THE streets were alive with the sound of drumming on Friday as Stonewave Taiko held a procession through Bega's centre.
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The procession walked down Church St, Ayres Walkway and into Littleton Gardens, where they performed for the people shopping at the SCPA Market.
The approximately 15 members were assisted by volunteers who carried Japanese flags and lanterns as well as a large drum.
The performance tied in with the opening of the Japanese-themed art exhibition that is currently showing at Spiral Gallery, Bega, until November 4 and playing for the shoppers at the market.
Stonewave Taiko leader David Hewitt said his taiko group had been going successfully
“When I first started it and began advertising I thought if I got six people I’d be doing well,” he said.
“In the first week I got 45 people – kids, youths, adults.
“It was really crazy – I only had two taiko so I had to make ones out of tires!”
Mr Hewitt thought despite it being Japanese, taiko was connected with the Australian psyche due to it being a very physical form of performance art, almost like a sport.
“The sound is very physical,” Mr Hewitt said.
“So it has a physical response – people feel it in their guts and heart.
“It is like a heartbeat.”
If you are interested in Stonewave Taiko contact David Hewitt on 0430 382 971.