Diatonic performs in Taiwan

The event was held at the Dong-Shan River Chin Shui Park and the Circle Stage.

TT was joined by over 15 countries and the host in a celebration of the world’s cultural heritage through folk music and dance.

Among the participating nations were Kyrgyz Republic, Indonesia, Hungry, the Philippines, Japan, USA, Mexico, Croatia, South Africa, Poland, El Salvador, Australia, Russia, Mongolia, Uzbekistan, Korea and Czech Republic. The festival ran from June 29 to July 21. Diatonic’s performances included some limbo dancing.

Diatonic has also entered into an agreement with the Taiwan Ministry of Culture to conduct workshops and establish a steelband in Taiwan.

Diatonic performed at the Folkmoot USA International Festival in North Carolina last year. In 2011 the band also formed the Wesleyan University Steelband Ensemble and the Indiana Community Band when it made a five-city tour of Indiana USA. On that tour the band was treated like royalty as the governor of Indiana proclaimed the tour week as Pan Appreciation Week and the mayor of Indianapolis gave Diatonic a certificate of appreciation.

Formed six years ago, Diatonic Pan Institute is a non-profit, non governmental organisation (NGO), community- based group with it sights set on taking the national instrument to the world.

The visit to Taiwan was as a result of one of three invitations the band received coming out of its trip to North Carolina last year.