Enjoy an evening of Taiko Drumming and Okinawan Dance

Hosted by Sandia Prep High School & New Mexico Taiko

Fundraiser for NM Taiko, a 501(c) organization.

Friday, August 31st from 7pm to 9pm

Contact: Anita Lee Gallegos (505) 294-6993 [email protected]


Event Location: Sandia Prep High School - 532 Osuna Rd NE, Albuquerque, NM

Tickets $20.00 available at the door.

Taiko simply means "great drum" in Japanese and now taiko has taken on the universal meaning of an art form. With origins in ancient Japanese tradition, taiko drumming dates back approximately 2,000 years.

Featuring performances by Miyagi Ryu Nosho Kai Okinawa dance group, New Mexico Taiko, and Santa Fe vocalist Madi Sato.

Okinawan Dance

New Mexico's Miyagi Ryu Nosho Kai Okinawa dance group, under the direction of Yaeko Miyazato, will perform traditional Okinawan dances. 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 costumes are authentic and were brought over from Okinawa.

New Mexico 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. New Mexico Taiko was originally founded in 1981 through the New Mexico Japanese American Citizens League.

Madi Sato

Santa Fe vocalist Madi Sato will perform a couple of collaborative numbers with Mr. Endo. Ms. Sato is half Japanese, half American, actor, award-winning singer, songwriter and entrepreneur. She was named one of New Mexico's top 5 exceptional performers by the Santa Fean Magazine in 2003. She is the recipient of the 2004 New Mexico Mic Award for “Best R&B song of the year” with her original composition, Lady Pearl. She recently played one of the title roles in the musical romantic comedy, Aucassin and Nicolette, at the El Museo Theatre in Santa Fe. For the past 10 years, Madi has been touring throughout the Southwest as an original singer and songwriter.

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.

Kenny Endo Biography

Kenny Endo is a performer, composer, and leader of contemporary taiko. He has paved new directions in taiko, bringing a creative approach to music through his background in Japanese percussion, world music, and western drumming. His music blends neo-traditional taiko rhythms with original melodies and improvisation. He began his taiko career in 1975 as a member of Kinnara Taiko and San Francisco Taiko Dojo. In 1980, Endo embarked on a decade-long odyssey in Japan performing with the masters of Japanese classical drumming, Tokyo festival music, and ensemble drumming. Endo has 32 years experience with the taiko and was the first foreigner to receive a stage name and master's degree in the art of classical Japanese drumming. He has performed extensively throughout the U.S. and Japan as well as Egypt, Australia, Malaysia, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Germany, France, Belgium, England, Canada, the Czech Republic, and the former U.S.S.R. For more about Endo's work see: www.kennyendo.com.

Official Website: http://newmexicotaiko.com/events/kennyendo_fundraiser.html