Mountain River Taiko is a community Japanese drumming group based in western Massachusetts. Founded by Olga Ehrlich in Williamsburg, MA in 2011, MRT transitioned to a 501c3 nonprofit organization in 2022 and now practices at Bombyx Center for Arts & Equity in Florence. Taiko is a full-body performance art that blends physicality and musicality, movement and rhythm. Originating in Japan but molded by a globalized world, taiko performances pay homage to cultural traditions as well as innovate contemporary styles. Mountain River Taiko performances highlight each performer's expression of spirit, as well as the drum's ability to connect performers and audience members alike.