Taking it easy with a flair for zen-like attitude over the summer is not an easy task for my multi-tasking soul. But when I received a last-minute notice about Frederik Meijer Gardens’ opening of its new Japanese garden, we made an impromptu visit to the serene space.
Raion Taiko and the Great Lakes Taiko Center Drummers
Our first stop was at the last Taiko drum showing of the night. We watched in awe of this modern art of Japanese drumming. Taiko, meaning “fat drum,” has ancient roots that are similar in feel to Chinese and Korean-style drumming. In the 1950s, Daihachi Oguchi, a jazz drummer, decided to “jazz” up his music with various sizes of taiko drums, creating this vibrant ensemble form. (For more info. about the history about of taiko as an art form, you can read more here.)
I can tell you that if your kids like music, then this will be a fun event to attend.
Check out the video of the performance here:
https://www.instagram.com/p/31n4eFvEaO/
The Richard and Helen DeVos Japanese Garden
Although the weather was bleak and dreary with an impending thunderstorm, plenty of visitors made a visit to a member opening of this expansive new space at Frederik Meijer Gardens.
https://www.instagram.com/p/31Wk8VvEfB/
Goodness. This place was amazing. You could spend hours here and feel relaxed after a day of stress. From the zen garden to their lovely collection of bonzai and long walks with strategic, well-placed resting spots, I could see plenty of visitors coming to see this garden for years to come. In fact, I dare say that plenty of couples will come here for engagements and weddings.
https://www.instagram.com/p/4Io9z2vESr/
If you are a member of Frederik Meijer Gardens, you can still check out the taiko drumming performance on Friday, June 12th, 2015 at 3 pm, 6:45 pm, and 8 pm. Don’t forget to stop by the tea house on your way out. Japanese tea ceremonies are intricate, detailed ceremonies. It’s more than just drinking tea for the sake of drinking.
The garden will be open to the public beginning June 13th! Check it out! It’s worth a visit or ten.
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For More Information:
Website: https://www.meijergardens.org
