Cultural

Make no mistake: there are rich cultural offerings throughout Spokane. From the annual Gathering at the Falls Powwow to the South East Asia Cultural Association’s events featuring internationally-renowned musicians and dancers, to Fiesta Spokane (the Hispanic Heritage Festival), Unity in the Community, and so much more. These events and gatherings weave together music, food, dancing, art, storytelling, and more, creating celebrations of heritage while welcoming people of all cultural backgrounds.  

Dance
Artist
Spokane Buddhist Temple Bon Odori Dancers

Bon Odori is the “Beauty of Japanese Dance”. We are a traditional Japanese dance group that loves to perform as well as teach Japanese folk dances to audiences, wearing colorful traditional kimonos or yukatas. This style of Japanese dance is performed during the Obon Festival, a Japanese festival time of Gathering, Gratitude and Celebration. Obon is a Japanese Buddhist custom that honors the spirits of one’s ancestors and has a 500 year history. Our instructor is Jacqui Pierce, a 14-year student of Wakahisa-kai Asian Traditional Dance & Music Foundation, Inc. We are accompanied by vocalist Narong who sings traditional Japanese folk songs.
Cultural
Artist
Spokane Taiko

Spokane Taiko is “Thunderous Entertainment” (Chey Scott, Inlander). We are a non-profit community group founded in 1997 that plays the traditional music and rhythms of Japan on Taiko drums and other instruments. We are a performing group that also conducts hands-on workshops, where the audience gets to play the big drums. The culture that surrounds the art of taiko is one that involves patience and discipline in every aspect of our lives. We perform and do workshops with all ages.