Enjoy the music and imagery of ShastaYama July 31st in Mt. Shasta

A group performance at 2009 ShastaYama

ShastaYama is a Mt. Shasta event full of grace, imagery, music and dance. Since its inception in 2005, ShastaYama as brought powerful music, inspired costumes and dance, along with a memorable community experience to Shastice Park in Mt. Shasta. With the mountain looming over the scene and the majesty of this traditional Japanese art, ShastaYama is a spectacle you won’t want to miss. The event is set for July 31st – gates open at 5pm and you’ll want to go early to pick your spot and be settled in for the 6pm show.

ShastaYama was created by Shasta Taiko, formed by Russel Baba and Jeanne Mercer. They will perform along with a number of other artists and groups, including their son, Masato Baba, who is a member of TaikoProject. Somei Yoshino Taiko Ensemble for San Francisco, musician and dancer Michelle Fujii, and Toru Watanabe and the members of Shasta Taiko all take part in this amazing evening.

In my first year at ShastaYama we joined in the festive group dance that opened the event as members from the crowd joined in with musicians and performers to set the mood for the evening. The event starts out in the sunshine and finishes well after dark, so you’ll want to bring warm clothes and a flashlight for navigating.  It’s all lawn seating, so bring your picnic blankets and lawn chairs and settle for an amazing evening.

To get a sense for the performance, go to the ShastaYama website to view the gallery and read about the event. Tickets are available in Mt. Shasta at Village Books and Soul Connections, in Yreka at the Chamber of Commerce and Bogbean Books and Music in Redding. You can also order by phone with your credit card by calling 800.926.4865 x 203.