#LunchWithDoug the Community Follower

  Taikoza, a unique Taiko group, is a powerful embodiment of the ancient art of Japanese drumming. The name “Taikoza” translates to “big drums,” and that’s exactly what this group brings to the stage - big drums, powerful rhythms, and an electrifying energy that fills the room. The Magic of Taikoza Taikoza is not just about the drums. The group also incorporates the magical sounds of bamboo flutes, known as Shakuhachi and Fue, into their performances. These traditional Japanese instruments add a melodic layer to the thunderous beats of the Taiko drums, creating a musical experience that is both thrilling and deeply moving. A Unique Experience A Taikoza performance is more than just a concert - it’s an experience. The thunderous voice of the 150 lb. Taiko drums gives life to both traditional and new compositions. The raw energy that Taikoza brings will make you rediscover Taiko and energize your senses. It’s a truly life-changing experience. Join Us for Taikoza Experience the thunde...

  As the first buds of spring begin to bloom, I find myself reflecting on the significance of March in my life. It’s a month that has always held a special place in my heart, though it took me years to fully understand why. Growing up, I was always a bit of a rebel, preferring to start new ventures in the fall rather than the spring. My father would often chide me for this, insisting that spring was the time for new beginnings. I never really understood his words until much later in life, when I began to see the patterns that had been woven into the fabric of my existence. In college, a simple question about my heritage led me on a journey of self-discovery. I learned that I am mostly Irish, with a touch of Native American and Dutch/Scottish ancestry. This revelation helped me understand my deep connection to the Celtic traditions that are so richly celebrated in March. St. Patrick’s Day, with its vibrant green hues, leprechauns, and shamrocks, is a celebration of my Irish heritage...

A group gathered at the historic location of the once tourist camp on Jefferson Highway located on the 200 block of East Walnut in Nevada, Missouri. Photo by: Tim Bradshaw By: Doug Harper The Jefferson Highway, named after President Thomas Jefferson, is a significant part of the history and development of Nevada, Missouri. This highway, which was part of the National Auto Trail system, was built in the 1910s. It was marketed as the “Palm to Pine Highway”, referring to the differing trees one would find at either end of the route. A Route of Historical Significance The Jefferson Highway Association came into existence in 1915, and the initial routing was conceived between Winnipeg and New Orleans by 1916. The highway was an important thoroughfare for travelers heading north or south throughout the central United States and Canada. The term “highway” meant something very different a hundred years ago than it does today. A highway was an improved road, meaning anything from dirt to macada...