Inadani. 5. Finale.

And as if that wasn't enough, we also got to perform with Art on stage.

Last Friday was Art's first concert to promote his newly released CD (here's a link). Art did mostly a solo concert, though for some of the pieces he had another wadaiko pro, Kuniharu Hara, with him on stage. And we, the Inadani course participants, got to perform in one piece!! Now, you must understand, we no doubt were there purely for comic relief (how cute: thirteen gaijin flailing around on stage in a small provincial town!) but still, it was awesome and a fantastic culmination for our whole course be on the same stage as Art.

We were, understandably, not allowed to take pictures during the concert (but I've got some great pictures of us loading and unloading drums). But we did get to watch Art and Hara-san from the wings. And what an experience that was.

Drums and more drums
200 seats. All sold out.
Then it was back to the ryokan for another booze-and-prose with Toyama-san. And soon enough, the next morning, and a week ago to the day, it was back to civilization. So much richer for the experience and for the new friends we made.

Waiting for the bus out of Achi-mura

Inadani. 5. Finale.

And as if that wasn't enough, we also got to perform with Art on stage.

Last Friday was Art's first concert to promote his newly released CD (here's a link). Art did mostly a solo concert, though for some of the pieces he had another wadaiko pro, Kuniharu Hara, with him on stage. And we, the Inadani course participants, got to perform in one piece!! Now, you must understand, we no doubt were there purely for comic relief (how cute: thirteen gaijin flailing around on stage in a small provincial town!) but still, it was awesome and a fantastic culmination for our whole course be on the same stage as Art.

We were, understandably, not allowed to take pictures during the concert (but I've got some great pictures of us loading and unloading drums). But we did get to watch Art and Hara-san from the wings. And what an experience that was.

Drums and more drums
200 seats. All sold out.
Then it was back to the ryokan for another booze-and-prose with Toyama-san. And soon enough, the next morning, and a week ago to the day, it was back to civilization. So much richer for the experience and for the new friends we made.

Waiting for the bus out of Achi-mura