World Music in Medford: Featuring ShinDaiko

Access Culture proudly presents the 2025 World Music Concert Series, featuring highest caliber music from around the globe -provided in outdoor spaces, free, for the enjoyment of all.

This final concert in the 2025 World Music Series offers a thrilling afternoon of pulse-pounding rhythms and cultural celebration featuring ShinDaiko, a premier Japanese taiko drumming ensemble based in Boston.

Rooted in the deep tradition of Japanese taiko yet boldly innovative, ShinDaiko blends the thunderous beats of traditional drums with modern musical influences to create a sound that is both timeless and forward-moving. The ensemble’s name comes from the Japanese character “Shin,” meaning “to advance” or “move forward”—a reflection of their mission to explore, evolve, and electrify.

Come experience the power and precision of taiko drumming in the open air of Medford’s scenic Riverside Plaza. This is more than a performance—it’s an invitation to feel the heartbeat of culture and connection.

✨ Great for all ages

🎶 Stay after for a chance to meet the performers!

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RSVP if you want to be added to the mailing list for information about the rest of the concert series, future events, and Access Culture News. RSVP Not required for entry.

ShinDaiko is a contemporary Japanese taiko drumming ensemble based in Greater Boston and Rockland, Maine. Founded in 2012, the group blends centuries-old traditions with modern musical influences—ranging from jazz, classical, and rock to dance and folk—to create high-energy, original performances that are both powerful and expressive.

“Taiko” means “drum” in Japanese, but it also refers to a dynamic, spiritual art form rooted in ceremony, celebration, and storytelling. The name “ShinDaiko,” meaning “advancing drums,” reflects the group’s mission to evolve the art through innovation and cross-genre creativity.

Made up of passionate, multi-talented artists trained in percussion, winds, strings, voice, and composition, ShinDaiko brings a bold, cross-cultural sound to stages across New England and beyond. Their performances—at festivals, cultural events, weddings, and city celebrations—leave a lasting impact on the ears and the soul.

The ensemble includes:

• Shane Tysk, founding member and physicist, whose deep taiko knowledge and drum-building expertise shape the group’s sound.
• Ger Tysk, artistic director and classically trained musician, known for her rich blend of musical and visual artistry.
• Nora Richards, a Berklee-trained multi-instrumentalist who infuses taiko with the energy of jazz and progressive rock.
• Karin Darakananda, a vibrant performer rooted in collegiate taiko traditions and inspired by global styles.
• Tori Willbanks-Roos, a violinist and cultural connector who brings personal narrative and depth to her performance.
• Joy Jarme, trained in L.A.'s taiko scene, whose expressive style and stage presence light up every performance.

ShinDaiko is known not only for their drumming skill but for their spirit of connection. They are storytellers, innovators, and cultural bridge-builders. Their sound is as unforgettable as their mission: to move forward with rhythm, heart, and community.

Access Culture’s mission is to bridge the gap between culture and nature by providing accessible and inclusive cultural and educational experiences for people of all ages and backgrounds. We believe everyone should be able to explore and appreciate the richness of cultural heritage, diversity, and nature.

Through our diverse range of programs, including art projects, films, concerts and outdoor school programs, and other cultural initiatives, we aim to inspire curiosity, foster creativity, and promote environmental stewardship. By breaking down barriers to participation and ensuring equal access to resources, we strive to empower individuals to connect with their communities, nature cultivate a deeper understanding of the world around them, and cultivate a lifelong love for learning.

At Access Culture, we envision a society where everyone can engage with diverse cultural traditions, explore the wonders of nature, and develop a sense of belonging within local and global communities. Together, we can create a more inclusive and vibrant future where culture and nature thrive in harmony, enriching the lives of individuals and strengthening the fabric of society.

This concert is supported by grants from the Mass Cultural Council and Medford Cultural Council, a local agency of the Mass Cultural Council.

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• Clippership Drive Parking Lot: Located at 81 Riverside Ave, this is a municipal parking lot that offers paid parking via app or kiosk. Keep in mind that paid parking is enforced Monday to Saturday from 8:30 AM to 6 PM.
• Governors Ave Parking Lot: Another municipal parking lot in Medford, this lot also utilizes a pay kiosk and is enforced Monday to Saturday from 8:30 AM to 6 PM.
• Lower City Hall Parking Lot: Located at 14 City Hall Mall, this lot has public parking for a fee from 8:30 AM to 6 PM, Monday through Saturday.
• Street parking: Metered parking is enforced Monday to Saturday from 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM. Make sure to check for signs indicating resident-only parking in the area.
• PayByPhone app: You can use the PayByPhone app to pay for both meter and lot parking in Medford.

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