New Mexico Taiko

Japanese Drumming Group

A Celebration of Japanese Arts Event
Co-sponsored by
South Broadway Cultural Center & Isshin Ryu Club

Saturday May 31st, 2008 - 7pm

South Broadway Cultural Center Theater
1025 Broadway SE, Albuquerque 87112

With special guest

Native American Flute player Andrew Thomas

With performances by

New Mexico Taiko

and

Miyagi Ryu Okinawan Dance Group

(Led by Ms. Yaeko Miyazato)
Online tickets sales are closed. Tickets available at the SBCC ticket office (505) 848-1321.

For more info call Anita Lee Gallegos (505) 294-6993. For accessibility call 848-1320, Relay NM 711. NOTE: Even children in an infant carrier need a ticket due to Fire Marshall regulations of not blocking aisles.

Note: No photography or video allowed during performance.

NM Taiko Group
Kenny Endo
Photo Credit: Toyo Miyatake

About Kenny Endo

Kenny Endo's taiko performance is a unique cultural and educational program that introduces the many drums and percussion instruments of Japan as used in both traditional and contemporary music. In the grande Kabuki, the taiko is used to create the sound of water, the sound of waves, and even the sound of wind. From a joyous festival to the blossoming of the beautiful white plum flower, the taiko is boundless in its expression.

In this solo presentation, Kenny Endo, taiko artist, will perform traditional and original contemporary compositions on various Japanese drums and flute. He will explain the historical and cultural context of these instruments as well as show how one learns to play and memorizes pieces in an oral tradition called kuchi shoka.

Kenny will perform on instruments such as odaiko (large drum), shime daiko (small tightened stick drum), tsuzumi (hour glass shaped hand drum from Kabuki theater), shino bue (bamboo flute), atarigane (hand gong), and taiko set (set of three taiko for Kenny's contemporary music). Kendo Music merchandise will also be on sale.

NM Taiko Group
Kenny Endo on Taiko Set
Photo Credit: Raymond Yuen
Kenny Endo Biography

Kenny Endo is a performer, composer, and leader of contemporary taiko. He has paved new directions in taiko, bringing a creative approach to music through his background in Japanese percussion, world music, and western drumming. His music blends neo-traditional taiko rhythms with original melodies and improvisation. He began his taiko career in 1975 as a member of Kinnara Taiko and San Francisco Taiko Dojo. In 1980, Endo embarked on a decade-long odyssey in Japan performing with the masters of Japanese classical drumming, Tokyo festival music, and ensemble drumming. Endo has 32 years experience with the taiko and was the first foreigner to receive a stage name and master's degree in the art of classical Japanese drumming. He has performed extensively throughout the U.S. and Japan as well as Egypt, Australia, Malaysia, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Germany, France, Belgium, England, Canada, the Czech Republic, and the former U.S.S.R. For more about Endo's work see: www.kennyendo.com.