We had to get up early for this shoot! Thanks to Mega Sugianto and 10/11 News in Lincoln for hosting us.

From the Fuse performance on Sun, March 2, 2015. Video courtesy of Missy Gilbreth-Reed. Thank you!

From the University of Nebraska, Kearney (UNK) Japanese festival on February 22nd.
Video courtesy of, and dance choreographed by, Akira Watanabe.

A wonderful collaboration with the UNK students! Thank you!

The debut of our new 'beast' piece AND a SURPRISE set-up!

Fused Entertainment uploaded a new video.
Get to know your entertainers!!

Fuse introduces Kokyo Taiko! As told by leader, Maureen Brase-Houchin.

1) If you could perform anywhere where would it be?
--Omura-shi, Nagasaki-ken, Japan - take Kokyo's members to see where it all began for us and meet the members of my old taiko group, Itsumokko. It would be incredible to have Kokyo perform for my Japanese friends and family, showing them how we have continued this cultural art in America!

2) If you were a box of cereal what would you be and why?
--Uh...I know which one I wouldn't be - Fruity Pebbles. They made me vomit as a kid - must be all that toxic coloring!

3) What's the most memorable performance your group has been a part of?
--The last FUSE performance, of course!! 

4) What song best describes you?
--Don't Worry Be Happy smile emoticon

5) How often do you practice?
--All the time in my head and tapping on surfaces. As for the group, we might practice several times a week if we have a big performance to prepare for. More often it's just once or twice a week due to everyone's schedules. 

6) How long does it take for one person to learn a piece or a routine?
--It depends on the person's past music/dance experience, but it generally seems to take around 6 months of dedicated practice to go beyond memorizing the piece, to fully capture form and technique.

The Star City Buzz, featuring Kokyo Taiko, "City of Angels," and "Into the Woods." The interview stars member Anh Nguyen and features several members working hard at one of our practice sessions.

Even though the free tickets for our Friday show are 'sold out,' the Lied is encouraging patrons to come to the show anyway. Staff members will do their best to get you in, as there are always 'no shows.'

"Celebrate Nebraska" in the news...

Lied kicks off anniversary season with "Celebrate Nebraska."
- Ground Zero, Journal Star

"Nebraska's most talented music, theater, and dance artists from across the state will be performing."
- Star City Buzz / KOLN-TV

"Over the years members of Kokyo have shared their Japanese culture with dozens of regional audiences through dynamic, thunderous and powerful choreographed drumming."
 - UNL News Releases & Celebrate Nebraska Facebook Page

Japanese Drummers: Kokyo Taiko at TEDxYouth @Lincoln

Video of performance at TEDxYouth at Lincoln on Sat, Aug. 17, 2013. Thanks, Quang!
Click here to check out Flickr photos of the event.