Two-Time Grammy Nominated Hiroshima Kicks off 2013 Spring Tour at The Laguna Playhouse, with Special Guest Taiko Master Kenny Endo on April 15, 2013

Two-time Grammy nominated American jazz fusion band Hiroshima kicks off their 2013 spring tour at the Laguna Playhouse, 606 Laguna Canyon Rd., Laguna Beach, CA, with special guest artist Taiko Master Kenny Endo, on Monday, April 15, 7:30 p.m. This special performance is part of the Jammin’ Concert Series at the Laguna Playhouse and will feature new music from their latest CD Departure, the follow-up to their 2010 Grammy-nominated Legacy CD. Click here to purchase tickets or call (949) 497-2787 ext. 225 for more information on the show.

HIROSHIMA. Photo by Jaimee Itagaki

Since galvanizing the instrumental music world with its unique East meets West approach in the late 70s, Hiroshima has always kept its eye on a distinctive One World philosophy which seamlessly blends Asian and North American culture to reflect both cultural and spiritual connections. This year marks 20 years since the band’s unique combination of distinctively Japanese elements-June Kuramoto’s classical flavored koto, Johnny Mori’s booming taiko drum-with funky pop, urban and jazz sensibilities first hit the instrumental music charts, and 25 years since saxophonist and East L.A. native Dan Kuramoto, along with June, first formed the ensemble. Also featured in the band are Kimo Cornwell, Danny Yamamoto, Dean Cortez and Shoji Kameda.

Dan Kuramoto co-founder and leader of the band stated, “After more than 30 years in the recording industry — and almost 4 million records sold we’ve decided to leave record companies behind and venture on our own. “It is a new beginning for us in many ways. Departure is a journey of nine songs — all originals with just one guest artist, the incredible harmonica player Tetsuya “Tex” Nakamura. The opening track “Have You Ever Wondered,” is a luscious, textured piece featuring Nakamura and June’s shimmering koto.

“Koto Cruise,” is the second song and features a funky groove and a burning koto solo, “Blues for Sendai,” a soulful jazz blues piece, is dedicated to the spirit of the Japanese people who are rebuilding after the tragedies of March, 2011. The rockin’ blues in “Smiling Jack,” recalls the music of the 80’s and features the roaring B3 organ playing of Kimo Cornwell The sensual soul of “See You Again,” is a tribute to our friend and mentor James Moody. If you listen closely you’ll hear “Moody’s Mood for Love.”

After many years of requests, we offer our first live taiko recording, “Yamasong Duet” – - capturing the voice and the thunder of Shoji’s taiko and Danny’s fierce percussion interplay. The power and spirit of “First Nation,” a composition by the Hawaiian Kimo Cornwell, is a song embracing many native cultures – - and some serious jazz.

Departure ends with two new visitations to our most popular songs, “Thousand Cranes,” and a soulful version of “One Wish,” done as an acoustic trio.” Departure is available on the Hiroshima website, iTunes, Amazon.com, facebook and CDbaby. HiroshimaMusic.com

Kenny Endo. Photo by Lia Chang

Born and raised in Los Angeles, Kenny Endo began early training in western drums and percussion. He began his taiko career with the first two kumi-taiko groups established outside of Japan – L.A.’s groundbreaking Kinnara Taiko, and then with the renowned San Francisco Taiko Dojo. In 1980, he embarked on a decade-long odyssey in his ancestral Japan, studying and performing with Osuwa Daiko, Sukeroku Taiko, Oedo Sukeroku Taiko, Hogaku Hayashi with Mochizuki Ryu, and Matsuri Bayashi with Maru Kenjiro He has the honor of being the first foreigner to have received a “natori” in hogaku hayashi.

In the greater musical world in America, “Kenny Endo” has become synonymous with the word “taiko.” He is one of the most versatile musicians in the genre, crossing easily between the traditional and his own globally-inspired style. Endo also has an MA in Ethnomusicology and is highly sought after for educational programs and workshops.

