Gregory Shimizu
For Gregory Shimizu, the Seeds of Booming Tree Taiko DUO, were planted in the 1975, when he saw Japan's first taiko supergroup Ondekoza (Kodo emerged from this group)play in Edmonton. Then, in the 1980's Greg's Father, Dr. Henry Shimizu, arranged to have a taiko group from Seattle perform at the Japan Pavillion at (the 3rd ever) Edmonton's Heritage Festival and host them at his family home. Through showcasing taiko Dr.Shimizu inspired the Japanese community to organize a taiko workshop and provide funding for its own community group - which Greg joined. In fact, after serving 20+ years he became the longest running member to ever leave the community group. Booming Tree was created to be Alberta's first professional Taiko group and to take taiko to the next level of performance, collaboration, innovation and teaching.
In his work with Booming Tree Greg enjoys pushing the boundries of traditional Taiko by constantly creating 'new' shows and collaborations (such as PULSE- Rock Taiko), by designing and constructing new drums such as their one of a kind 4 foot head 'odaiko', and by prototyping lighted 'Jedi taiko sticks' - LED lighted drumming sticks for the Flying Drum Show.
Gregory has been playing taiko since 1989, with over 750 performances and collaborations with many different groups and performers including, the Edmonton and Calgary Symphonies, Edmonton’s Shumka Dancers, Noble House Kenjitsu, iVardensphere, Calgary's Midnight Taiko, Ed Mann (percussionist from Frank Zappa), Sarah Polkington (Asani), and with PULSE (Martin Johann Kloppers and Moni Matthew, Dave Clarke, David Shepperd).
Performing, teaching and studying Taiko has taken Greg coast to coast in North America, from New Orleans in the south to Yellowknife in the North, and many times across the ocean to Japan. He is a gifted teacher, with 20 years of experience in instructing drumming workshops and classes tailored to both students and adults including teaching at the North American Taiko Conference held at Stanford University.
OTHER
In his corporate life, Greg was a professional facilliator and corporate marketer and as an entrepenuer is the majority owner of the Pourhouse Bier Bistro (on whyte ave) known for not using a deep fryer and amazing beer selection and of course some vegetarian menu items.
Gregory is also a Vegan triathlete (swim-bike-run), who has travelled the world competing at Five Triathlon ITU World Championships. He raced (2003-2009) as a member of the Canadian National team representing Canada as an 'AGE GROUP' competitor. While racing in Sprint to Half Ironman distances, Greg focuses on Olympic Distance when at World Championships.
Yoshiko Shimizu, Gregory's sister, also plays taiko. She spent 8 years with Yakudo in Toronto and now plays with Midnight Taiko in Calgary. Greg is also proud of his father Dr. Henry Shimizu, who recieved the Order of Canada for his lifetimes work in Medicine, the Arts and Community work.
