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EARTH CELEBRATION


Illustration : Hideaki Masago

@From their base on Sado Island, the One Earth Tour has taken Kodo all over the world, and during the time they have been steadily making friends among percussionists and artists from many cultures, the idea of inviting the world's musicians back to the beautiful surroundings of Sado has progressed from a dream to a reality.

@Together with the celebrations for the opening of Kodo Village in 1988, the first "Earth Celebration" festival was held in the town of Ogi, nearby to where the group had finally found the land for its long-dreamed of village. Driven by Kodo's dedication to providing ways in which the world's cultures can learn more about each other, Earth Celebration is now firmly established as a 3-day international percussion and arts festival that takes place in Ogi every August. The central theme is always "Tataku" - to beat a rhythm.

@The major evening performances in the natural outdoor theatre of Shiroyama Park have featured performers ranging from Africa's exuberant Drummers of Burundi, through Bali's mysterious Suar Agung giant bamboo xylophone ensemble to jazz-great Elvin Jones. In particular, Earth Celebration has become identified with some extraordinary joint-performances and impromptu sessions between performers who are often unable to speak to each other.

@In addition to Kodo and the major guests, the festival includes lectures and workshops (which can range from African dancing to how to make bamboo xylophones), art exhibitions and an all-comers fringe event modelled on the Edinburgh Festival.


Earth Celebration '98
- EC in May -

Earth Celebration '97
- 10th Anniversary of Earth Celebration -

Earth Celebration '96

Earth Celebration '95

Earth Celebration '88`'94


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