Endo has recorded five CDs of original taiko compositions and his latest CD release is “Convergence”, a collaborative work with Kaoru Watanabe, which is now available on CD Baby. He was a featured artist on the TV special “Spirit of Taiko” in America and as artist-in-residence at New York’s Lincoln Center Institute. A consummate artist, he blends Japanese taiko with rhythms influenced by his jazz background and by collaborations with musicians from around the world. He has performed for musicians Prince and the late Michael Jackson, as well as the late Princess Diana and Prince Charles. He has performed with Japanese musicians Hayashi Eitetsu (taiko), Sato Michihiro (Tsugaru shamisen), Semba Kiyohiko (percussion), Watanabe Kazumi (jazz guitar), Uzaki Ryudo (rock & roll), Koinuma Hiroyuki, Leonard Eto, Hirota Joji, John Kaizan Neptune, Christopher Yohmei Blaisdel, Amanojaku, and many others. He opened for The Who, performed a duet with singer Bobby McFerrin, and is featured on the soundtracks of Kayo Hatta’s “Picture Bride,” and “Francis Ford Coppola’s “Apocalypse Now.” He also recorded in motion capture suit for James Cameron’s “Avatar.” He has also performed as guest soloist with the Honolulu Symphony and the Hong Kong Philharmonic, traveling across Asia, Africa, Europe, Oceania, the former Soviet Union, and the Americas in his effort to share taiko with the world. Endo had a day named for him – “Kenny Endo Day” – by the Mayor of Honolulu, and was honored by the National Endowment for the Arts for American Masterpieces. www.kennyendo.com

Other Articles by Lia Chang
Living Colour Vivid 25th Anniversary US Tour – Spring 2013
Kenny Endo and Kaoru Watanabe Celebrate New CD, Convergence with Concerts in Washington D.C. on February 27 and in New York on March 5, 2013
André De Shields Returns to The Laurie Beechman Theatre with I Put A Spell on You, October 5 and 12
Tony Award Winner Tonya Pinkins Celebrates Ethel Waters at 54 Below on August 27, 2012
Faith Prince and Jason Graae: The Prince & the Showboy in Concert at 54 Below, August 21-25, 2012
Two-Time Grammy Nominated Hiroshima Performs at Yoshi’s Oakland, August 17-19, 2012
H I R O S H I M A in Benefit Concert for Japan on 9/21 at B.B. King Blues Club & Grill in NY
Foremost American Taiko Artist, Kenny Endo, to perform in Tokyo on April 24 and April 30
Marva Hicks and the Columbus Jazz Orchestra light up the Southern Theatre with a “A Night at the Apollo”
Shirley Kazuyo Muramoto Celebrates 50 Years of Koto Music at Lakeside Theater in Oakland
Kenny Endo 35th Anniversary Concert Tour
Koto Oyako don CD Release Concert, w/Shirley Kazuyo Muramoto & Brian Mitsuhiro Wong, Numi Tea Garden, Oakland
Kino alu Sundays with George Kuo, Martin Pahinui and Aaron Mahi at Waikiki Beach Marriott
Multimedia: Living Colour in Concert at the Highline Ballroom Photos
Multimedia: Oumou Sangare, Will Calhoun at Central Park Summerstage
Multimedia: Asian Pacific American Month Celebration at the Metropolitan Museum of Art
Hanami Daiko at Drom
Richard Bona & Lionel Loueke in SF Jazz Spring Season
Charnett Moffett Trio The Art of Improvisation CD Release Party at Iridium
On Ensemble, Kenny Endo and Kaoru Watanabe in Taiko x2 at Cerritos Center
Performing Arts Images from the Asian American Pacific Islander Collection on Display at the Library of Congress to Celebrate APA Heritage Month
Photos: Yellow Fever Playwright Rick Shiomi Explores New Territory with An All-Female Cast
Click here for the Lia Chang Articles Archive and here for the Lia Chang Photography Website.

