California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, California

California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, California

Sept. 22, 2011

CONTACT: LISA WOSKE, lwoske@calpoly.edu

TICKET SALES: 805/756-2787

Taiko Revolutionaries Unite in Concert

SAN LUIS OBISPO, CALIFORNIA – On Friday, October 14, 2011 at 8 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center’s Cohan Center, Cal Poly Arts will present KENNY ENDO / ON ENSEMBLE: TAIKO 2.0, an explosive evening that merges the Japanese-drum explorations of percussion quartet, On Ensemble, with world-renowned taiko pioneer Kenny Endo. Guest artists will include Japanese flute phenom Kaoru Watanabe and accomplished percussionist Eien Hunter.

(High-volume performance)

After a recent southern California date, CerritosInk hailed the collaborationas "one of the most innovative and musically fresh groups ever to take the stage in the big hall..."

Taiko 2.0 features acclaimed work from the groups' established repertoire as well as new, collaborative compositions. In this amazing showcase, Japanese instruments meet decidedly contemporary influences including hip-hop, Tuvan throat-singing, and western drum set.

According to New Age Reporter, the result is "the explosive drama of Japanese taiko drums, dazzling percussion... and world music themes... (earning) a standing ovation."

Kenny Endo is a leading performer and pioneer of contemporary taiko, internationally known for his formidable technique and fine-tuned musical sensibilities. Trained in hogaku hayashi (classical Japanese drumming) and matsuri bayashi (festival drumming), his music blends taiko with rhythmic influences and melodies from around the world. Recently, Endo performed as a taiko soloist with the Honolulu Symphony, the Hong Kong Philharmonic, the Hawaii Opera Theater, alongside percussionist Kiyohiko Semba, and in concert with singer Bobby McFerrin.

Los Angeles-based On Ensemble is at the forefront of contemporary taiko composition. Founded in 2001 with the goal of exploring Japanese drums from every angle, the group's four members mix extensive taiko experience with training in Kabuki theater from the Berklee College of Music, in Indonesian gamelan ensembles, and at the Los Angeles Skratch Academy for DJs.

Together, Kenny Endo and On Ensemble are a formidable, creative force.

Patrons are invited to attend a free pre-concert lecture presented by Music Dept. Faculty Member Ken Habib at 7 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center’s Philips Recital Hall.

Student and adult tickets for the performance range from $16 to $38 and may be purchased at the Performing Arts Center Ticket Office, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays.

To order by phone, call 805/756-2787; to order by fax: 805/756-6088.

24-hour on-line ordering is available at www.calpolyarts.org.

10% discount offered to groups of 10 or more. (Not applicable to student rates)