A Celebration of Japanese Arts May 31, 2008

Co-sponsored by

South Broadway Cultural Center & Isshin Ryu Club

Saturday May 31st, 2008 - 7pm

South Broadway Cultural Center Theater

1025 Broadway SE Albuquerque, NM 87102

With performances by

New Mexico Taiko

and

Miyagi Ryu Okinawan Dance Group

(Led by Ms. Yaeko Miyazato)

For more info and tickets visit www.NewMexicoTaiko.com or call Anita Lee Gallegos (505) 294-6993. SBCC ticket office (505) 848-1321. For Accessibility call 848-1320, Relay NM 711.

---

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.

---

New Mexito Taiko

There is no mistaking when New Mexico Taiko begins to play—the resonant tones of the drums working together can quickly fill any performance space and command the immediate attention of anyone in the vicinity. Taiko's appeal is rooted both in its thundering drum tones and in the highly disciplined, ceremonial approach to performance that group members employ.

Although a self-proclaimed "garage band" in lighter moments, New Mexico Taiko has actually been around for quite awhile and has done professional performances at many prominent civic and private events in New Mexico. Sensei (group leader) Calvin Kobayashi began playing taiko over 20 years ago.

---

Miyagi Ryu Okinawan Dance Group

(Led by Ms. Yaeko Miyazato)

Okinawa dance movements are closely associated to karate movements as this was a form of self-defense in ancient times when the art of karate was reserved for samurais or nobility. Self-defense for farmers, fishermen and other lower class groups had to be camouflaged by the art of Okinawa dance.

All performer costumes are authentic and were brought over from Okinawa.

Official Website: http://www.newmexicotaiko.com