Drummer Yoyoka Soma at the Nova Vita Festival, Irvine, California, 7-28-2024

Extraordinary drumming talent, Yoyoka Soma, performs a solo improvisation followed by her own song 'Sparkling' at The Nova Vita Festival.

Five years after first seeing this incredible drummer performing Led Zeppelin's 'Good Times, Bad Times' cover, I got the chance to see and meet Yoyoka and her mother, dad, and younger brother, Shido, at this festival held annually at Tanaka Farms, in Irvine, California. I briefly spoke with each family member and was thrilled to finally see this enormously talented young player in person. There was also a battle of the bands' playoff, in which four groups of mostly youngsters played their versions of classic rock tunes. In the end, an all-star jam session was arranged, by the judges of the contest, with Yoyoka joining on drums. A splendid little festival with lots of good food, activities, and culture! Thank you, Tanaka Farms, The Soma family, and all who participated in this pleasant and memorable day!