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20251206 Taiko Playbill DIGITAL

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THE ART & STUDY OF

Torrance Cultural Arts Foundation

SPONSORS

DALE KORMAN

(In Memory of Maestro Frank Fetta)

Ann and Marty Gallagher Nancy and George Mannon

Ted and Carolyn Porter

Cliff Numark

OUR MISSION

In partnership with the City of Torrance, The Torrance Cultural Arts Foundation’s mission is to enrich the community through the performing arts by providing diverse cultural, educational and entertainment experiences of the highest quality.

OUR VISION

The vision of the Torrance Cultural Arts Foundation is to connect our community through culturally enriching experiences.

THANK YOU TO THE CITY COUNCIL AND CULTURAL ARTS COMMISSION FOR THEIR CONTINUED SUPPORT OF TOCA AND THE ARTS IN THE SOUTH BAY

LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The Torrance Cultural Arts Foundation would like to acknowledge that the Armstrong Theatre is located on the traditional and ancestral territory of the Tongva people in the Swaanga Village. We ask you to join us in acknowledging the Tongva community, their elders both past and present, as well those of future generations. www.tongvapeople.com

Welcome to Our 2025–2026 Season

Welcome to a brand-new season with the Torrance Cultural Arts Foundation! I’m honored to step into the role of Board President as we continue TOCA’s proud tradition of celebrating the arts in all their beautiful diversity.

For over three decades, TOCA has been a cornerstone of creativity and connection in the South Bay. That legacy continues today because of the passion and dedication of our community—our artists, audiences, partners, donors, and volunteers. Together, we make it possible to bring inspiring, thought-provoking, and joy-filled performances to our stages.

At TOCA, we believe the arts are for everyone. Whether it’s your first time in the theater or you’ve been with us since the beginning, we invite you to explore this season’s lineup and find something that speaks to you. From laugh-out-loud comedy to moving musical performances and cultural celebrations, there’s truly something for every taste.

On behalf of the entire Board of Directors, thank you for your continued support. I hope you’ll consider deepening your connection with TOCA—subscribe to our season, become a donor, or lend your time as a volunteer. However you choose to engage, know that you are a vital part of our mission.

I look forward to seeing you at the theater—and to all the unforgettable moments we’ll share this season.

Warmly,

Torrance Cultural Arts Foundation

Welcome to the 2025/2026 season at the Torrance Cultural Arts Foundation!

As we turn the page from our milestone 30th year and look ahead, I’m filled with gratitude—not only for where we’ve been, but for where we’re going. Each season is a new opportunity to bring people together, spark meaningful conversations, and celebrate the incredible power of live performance.

At TOCA, we’re not just curating a season—we’re creating space for discovery, connection, and joy. Whether it’s world-class music, laughout-loud comedy, soul-stirring theater, or family programming that ignites young imaginations, our goal remains the same: to offer something memorable for everyone who walks through our doors.

I continue to be inspired by the artists we work with, the team behind the scenes, and especially you— our audience, donors, and community partners—who make it all possible. Your enthusiasm and support are what keeps TOCA vibrant and thriving.

Please explore this brochure and find the shows that speak to you. And as always, if there’s anything we can do to make your experience better, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at info@TorranceArts.org.

Let’s make this season one to remember. See you at the theatre!

Assisted listening devices available. Ask the House Manager or usher for assistance.

THE ART & STUDY OF TAIKO

Thank you very much for joining us today for the ASANO TAIKO U.S. Recital 2025.

It is truly a joy and an honor to gather once again and share this stage with all of you. Taiko is more than music and rhythm—it is a bridge that connects people, communities, and cultures. Here in Torrance, ASANO TAIKO U.S. strives to be a place where that connection continues to grow, allowing more people to experience the power and spirit of taiko.

I would like to express my sincere appreciation to our students who dedicate themselves to practice, our instructors and staff who support every detail of this event, and our community members who always stand with us. This recital is possible only because of your continued support.

I hope today’s performance fills your heart with the energy, warmth, and resonance that only taiko can bring.

