Taku Hirano recently performed on percussion for the final tapings of the Oprah Winfrey, held  in Chicago at the United Center in front of an audience of 15,000 people (airdate: May 23 and 24, 2011). With the house band, Taku backed up Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, Patti Labelle, Usher, Jamie Foxx, Josh Groban, Kristen Chenoweth, and a comedy number by television personalities, Rosie O'Donnell, Dr. Phil, Dr. Oz, and Nate Berkus.

Other guests included Tom Hanks, Tom Cruise, Katie Holmes, Will Smith, Jada Pinkett Smith, Michael Jordan, Madonna, Halle Berry, Dakota Fanning, Beyonce, Alicia Keys, Dr. Maya Angelou, Rascal Flatts, Dianne Sawyer, and Maria Shriver.

Taku also recently performed at the Modern Drummer Festival 2011, as a special guest to drum clinician Trevor Lawrence (Herbie Hancock). 

Made from special plastic material, the MEINL Egg Maracas have a clear and crisp tone with a comfortable handle for absolute control.

http://meinlpercussion.com/goto/pembk

These Djembes are made from a solid piece of plantation grown Mahogany wood, and are hand carved with a horizontal ripple motif that suggests a flowing river. This also makes the djembe easy to grip between the knees. The hand selected goat skin head is secured and tuned with the traditional Mali Weave system.

http://meinlpercussion.com/goto/hdj3-xl

The Daf is a classical Persian frame drum with a rich tradition. It has ring snares nearly all the way around the inside of the shell, and is played with a lot of movement. The new MEINL Daf comes with a woven texture synthetic head.

http://meinlpercussion.com/goto/fd20d-wh

MEINL Headliner® Series Bongos are perfect for the student or hobbyist who is looking for a high quality instrument right from the beginning.

http://meinlpercussion.com/goto/hb100vwb-m

MEINLPercussion proudly announces that its Journey Series Rope Tuned Fiberglass Djembes have won the 2011 MIPA in the catagory: best percussion product.
(M.I.P.A. - musikmesse international press award) is the "Grammy" of the musical instrument industry.

"We are feeling very proud and honored for our 8th MIPA," says product manager Mario Schmitt. "This confirms that all effort is worth the trouble."

The MEINL Conga Risers are sturdy rubber feet that raise your drums off the floor to allow maximum sound projection. A set of four provides a stable base on any surface.

http://meinlpercussion.com/goto/mcr-bk