The Kenny Endo Contemporary Ensemble brings an evening of Japanese taiko drumming and world music to Kent’s Spotlight Series at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 16 at the Kent-Meridian Performing Arts Center, 10020 SE 256th St.
One of the leading personas in contemporary percussion and rhythm, Endo is at the vanguard of the taiko genre, continuing to lead the way in this Japanese style of drumming as he marks his 40th year of performing and touring, according to a city media release.
As a jazz percussionist and early innovator in taiko, Endo keeps his roots firmly grounded in tradition, while stretching the genre by incorporating influences like funk, jazz, Afro-Cuban, and Hawaiian. He has received numerous awards and accolades, including special recognition in Japan: He was the first foreigner to be honored with a “natori” (stage name) in Japanese classical drumming.
For his 40th anniversary, Endo tours with his Contemporary Ensemble, mixing taiko and Japanese flute with western instruments, and featuring special guest artists Hitoshi Hamada, one of Japan’s top jazz vibraphonists, and Kaoru Watanabe, a practitioner of Japanese bamboo flutes, Western flute and taiko drum.
Tickets may be purchased at kentarts.com, by calling 253-856-5051 or at the Kent Commons, 525 Fourth Ave. N. Hours for phone and in-person sales are Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. The box office is closed on Sunday.
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