2014 / Taiko: Kenny Endo and Kaoru Watanabe at Aratani Theatre May 23

Japanese American National Museum and Kodo Arts Sphere America present “Convergence” with Kenny Endo and Kaoru Watanabe on Friday, May 23, at 8:00 pm at Tateuchi Democracy Forum at the campus of the Japanese American National Museum in Little Tokyo.  

Tickets are $15 for general admission; $10 for JANM members. Purchase online at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/

One of the leading performers in contemporary percussion and rhythm, Kenny Endo is at the vanguard of the taiko genre, continuing to carve new territory in this Japanese style of drumming. A performer, composer, and teacher, he has received numerous awards and accolades. Kenny is a consummate artist, blending Japanese taiko with rhythms influenced by his background in World Music and by collaborations with musicians from around the globe.

Kaoru Watanabe is a New York based composer, educator and practitioner of various Japanese bamboo flutes and the taiko drum. Kaoru has performed with a diverse array of artists as jazz pianist Jason Moran to Japanese National Living Treasure Bando Tamasaburo and was a performing member and artistic director of the iconic Japanese taiko ensemble Kodo for close to a decade.