Taiko is an old Japanese art form which, when translated, means “great drum.” Performances of taiko are filled with energetic acrobatics and powerful music. “I think what’s interesting about taiko is that, on a timeline, you can go in both
Taiko is an old Japanese art form which, when translated, means “great drum.” Performances of taiko are filled with energetic acrobatics and powerful music.
“I think what’s interesting about taiko is that, on a timeline, you can go in both directions,” said taiko master Kenny Endo. “There’s such a fascination with it. You can go back in time and appreciate the traditional and go forward into the contemporary drumming.”
Endo brings his taiko ensemble of drummers for a show Wednesday at the Kaua‘i Community College Performing Arts Center at 7 p.m.
“It’s a musical performance, but it’s also a visual performance,” he said. “You feel the drumming in your bones. It’s almost primal.”
Endo has performed taiko in Europe, Australia, China, Canada and all over the United States.
“Generally the responses have been good, from all different age groups,” he said. “It’s kind of like an interpretive language in that it comes across borders.”
Endo has been performing shows on Kaua‘i since the early 1990s, doing little shows as pick-you-ups after Hurricane ‘Iniki and then bigger shows at the KCC PAC.
Last time he was here, it was 2005. This year, in addition to his public concert, the ensemble will conduct workshops and two school performances.
“There’s always been great support for taiko on Kaua‘i. There’s even a taiko group called Taiko Kaua‘i. We’ll be using some of their instruments for our performance,” Endo said.
The first half of the show will have a more contemporary feel, while the second will be kumidaiko, a taiko group performance.
Joining Endo for the performance is master of Ikuta-style of koto (Japanese zither/harp) Monami Shishikura.
“She’s pretty incredible,” Endo said. “This is a way to utilize her talents before she moves back to Japan.”
Percussionist Eien Hunter also joins on percussion.
Tickets are available at: Hawaiian Music Hut in Prince-ville; Bounty Music in Kapa‘a; Kauai Discount Activities at Nawiliwili; Island Soap & Candle Works in Koloa; and Scotty’s Music in Kalaheo.
For more information, call the Garden Island Arts Council 245-2733.
Want to Go?
Who: The Kenny Endo Taiko Ensemble
When: Wednesday, 7 p.m.
Where: KCC PAC
Tickets: $30/adv; $40/door
• Lanaly Cabalo, lifestyle writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 237) or lcabalo@kauaipubco.com.