Lia Chang

Lia Chang is an actor, a performance and fine art botanical photographer, and an award-winning multi-platform journalist. She is a Signature Theatre alumni who was in the cast of Sam Shepard’s Chicago, during his Signature 1996-1997 Playwright-in-Residence Season.
All text, graphics, articles & photographs: © 2000-2013 Lia Chang Multimedia. All rights reserved. All materials contained on this site are protected by United States copyright law and may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, displayed, published or broadcast without the prior written permission of Lia Chang. You may not alter or remove any trademark, copyright or other notice from copies of the content. For permission, please contact Lia at liachangpr@gmail.com

Lia Chang: Kenny Endo and Kaoru Watanabe Celebrate New CD, Convergence with Concerts in Washington D.C. on February 27 and in New York on March 5, 2013

Kenny Endo, one of the most acclaimed Japanese taiko drum performers in the world and Kaoru Watanabe, Brooklyn based Japanese flute and taiko drummer, are celebrating their new CD, Convergence, with guest artist Sumie Kaneko on koto and shamisen at Shapeshifter Lab, 18 Whitwell Place in Brooklyn, NY on Tuesday, March 5, 2013. Doors open at 7:30pm and tickets are $12 at the door. Take the R train to Union. Click here for more information.

Kenny Endo, Lia Chang and Kaoru Watanabe.

I caught up with Kenny and Kaoru at their sold-out concert on Saturday, February 23, 2013, presented by The Music From Japan (MFJ) Festival 2013 at New York City’s Baruch Performing Arts Center. An informative lecture/demo preceded the powerful program “Rhythms of Japanese Drums and Flutes – Kenny Endo and Kaoru Watanabe: Taiko and Fue” which celebrated the unique rhythmic and timbral scope of Japanese music and showcased Japanese drums and bamboo flutes in music both new and traditional.

Kenny Endo and Kaoru Watanabe. Photo by Lia Chang

“Rhythms of Japanese Drums and Flutes — Kenny Endo and Kaoru Watanabe: Taiko and Fue” juxtaposes arrangements of traditional Japanese music with original compositions and improvisations by the two performers themselves. Both born in the United States, Endo and Watanabe each spent ten years honing their craft in Japan and are leading exponents of their instruments; as Endo explains, their work “is informed by the traditional music of Japan as well as the improvisational characteristics of American jazz.”

Kenny Endo shows off his newly released collaboration with Kaoru Watanabe- Convergence. Photo by Lia Chang

Their new collaborative album, Convergence, is now available on CD Baby. A taiko master, Endo was featured on the PBS special Spirit of Taiko (2006) and as artist-in-residence at New York’s Lincoln Center Institute. His soundtrack credits include Apocalypse Now and Avatar, and he has opened for The Who, played duets with Bobby McFerrin, and performed with orchestras including the Hong Kong Philharmonic. Watanabe, a former member and artistic director of the renowned taiko ensemble Kodo, is a master of experimental improvisation and contemporary jazz, as well as of Japan’s classical and folk traditions.

MFJ’s 38th festival season draws to a close with a repeat performance “Rhythms of Japanese Drums and Flutes — Kenny Endo and Kaoru Watanabe: Taiko and Fue” at the Smithsonian Institution’s Freer Gallery of Art in Washington, DC on Wednesday, February 27, 2013.

Rhythms of Japanese Drums and Flutes — Kenny Endo and Kaoru Watanabe: Taiko and Fue
Artists: Kenny Endo, taiko (drums); Kaoru Watanabe, taiko and fue (bamboo flutes)
Program: Kenny Endo: Jugoya
Kaoru Watanabe: Together Alone
Chakuto (trad.)
Kenny Endo: Symmetrical Soundscapes; Sand
Kaoru Watanabe: Hiraki
Kenny Endo and Kaoru Watanabe: Chigen
Kenny Endo: Spirit Sounds; Swing, Soul and Sincerity

Kenny Endo. Photo by Lia Chang

Kenny Endo
One of today’s leading figures in percussion and rhythm, Kenny Endo is at the vanguard of taiko performance, continuing to carve new territory in this Japanese drumming style. A performer, composer, and teacher of taiko, he has received numerous awards and accolades, including very special recognition in Japan, where he was the first foreigner to be honored with a “natori”: a Japanese stage name. Endo was a featured artist on the PBS special Spirit of Taiko in 2005. A consummate artist, he blends Japanese taiko with rhythms influenced by his jazz background and by collaborations with musicians from around the world. He has performed for such musicians as Prince and the late Michael Jackson, opened for The Who, and played a duet with singer Bobby McFerrin; he has also been featured on the soundtracks for Kayo Hatta’s film Picture Bride, Francis Ford Coppola’s Apocalypse Now, and James Cameron’s Avatar. Endo had a day named for him – “Kenny Endo Day” – by the Mayor of Honolulu, and was honored by the National Endowment for the Arts for American Masterpieces. www.kennyendo.com

