The Rothko Chapel invites the public to herald in the beginning of summer - and celebrate the solstice on Sunday, June 21.

The day begins with a 6:20 a.m. sunrise Tibetan yoga practice led by Alejandro Chaoul of the Ligmincha Texas Center for the Meditative and Healing Arts. Movements will focus on the chakras, clearing obstacles and allowing a state of mind that fosters connection with others and a deeper understanding of self.

The solstice celebration at the Chapel will end at sunset with a performance by Kaminari Taiko of Houston, the premier Japanese drumming group in the Gulf Coast region.

"Taiko" is the Japanese word for drum - and the art of taiko carries deep significance in Japanese culture. Samurai warriors used taiko on the battlefield to signal commands and frighten their enemies. Townspeople warned of danger by beating on taiko, and priests used the drumming at religious ceremonies. Temples and shrines throughout Japan display taiko as a symbol of purification and to dispel evil spirits.

Kaminari Taiko was founded in 1996 by Jay Mochizuki along with a number of talented musicians from diverse backgrounds and ethnicities. The members trained under world acclaimed Taiko masters such as: Daihachi Oguchi, Seiichi Tanaka, Kenny Endo and Takemasa Ishikura to learn the fundamental skills, philosophy and spirit of this centuries old Japanese tradition.