanese Church of Christ, in Salt Lake City.
Ogden Buddhist Taiko
Ogden, Utah
Founded in 1976, the Ogden Buddhist Taiko ensemble is the oldest Taiko group in Utah, and one of the oldest ensembles in the US.
Ogden Buddhist Taiko is sponsored by the Ogden Buddhist Temple, Ogden, Utah.
Moab Taiko Dan
Moab, Utah
Founded in 1994, they play for local events like marathons and festivals.
Interested in learning?
If you’d like to join a group, attend a class, or if you’re visiting from out of town, use this contact form to let us know.
