Aww… I didn't get a chance to take many pictures of Shasta Yama, but once again my parents and Mario Rubino (the producer) delivered. It was a very successful show. Mario thinks there were over 1,000 people who came! Even with all the smoke from the insane wild fires around the area and the rising gas prices, people came! What a special event this has become. Shoji said that this is the biggest outdoor taiko festival in the nation and I'd have to agree with him.

I have a lot of thank yous. First and foremost, my dad and mom, Russel Baba and Jeanne Mercer for putting on this awesome event every year and, of course, for believing in us and supporting our vision. Mario Rubino for believing in my mom and dad. Michelle Fujii for the constant vision and role she has played in our path. Mark Miyoshi for the beautiful drums and constant support. And, thank you to Laura Masunaga and Tadashi Kameda (Shoji's parents) who were the reason why my mom and dad moved up to Mt. Shasta in the first place. What an awesome community that rallied behind Shasta Yama. I am honored to be back here every year to make awesome music.

The Shasta Taiko flags. My dad irons every single one of these flags. They're huge and there's like 14 of them. Beautiful. Also the white balls are actually lanterns which lit up at night.


Shoj checking out Shasta Yama's lighting check.


On setting up. Kelving wearing sunglasses??? Since when??? Kelvin with a haircut??? Since when??? I got bit by some bug this day. Right near my eye! Hurt like hell...


The creators!


-Maz