Tampa Taiko to Perform at the Richmond Folk Festival

Tampa, FL, October 04, 2026 --(PR.com)-- Tampa Taiko is a Japanese drumming organization which has performed at more than 2000 locations throughout the southeastern United States. For 20 years, Tampa Taiko concerts and hands-on events have developed a reputation for its strong rhythms, cultural storytelling and direct involvement in educational outreach. They will give a performance at the Richmond Folk Festival on Saturday, October 10 at 1:45 p.m. on the Family Stage. For many who attend, there will be an opportunity to play on Tampa Taiko’s big drums.

Ron Collins is a native of Yorktown, VA, and graduated from Virginia Tech in 1985. After moving to Florida, he became a full-time teaching artist and taiko performer, and has visited over 2000 schools, libraries, festivals, corporate team building events, senior living facilities, summer camps and VIP events. Now, based in Midlothian, Virginia, and in Tampa, Florida, he continues to keep a schedule that has averaged about 100 shows every year since 2008.

Ron Collins is also a prolific open water marathon swimmer, having completed swims across the 21-mile English Channel, the 20-mile Catalina Channel, the 28.5-mile Manhattan Island Marathon Swim, and the 24-mile Tampa Bay Marathon Swim. The endurance and discipline that he has developed while swim training daily since 1973, form the basis of the strength and precision displayed by Tampa Taiko. His lifestyle is a nod to the legendary Ondekoza and Kodo taiko groups of Japan, who train daily as long distance marathon runners, in addition to their rigorous workouts on drums in their practice studio.

Official Richmond Folk Festival Description
Tampa Taiko - Traditional Japanese Drumming - Tampa, FL & Midlothian, VA

The Richmond Folk Festival states that “Ron Collins performs as Tampa Taiko, delivering the powerful rhythms and dynamic spirit of Japanese taiko drumming in an engaging and interactive performance for people of all ages. Blending traditional techniques with playful storytelling, his performances invite audiences to experience the energy, discipline, and joy of taiko. With driving beats, expressive movement, and interactive elements, Tampa Taiko brings an unforgettable, hands-on introduction to this centuries-old art form."