Kenny Endo Taiko Ensemble in L.A.

Celebrating 30 years in taiko, Kenny Endo and his Taiko Ensemble perform on Nov. 20, 2005 at 4pm at the Japan America Theatre, Los Angeles, CA.

This Fall, taiko master Kenny Endo has been touring with a combination of members of his Tokyo, Honolulu, and continental USA ensembles for a special Kenny Endo Taiko Ensemble "East Meets West" series of performances to celebrate Endos 30 years of devotion to honing and developing his art. Catch the final performance on Nov. 20, 2005 at 4pm at the George & Sakaye Aratani Japan America Theatre, Los Angeles, CA.

The "East Meets West" performance tour features both Japanese and Western instruments in an eclectic collaboration of traditional and world rhythms and modern compositions. Instrumentation includes the large taiko drums, tsuzumi (Japanese hour-glass hand drum), bamboo flutes, 17-string bass koto, vibraphones, congas, as well as Latin, Japanese, and world percussion.

A performer, composer, and leading spirit in contemporary taiko, Endo trained in western drums and percussion from an early age before embarking on a journey of taiko training and performing that has taken him around the world. Endo holds the distinction of being the first non-Japanese national to be designated with a natori (stage name) in classical Japanese drumming. He is also a master of taiko folk forms, an educator with a masters degree in Music, as well as an innovator in contemporary percussion collaborations.

The "East Meets West" ensemble includes from the East: Kyosuke Suzuki, one of Japans leading performers of festival music and Edo Sato Kagura (Shinto music), and also considered one of the top lion dancers of the Tokyo style (Hawaii concerts only); Yoshinori Nomi, one of the original Tokyo Cuban Boys, famous for introducing Latin music to Japan; virtuosic vibraphones player, Hitoshi Hamada, considered one of the best in Japan (continental US tour and select Hawaii performances). These musicians from Japan, combined with one of the most sought-after studio musicians in Los Angeles, Masakazu Yoshizawa on shakuhachi (bamboo flute), woodwinds and percussion; 17-string bass koto (Japanese zither) extraordinaire Shoko Hikage; and Endos dynamic taiko drummers from his Honolulu and continental US-based ensembles including Eien Hunter (taiko, vibraphones and percussion), Kirstin Pauka (taiko and percussion), and Joy Tanaka (taiko and percussion), form a diverse and high-caliber ensemble from East and West. The Honolulu concert will additionally feature all members of the Honolulu Kenny Endo Taiko Ensemble with special guest, world-class drummer and percussionist, Noel Okimoto.

November 20, 2005
George & Sakaye Aratani Japan America Theatre,
Los Angeles, CA
Tickets: $25, $27, $30, $35
4pm

Box Office: (213) 680-3700
Web: www.kennyendo.com