Kaoru Watanabe. Photo by Lia Chang

Kaoru Watanabe
Based in New York, Kaoru Watanabe plays various Japanese traverse bamboo fue, the taiko drum, and Western flute, blending Japanese folk and classical traditions with contemporary improvisational and experimental music. After graduating from the Manhattan School of Music, Watanabe moved to Sado Island, Japan in order to join the iconic taiko ensemble Kodo, with whom he toured Japan, North America and Europe, in venues including Carnegie Hall and London’s Barbican Hall. He served as one of Kodo’s artistic directors from 2005 to 2007, and his compositions can be heard on the ensemble’s Sony albums Mondo Head, Prism Rhythm, and One Earth Tour Special. Collaborations include performances with jazz pianist Jason Moran and Kabuki actor Bando Tamasaburo, while recent projects have taken him to Mongolia, French Guiana, Argentina, and the Caribbean, receiving support from the Japan Foundation and Asian Cultural Council. Watanabe teaches workshops and master classes internationally, besides giving courses at Princeton and Wesleyan Universities and regular classes at his own studio, the Kaoru Watanabe Taiko Center in Brooklyn. His fue are provided by master flute maker Ranjo. www.watanabekaoru.com

Kaoru Watanabe with his wife Mari Nakano. Photo by Lia Chang

Kenny Endo and Kaoru Watanabe. Photo by Lia Chang

Founded in 1975 by current Artistic Director Naoyuki Miura, Music From Japan continues to preside as the leading presenter of Japanese contemporary and traditional music in the United States and the world. After three decades of touring throughout North and South America, Central Asia and Japan, Music From Japan has presented about 400 works, including 81 world premieres and 69 commissions (for both Japanese and American composers). Over the course of 37 years, more than 166 Japanese composers have been showcased, as well as many traditional Japanese pieces. Music From Japan was honored for its activities when the organization received the Japanese Foreign Minister’s Commendation in July 2007. Mr. Miura was awarded the Commissioner of the Agency for Cultural Affairs’ Award in December 2007, the Sen Kayoko Award from the Soroptimist Japan Foundation in November 2010, and the Gen-On Special Award (given by the Japan Society of Contemporary Music) in 2012. www.musicfromjapan.org

Music From Japan Festival 2013, now in its 38th season, is made possible in part by public funds from the New York State Council on the Arts, the state agency.

Other articles by Lia Chang:
Foremost American Taiko Artist, Kenny Endo, to perform in Tokyo on April 24 and April 30, 2011
Photos and Video of Kenny Endo’s TAIKO THUNDER at Skirball Center in NYC
Photos: David Henry Hwang’s The Dance and The Railroad Opening Night
Hold These Truths Opening Night at Honolulu Theatre for Youth’s Tenney Theatre with Daniel Dae Kim, Joel de la Fuente and Jeanne Sakata
Signature Theatre extends David Henry Hwang’s The Dance and The Railroad starring Ruy Iskandar and Yuekun Wu through March 24, 2013
Jeanne Sakata’s Hold These Truths, Starring Joel de la Fuente, Plays Honolulu Theatre for Youth’s Tenney Theatre, February 21 – March 2, 2013
Ann Harada Plays Cinderella’s Stepsister Charlotte in Broadway Premiere of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella at the Broadway Theatre
Ron Domingo, Francis Jue and Jon Norman Schneider Join the Cast of the World Premiere of Paper Dolls at the Tricycle Theatre, February 28 – April 13, 2013
Harlem Nights with Lorey Hayes, Actress, Director and Award-Winning Playwright of Power Play and Massinissa
Multimedia: Manu Narayan Dazzles as Richard Roma in La Jolla Playhouse’s Revival of David Mamet’s Glengarry Glen Ross
Performing Arts Images from the Asian American Pacific Islander Collection on Display at the Library of Congress to Celebrate APA Heritage Month
Photos: Yellow Fever Playwright Rick Shiomi Explores New Territory with An All-Female Cast
Click here for the Lia Chang Articles Archive and here for the Lia Chang Photography Website.

