Japanese American National Museum and
Kodo Arts Sphere America present

Kenny Endo and Kaoru Watanabe , both considered leading practitioners of the Japanese taiko drums and flutes, combine Japanese theater and folk traditions with jazz and other improvisational genres to create a sound that is ancient with a modern edge.

KENNY ENDO One of the leading personas 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. Website: www.kennyendo.com.

KAORU WATANABE 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 from jazz pianist Jason Moran to Japanese National Living Treasure Bando Tamasaburo. He was a performing member and artistic director of the iconic Japanese taiko ensemble Kodo for close to a decade.


TICKETS
General Admission: $15
JANM Members: $10

Tickets will be by will-call only. Please bring a valid ID to claim ticket(s). For JANM members purchasing at special rate, valid membership card required per discounted ticket. Discount is non-transferable. Contact memberevents@janm.org if you need a new JANM Member Card printed.

LOCATION
Performance will take place in the Tateuchi Democracy Forum at the National Center for the Preservation of Democracy (NCPD)(glass building across courtyard from main Museum building).

PARKING & DIRECTIONS
Please visit our website for parking and driving directions.

Read about Kenny Endo on Discover Nikkei>>

For more up-to-date information about this event, please visit the Japanese American National Museums' events page: http://www.janm.org/events/2014/05/#23