Thank you again, and we look forward to your continued support.

Welcome to the ASANO TAIKO U.S. Recital 2025, “Art and Study of Taiko.”

What a joy to return to the Armstrong Theatre and to celebrate the progress of our students together. This recital marks more than the culmination of months of practice, but it represents personal growth. Through taiko, we learn not just rhythm and form, but awareness, discipline, and the courage to keep improving ourselves both on and off the drum.

Standing on stage is never easy. The lights, the audience, the anticipation – all of it can make our hearts race. But my message for the students is... take a breath, let go of any nerves, and let’s savor the experience of playing alongside our beloved classmates. The shared moments of the sound, the smiles, and the energy are what makes the art of taiko so special.

Thank you for joining us in celebrating this growth, and for supporting a community where we can continue to learn, connect, and create together. And please enjoy the show!

Welcome to our end-of-year Recital, and thank you for joining us!

It’s always exciting to share our love for Taiko with the community, and we hope you can feel the hard work and dedication that went into today’s performance. I’m deeply grateful to our students for trusting me to guide them and for allowing me to share what I’m truly passionate about— teaching Taiko. It’s an honor to grow alongside them and witness their passion and spirit.

I hope you enjoy the program and leave inspired to pursue your own passions. Thank you again for supporting our students and Asano Taiko U.S.

