Hey everyone!
Whew! Once again, back home! I’ve been in Tucson for the past week and a half to participate in the All Souls Procession Finale with Odaiko Sonora, Bachido member Ten Ten Canada and members of different taiko groups around the country! (some of whom are going to start shamisen!)
It was an incredible event. The All Souls Procession (http://allsoulsprocession.org/) is like a Day of the Dead festival. Lots of families and folks came together to remember their friends/family who have died. It’s a very festive yet poignant event… and HUGE! 100,000 people (1/5th of the Tucson population) attended the outdoor event. The procession ends with the Finale, which was composed of dozens of taiko players from taiko groups across the country, chanting sung/composed by Aki Takahashi, throat singing/taiko kit by On Ensemble’s Shoji Kameda, and groovy shamisen beats and more throat singing by Bachido’s Kyle Abbott!
Webinar development was also done during that time as well! In between rehearsals, I had great discussions with Shoji Kameda, who is making taiko/fue webinars with two other taiko players at - http://kadon.com/. It was very inspiring to talk with him about this method of online instruction, and gives me greater confidence of just how beneficial these shamisen webinars will be for everyone here! 
Lastly, the week ended with a delightful evening house concert at Karen’s house!
Not only did we sing and play our minyo repertoire, but we also did some fusion with blues master Mitzi Cowell! Here we are playing one of my favorite old time pieces, Little Birdie!
Yes, it a was very amazing time, and much vacation was taken! (in the Bachido spirit way) My thanks to leader of Odaiko Sonora (and Bachido member) Karen Falkenstorm for inviting me to participate in such an incredible, moving event.
Though I was away and absent from the forum, the Bachido Projects have been continuing! Exciting progress has been made regarding the upcoming webinars, affordable shamisen, Intensive Shamisen Camp, and much more! Stay tuned, 'cause I will be part of your Christmas!
Bachi on!!!
Kyle
Their short route to the SJC airport makes travel incredibly convenient.