A special commencement celebration featuring Okinawan eisa drumming will be held on the Great Lawn of Kapi’olani Community College on Saturday, May 14, 2011. Program starts at 6 pm and runs until 9 pm.

There will be ono food and drinks. There will be the chance to catch some baby koi in a game and Okinawan items for sale. Bring your mats and chairs and relax under the stars. The event is free and there will be plenty of parking.

Eisa is a form of dance and drumming unique to Okinawa. Participating eisa groups are Chinagu Eisa Hawaii, Hawaii Eisa Chimugukuru Daiko and the Young Okinawans of Hawaii. Kenny Endo’s Taiko Center of the Pacific and the Paranku Club of Hawaii will be performing as special guests.

The event will showcase the different styles of eisa (traditional and contemporary) with the contrast of Japanese taiko. It will also unite all four groups in an exciting finale! There will also be a special gathering of the Shisa Lions and live music by Urizun Minyo Group, Derek Fujio, Norman Kaneshiro, Derek Ichiro Shiroma, and Richie Yamashiroya.

This free event is presented and sponsored by KCC’s Office of Student Activities and is being organized by Shari Tamashiro.

The inspiration for the event comes from the Okinawan Festival held in Brazil for their Centennial Celebration. The finale included eisa drummers from all over the region playing together. According to Shari Tamashiro, “The ground shook, the energy level was so intoxicating that I was transported. I remember wanting to bring that same energy and joy back in a performance for people back home. Hopefully, we will succeed with the grand finale of the Hawaii Eisa Festival which all four groups are working together to create.”

For up to date information on the festival, please visit http://tain.kcc.hawaii.edu or call 734.9576.

Want to participate in the largest paranku drum gathering in Hawaii? There will be a special surprise performance, so be a part of the fun and sign up to join the paranku brigade! Email pigsfromthesea@gmail.com to find out more.