June is jumping!

Smokin' Bachi Taiko will kick off June celebrating the National Champions at Kazoku Karate in Eldorado.
The courtyard at the Agora shopping center is where award winning karate champions will demonstrate their prowess on Friday June 3 from 4-7 PM. SBT will come in at 5:30 PM to pump up the volume. www.kazokukarate.com

The following weekend, journey across Santa Fe county to the 9th Madrid Gypsy Festival. On Saturday June 11, gates open at noon and we perform at 2 PM. This show has a special place in our hearts. Eight years ago, we played our first show there. And, the grand stand has been rebuilt with help from SF County and the State of NM. (http://www.krqe.com/dpp/news/old-madrid-ballpark-rebuilt-like-new) There were no funds left over for the stage, however. Cat has promised we'll be playing on something! Even if they have to build it. www.gypsyfest.org (Their web site is down today. But, it is being rebuilt.)

We have been friends with AKKA Karate USA for many years. At the Santa Fe JIN Matsuri, we often share an information table with them. They have opened their dojos and allowed us to shoot promo photos. The first time we sponsored Art Lee and Tokora, we used the AKKA dojo for a workshop. We get to return favors by playing at their tournament banquets. After we cool down a little from the Gypsy Festival, we'll drive down to the Bernalillo Middle School to celebrate with this season's classes.
www.akkakarateusa.net

The following Friday marks an exciting new chapter for SBT. Last Summer, we moved our dojo to the Pauli-Swing Studio in Aqua Fria. As home to many great music groups, the folks there asked SBT to perform in a show that is touring Northern New Mexico this Summer. I see the Rhythm Tonic tour as a kind of traveling medicine show. But, the potions are exotic rhythms, good vibes and dancing.SBT will open the shows followed by Akeem's group Agula. Polyphony Marimba keeps the beats going until Jaka comes on stage.
There will be a continuous flow of music all night with very little chit chat leading to the grand finale with all the groups closing the evening.

Rhythm Tonic Tour
Taos Solar Center Friday June 17-7 PM
Santa Fe Brewery Friday June 24-7 PM
Low Spirits (Albuquerque) Sunday July 2-7 PM
All shows are $10

On our way back from the Taos show, we join the SBT student groups at the International Peace Prayer Day outside of Espanola. This Summer Solstice celebration is put on by the Sikhs at their Ram Das Puri retreat in the hills. Sat June 18. We go on at 2:15 PM  Sounds of the Heart from Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA.With graceful and powerful moves, Smokin’ Bachi Taiko’s (SBT) thunderous sound rumbles from the stage while the high pitched shime daikos pierce the wall of sound to take the audience on a journey through an exotic soundscape. This is a free family friendly event.
www.3ho.org/summer-solstice/program/international-peace-day


We'll close out the month by bringing the Rhythm Tonic Tour to the Santa Fe Brewery on Friday June 24. Then, to kick off July, we take the Tonic to the Brewery's sister property in Albuquerque at Low Spirits Saturday July 2. This is the place formerly known as Burt's Tiki Lounge.

Remember. Take the Tonic!