Yesterday, July 10th, Soh Daiko celebrated the New York Buddhist Church‘s 62nd Annual Obon Dance Festival in the scenic Bryant Park. With church members dressed in beautiful yukatas and Soh Daiko in festival happi shirts, we joined  the public to celebrate this cheerful holiday in which we honor the memory of those who have passed away.

The hot summer day started off with an exciting performance from our good friends and sister group, Hoh Daiko, who traveled over two hours from Seabrook, New Jersey, to join us in this annual celebration. 

With warm messages from Reverend Hoshu Matsubayashi, the NYC Mayor’s office,  the Japanese Consulate, and others, the Obon festivities lasted over four hours of dancing and drumming. In fact, one of Soh Daiko’s rising stars joined his mother in leading one of the dances!

Soh Daiko performed some of our signature pieces, including Matsuri-daiko, Yuudachi, and Hachidan-uchi, for a very enthusiastic and supportive crowd. Thank you to those who attended and for all those who continue to make the Obon Dance Festival one of our favorite performances! And much thanks to Rob Mitchell, Jr., for taking this wonderful picture!