Taiko artist Kenny Endo to perform at San Juan Capistrano Library, Aug 15

August 2009

Taiko artist Kenny Endo performs at the San Juan Capistrano Regional Public Library, Aug 15 at 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.

Special guests include flutist Kaoru Watanabe (New York), Abe Lagrimas (Los Angeles), and Miles Endo (Rhode Island).

Kenny Endo is recognized as one of the foremost taiko artists paving new directions for the contemporary usage of the traditional taiko drum.

He was the first foreigner to be honored with a "natori," or stage name in classical Japanese drumming called "hogaku" but also has roots in western and world music. 

Watanabe, originally from the St. Louis Osuwa Taiko Group, specializes in woodwinds and was the principal bamboo flute player and artistic director for the world-reknown Kodo taiko group.

Lagrimas, a native of Hawaii and child prodigy of drums and percussion, is also a virtuoso on vibraphones and ukulele.

Miles Endo, son of the master taiko artist, has played taiko since age 3 and has earned his own reputation as a virtuosic drummer and musician. 

The Ensemble performs all original music which Endo has performed around the world to enthusiastic audiences.

The outdoor Spanish courtyard of the San Juan Capistrano Regional Public Library, provides for a romantic mood provoking setting. 

The Ensemble will perform two shows at 6:30 and 8:30 pm. 

Tickets are $10 and are available at the door only.

Doors open at 5:30 pm (6:30 pm show) and 7:45 pm (8:30 pm show).

San Juan Capistrano Regional Public Library

31495 El Camino Real

San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675

(949) 493-1752

(The library is located next door to the famous San Juan Capistrano Mission, where the swallow return annually.)