Join us for a transformative week of taiko in the breathtaking setting of Mt. Shasta, California. This immersive intensive, led by renowned taiko artists Eri Uchida, Shoji Kameda and PJ Hirabayashi, invites participants to explore the intersection of creativity, taiko, and nature.
Eri Uchida
Former senior member of Kodo and master instructor Eri Uchida brings her deep understanding of taiko technique and her holistic teaching philosophy.
Shoji Kameda
Grammy-nominated taiko artist and composer Shoji Kameda adds his innovative approach to taiko, blending traditional rhythms with contemporary artistry.
Shoji Kameda
Grammy-nominated taiko artist and composer Shoji Kameda adds his innovative approach to taiko, blending traditional rhythms with contemporary artistry.
PJ Hirabayashi
Co-founder of San Jose Taiko and a pioneer in North American taiko, PJ Hirabayashi shares her decades of experience in creative expression and community-building through taiko.
Together, these three visionary artists offer a unique opportunity to deepen your practice, expand your artistic voice, and connect with the rhythms of nature. Through daily workshops participants will:
Explore creative approaches to composition and improvisation
Develop a deeper connection to your body, your instrument and your environment
Be guided through creative processes to develop new pieces and new means of expression
Beyond the drums, this experience will also include time for reflection and rejuvenation.
Surrounded by the towering peaks and serene landscapes of Mt. Shasta, participants will have the chance to hike and practice mindfulness and meditation, fostering a deep connection to both the art of taiko and the natural world.
Whether you’re an experienced player or newer to taiko, this week promises to be a source of inspiration, renewal, and community.
There are plenty of options for your stay in Mt. Shasta. There are hotels and AirBnBs in town, as well as several camping options.
Hotels: We recommend the Inn at Mt. Shasta and Summit Lofts for their great locations and newly renovated rooms. There are many other hotels in Mt. Shasta at various price points.
AirBnB: Look for anything in Mt. Shasta City. AirBnB searches often show results in Weed and Dunsmuir, which are a bit of a drive, so book a spot in Mt. Shasta proper for the most convenience.
A multi-person AirBnB will be the most economical. We will help connect those who are interested in sharing accommodations. Several AirBnBs in Mt. Shasta can sleep 6 for about $2,000-3,000 range, which would mean each person pays about $350-500.
Camping Sites: There are great tent and RV sites by Lake Siskiyou at the Lake Siskiyou Camp Resort. There are showers, restrooms and basic amenities at this campground, and it’s relatively close to town.
Sacramento International Airport (3.5 hr drive / 226 miles away)
San Francisco International Airport (4.5 hr drive / 285 miles away)
Closest Regional Airports:
Rogue Valley International in Medford, Oregon (1.5 hr drive / 91 miles away)
Redding Regional Airport in Redding, CA (1 hr drive / 61 miles)
If you are planning on flying, we recommend either Sacramento or Medford as Redding is quite small and there are no rental car services at the airport. Sacramento and Medford will both have rental car services and more flights. We will also be having some people coming from Sacramento and can possibly arrange rides from there to Mt. Shasta. Please reach out to us at info@kadon.com if you would be interested in flying into Sacramento and getting a ride to the event.
Mt. Shasta is a beautiful area and connecting with this natural beauty is the centerpiece of this special retreat.
Steps from our practice location are the headwaters of the Sacramento River, where pure clean water comes straight out of a large mountain spring. There are mountain springs, trails, and lakes to explore all throughout the region. We will be incorporating outdoor activities into the intensive, and these activities will be adjusted to the participants’ fitness level.
We will organize three group dinners throughout the week which are included with registration. You are on your own for remaining meals.
There are several places to eat in town and some great grocery stores. Berryvale Grocery is the local health-conscious grocery store and a staple of the area. Mt. Shasta Super Market and Rays Food Place are both great locally owned grocery stores. Pipeline Cafe is a nice local craft brew gastropub in the downtown area that features several places to eat including Yak’s Shack and Bistro 107.
This intensive will have sessions focused on our bodies, creativity, and connection. There will be workshop sessions on basics to facilitate our body awareness, sessions on improvisational and movement techniques to get us connected to our creativity, and sessions dedicated to creating new pieces by working together and connecting to one another. We will be sending out a preliminary schedule soon.
We understand that things happen. If you need to cancel your registration, we will offer a full refund up to May 7th, which is one month before the event starts. After May 7th, we will offer a ½ refund. No refunds will be made for cancellations after June 1st. You may transfer your registration to someone else.
This event is organized such that taiko players with any level of experience can grow. There will be no minimum level of experience necessary to participate. The most important aspect is to come with an open mind and willingness to grow and embrace new experiences.
Feel free to reach out to Shoji via email at shoji@kadon.com or info@kadon.com. You can also message Shoji on social media via FB (shoji.kameda), Instagram (turtlefield76) or WhatsApp (Shoji Kameda (213) 280-4649). We will be creating a group chat on WhatsApp as registrations fill up so that participants can exchange information and look for roommates, rides, etc.