A. Kurachi

Abigail Sangco

Adam Escobedo

Aki Imai

Alan Foster

Alex Choi

Alex Obatake

Alex Ro

Alexander Ito

Alien Sakai

Alison Phan

Amy Kubo

Anna Ishizawa

Anne Okada

Anne Tsujimoto

Araceli Prasarttongosoth

Art Tanaka

Atsuko Toba

Aya Nakano

Ayaka Fernandez

Barbie Chien

Blaine O’Brien

Braden Daisuke Nakamaru

C-Fong

Caiden Tatsuya Watanabe

Caitlin Leivers

Camille Agoncillo

Carol Fukuchi

Caylix La

Chace Kouju Watanabe

Charles Curcuruto

Chase Tokunaga

Cheryl Reichelderfer

Christine Elegino

Cindy Ai

Colin Inada

Connie McOsker

Cynthia Iwai

Dalyn Matsumura

Debbie Lin

Debbie Oune

Diane Fujimori

Drew Kato

Elliot Lo

Ema Sargent

Emma Yeh

Enishi Akutsu

Eri Kanamaru

Eri Williams

Ernest Ruckman

Esperanza Orpia

Ethan Cheong

Evelyn Wu

Frances Lipasek

Fred Visaya

Hana Bae

PERFORMERS

Haruki Miyoshi

Helena Lu

Hiro Hirashiki

Huy Nguyen

Isla Watkins

Jared Yuge

Jen Baik

Jennie Gregg

Jennifer Fujikawa

Jessica Koon

Joanne Lung

Joshua Sargent

Julia Asano

Juneya Ishii

Junko Maekawa

Karen Tanaka

Kate Steigleder

Katherine Cheng

Kathy Hamada

Katie Durnbaugh

Katsuji Asano

Keiko Date

Keith Ortiz

Kellie Yada

Kelly Chan

Ken Kashiwamura

Kent Ishii

Kobi Kozai

Kotaro Fujita

Kristi Shimazu

Kyle Nishimura

Kyle Tokunaga

Kyoko Watari

Larry Hashimoto

Lauren Lee

Lee Cabacungan

Lin Nakashima

Lina Cho

Lisa Sakai

Luc Mai

Maggie Chiang

Maggie Wang

Mallory Chen

ManMan Mui

Margaux Fukuda-Lemieux

Maria Teresa Gordon

Martin Mori Nakashima

Masa Miyano

Masaharu Ono

Max Yeh

May Kono

May Lin

Meghan Osato

Michael Duan

Michael Okuda

Michi Hirose

Michiko Saborouh

Mike Noguchi

Minami Sasaki

Misato Nakashima

Mitsue Kajikawa

Miyuki Todokoro

Momoko Toba

Nari Kim

Nathan Herbert

Norman Lopez

Olive Wilson

Ounosuke Tsukagoshi

Patrick Cruz

Patsy Matsushita

Peter Schaedler

Phoenix Fukuda-Lemieux

Reiko Higa

Robie La

Roshni Patil

Roy Kitasumi

Ruth Kurihara Kelsey

Ryan Ehara

Ryan Humphrey

Sakurako Shimizu

Sean Choi

Sera Thai

Sharon Hayashi

Sharon Tachibana

Shelby Respicio-Evans

Sheri Wilhelm

Shota Yoshikawa

Silvia Võ

Sonoma Saito

Stacey Nakasone

Steve La

Tate Y. Kurata

Tatiana Koike

Tomoko Takahashi

Val Chang

Vanessa Yee

Wallis Yamamoto

Wendy Ito

Wolf Finn

Yoshie Ueda

Yoshito Fernandez

Young Kang

Yumi Yamaoka

Yuta Kato

The Art and Study of Taiko

December 6, 2025

RECITAL PROGRAM

Thank You

SEASON PARTNER

City of Torrance

Eleanor Marie Land

Family Trust

$10,000 - $49,999 - STARS

Paul & Rita Keil

Pearlston Family Trust

Torrance Refining Company

$5,000 - $9,999 – CO-STARS

Sares-Regis Group

Supervisor Janice Hahn

Surf Management, Inc.

$2,500 - $4,999PRODUCERS

Jean Adelsman

Continental Development Corporation

Farmers & Merchants Bank

Jane and Jim Isomoto

Dale Korman (In Memory of Maestro Frank Fetta)

Lori Mizuguchi

Tito’s Handmade Vodka

$1,000 - $2,499 - DIRECTORS

Ann and Marty Gallagher

Nancy and George Mannon

Ted and Carolyn Porter

$500 – ANGELS

Tammy Khan

Rod and Crystal Macdonell

Gerald and Carol Marcil

Ellenmary Michel

William Oberholzer

Jim Olds (In Memory of A.Y. & Joyce Olds)

Athena Paquette Cormier

$250 - FRIENDS

Reuben and Sabrina Ayala

John and Louise Bye

Mary Hoffman and Bob Habel

Glen and Fumiko Isobe

Russell and Carole Lefevre

Frank and Marilyn Miles

Fred and Ann Peitzman

Andrea and Ron Perez (In Memory of John Popovich)

Nancy Richards

Laura Savitz

Winnie Seieroe

Sylvia Stadlman

Christian and Robin Wolf

$100 - FANS

Amy Blomgren

Janice Burrin

Ann and Victor Cooper

Helen Dennis

Lynn Fernandez

Judy Golden

Gary Hastings

Janet Johnson

Eleanor Jones

Pentti and Ginger Jussila

Lynda Kraemer

Kenneth and Doris Nakakura

George and Helen Nakano

Peter and Vicki Pellerito

Pamela Popovich

Maurine Swilley

Hazel Taniguchi

Paula and John Verbeck

Kurt Weideman and Sue Golden

TORRANCE CULTURAL ARTS FOUNDATION BOARD

Katy Geissert, Founding President

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Camilla Seferian, President

Heidi Cunningham, Vice President/Secretary

Winnie Seieroe, Treasurer

David Kartsonis, Immediate Past President

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Jean Adelsman

Sara Baillie

Liliana Dongo

Jim Olds

Peter Pettler

Rosemarie Piccioni, Ed.D.

Laura Savitz

ADVISORY BOARD

David Benoit

Shannon Dean

Scott Douglas

Donna Duperron

Steve Fechner

Patrick Furey

Ann Gallagher

Jonah Hirata

Sherry Kramer

Gesuina Lafayette

George Nakano

Steve Napolitano

Bill Oberholzer

Ted Porter

Ritas Smith

Kurt Weideman

STAFF

Christian Wolf, Executive Director

Sharon Sapigao, Administration

Susan Lyon, Artist Hospitality

Tes Schaff, Graphic Design

Torrance Cultural Arts Foundation

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