Fresh off hosting the annual East Meets West Lunar New Year Festival, Footscray’s Byron Plaza will stage another Asian cultural celebration next month when the traditional Japanese art event, Wadaiko West! takes place.
As the name suggests, the free afternoon event involves Wadaiko, aka, Japanese drumming, being performed in the western suburbs, as well as other traditional music and dance performances.
It’s the drums that will be the star attraction, with Melbourne-based eight-piece Wadaiko Rindo set to make the grounds of Byron Plaza and beyond shake like a Japanese earthquake.
Following their thunderous beats will be Noriko Tadano showcasing her virtuoso skills on the tsugaru shamisen, a three-stringed traditional Japanese instrument known for creating a bluesy, soulful sound that’s sometimes called ‘hard-rocking folk’.
The award winning Tadano will be joined by a troupe of Okinawa dancers who will graze Byron Plaza during her performance.
Wadaiko West! Is presented by Thin Ozone, an art studio that specialises in installations, performances and traditional world-culture events.
Thin Ozone’s Alejandra Diaz said the Japanese culture on offer would go well beyond just music and dance.
“You will have the opportunity to have your name written in Shodo Calligraphy by the great artist Miho Araki,” Ms Diaz said.
“There’s be some kids activities, then we’ll end the afternoon with dancing and more surprises.
“So bring your kimonos, friends, and children.”
Wadaiko West! is on Saturday 14 March at Byron Plaza Footscray from 2-7pm.
Entry is free.
