The Davis Cherry Blossom Festival is a celebration of art and culture that takes place annually in Davis, California. It features taiko performances, bands and musicians, an artists galley, local food trucks, and family-friendly games and activities.

I started the project in 2016 as a way to share taiko and Asian American experiences with the community. As a taiko player who was regularly performing, though sometimes without context, I wanted a place for us to be able to have our own stage to tell our stories and share experiences. My hope was that it could be a place for building solidarity within and beyond Asian America.

We incorporated as a nonprofit in 2019 and are run by a volunteer board of mostly young, Asian American taiko players. The project is also a place for mentorship, giving students and young adults experience producing events and organizing within their communities.

We produce both the spring “Davis Cherry Blossom Festival” as well as a fall “Tsukimi” event. Check the website linked above or contact us at the listed email to learn more or get involved.