Current Members:
Shannon Umetani
About Me:
I have been playing taiko for 15 years and am currently living in
Denver, CO with my husband, Zak, and my dog and cat. I graduated from
the University of Denver in 2005 with a degree in film and video
production. When I'm not playing taiko, I work as a freelance
producer/production coordinator.
My Interests:
snowboarding, running, playing kickball, making movies
What's on my I-Pod?
Weezer, Oasis, Our Lady Peace, the Flobots
Favorite Taiko Song:
Hachijo
Courtney Ozaki
About Me:
Born and raised in Colorado, I currently reside in Denver with my adorable and feisty cat Machan. Music is my first love! I started playing taiko at age 10, and Keiko, Shannon, Meg and I formed Mirai Daiko about seven years ago. I received B.S.M's in Music Management and Recording Arts with a piano performance emphasis from the University of Colorado at Denver in 2006 and since then I have been working in the performing arts and the music industry. I am also on the board for the Colorado Artist Network, please check it out!
My Interests:
live music, film, human rights, people-watching, dancing, espresso, logic puzzles
What's on my I-Pod?
Ella Fitzgerald, Jeff Buckley, The Roots, Beethoven, Death Cab For Cutie, Radiohead, Imogen Heap, Brad Mehldau, Amos Lee, John Mayer, 3EB, Jay Brannan, most music from the 90's... I could go on for days.
Favorite Taiko Song:
Renkon
Keiko Ozaki
About Me:
Since graduating from college a few years back, I've been working in television production and doing motion graphics on the side. I hope to do more of the same while continuing to play taiko maybe combining the two someday.
My Interests:
Art, Movies, Snowboarding, Puzzles/Games, Knitting...Taiko!
What's on my I-Pod?
Well...I don't have an iPod, but I have a lot of Rage Against the Machine, Flogging Molly, Gwen Stefani, Sublime, Tool, Bob Marley the list goes on, on my little MP3 player thingy.
Favorite Taiko Song:
Gendai Ni Ikiru
Meg Ozaki
About Me:
I am a classically-trained soprano who recently moved back home after (finally) completing my education and I spend my time singing, teaching, typing, and doing a number of other odd jobs. My husband works for High Country Copiers in Summit County and we are excited to be in such a beautiful place, surrounded by family.
My Interests:
Reading, Spinning, Window shopping, Watching cable TV dramas, Traveling, Eating
What's on my I-Pod?
Otello (Verdi), Mozart, One World Taiko, Brad Mehldau, Radiohead, Kim Taylor
Favorite Taiko Song:
Odaiko
June Kurobane
About Me:
I started my taiko experience with One World Taiko in 1999 and also had the priveledge of performing with Mirai Daiko when the group first formed. I feel lucky to have lived in Hawaii for the past six years, and happy to be back home in Colorado. It is amazing to see how much Mirai Daiko has grown, and I am grateful to be perfoming/practicing with them again. I love music and my goal is a career in Music Education for young kids.
My Interests:
dancing, sushi, road trips, hiking and yoga.
What's on my I-Pod?
U2, Dave Matthews Band, Josh Groban, Gwen Stefani, Usher, Third Eye Blind...and the list goes on...
Favorite Taiko Song:
Hachijo
Mirai Daiko Alum & Guests:
Erika Tanaka
Sarah Anderson