Kenny Endo, Lia Chang and Kaoru Watanabe. Photo by George Hirose

Lia Chang is an actor, a performance and fine art botanical photographer, and an award-winning multi-platform journalist.

All text, graphics, articles & photographs: © 2000-2013 Lia Chang Multimedia. All rights reserved. All materials contained on this site are protected by United States copyright law and may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, displayed, published or broadcast without the prior written permission of Lia Chang. You may not alter or remove any trademark, copyright or other notice from copies of the content. For permission, please contact Lia at liachangpr@gmail.com

Lia Chang: Foremost American Taiko Artist, Kenny Endo, to perform in Tokyo on April 24 and April 30

Master Taiko Artist Kenny Endo Photo by Lia Chang

One of the foremost names on the American wadaiko scene, Kenny Endo, returns to Tokyo for 2 engagements on April 24 at Shibuya’s O-West and on April 30 at Minami Aoyama’s “Mandala.” The concert at the Mandala is called “Mitsudomoe – Mind, Body, Spirit.”

Born and raised in Los Angeles, Endo began early training in western drums and percussion. He began his taiko career with the first two kumi-taiko groups established outside of Japan – L.A.’s groundbreaking Kinnara Taiko, and then with the renowned San Francisco Taiko Dojo. In 1980, he embarked on a decade-long odyssey in his ancestral Japan, studying and performing with Osuwa Daiko, Sukeroku Taiko, Oedo Sukeroku Taiko, Hogaku Hayashi with Mochizuki Ryu, and Matsuri Bayashi with Maru Kenjiro He has the honor of being the first foreigner to have received a “natori” in hogaku hayashi.

In the greater musical world in America, “Kenny Endo” has become synonymous with the word “taiko.” He is one of the most versatile musicians in the genre, crossing easily between the traditional and his own globally-inspired style. Endo also has an MA in Ethnomusicology and is highly sought after for educational programs and workshops.

Endo has recorded five CDs of original taiko compositions and was a featured artist on the TV special “Spirit of Taiko” in America. He has performed for musicians Michael Jackson, and Prince as well as the late Princess Diana and Prince Charles. He has performed with Japanese musicians Hayashi Eitetsu (taiko), Sato Michihiro (Tsugaru shamisen), Semba Kiyohiko (percussion), Watanabe Kazumi (jazz guitar), Uzaki Ryudo (rock & roll), Koinuma Hiroyuki, Leonard Eto, Hirota Joji, John Kaizan Neptune, Christopher Yohmei Blaisdel, Amanojaku, and many others. He opened for The Who, performed a duet with singer Bobby McFerrin, and is featured on the soundtracks of Kayo Hatta’s “Picture Bride,” and “Francis Ford Coppola’s “Apocalypse Now.” He also recorded in motion capture suit for James Cameron’s “Avatar.” He has also performed as guest soloist with the Honolulu Symphony and the Hong Kong Philharmonic, traveling across Asia, Africa, Europe, Oceania, the former Soviet Union, and the Americas in his effort to share taiko with the world.

Endo performs with Tokyo’s Oedo Sukeroku Taiko on Sunday, April 24 at 12 noon at Shibuya’s O-West Live House. Tickets are: 3500 (advance) or 3800 (at the door).
For tickets, call: Denshi Chiketto Pia: 0570-02-9999 (P Code: 132-235)

Endo performs with a stellar ensemble on Saturday, April 30 at 7:30 pm at Minami Aoyama’s “Mandala” live house. Featured musicians will include: Semba Kiyohiko (drums, percussion), Hamada Hitoshi (vibraphones), Suzuki Kyosuke (yokobue), Takahashi Kaori (violin).
Tickets: 3600 yen
For ticket reservations, contact Mandala: 03-5474-0411
A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the victims of the Tohoku earthquake and tsunami disaster.

For more information, visit: www.kennyendo.com
Contact: taikoarts@gmail.com

Other Articles by Lia Chang:
Photos and Video of Kenny Endo’s TAIKO THUNDER at Skirball Center in NYC
Vikas Khanna’s Holy Kitchens Karma to Nirvana premieres at New York Indian Film Festival on 5/7 at Tribeca Cinemas
32nd Annual Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Festival at Union Square Park in NYC on May 8, 2011
11th Annual New York Indian Film Festival (NYIFF), May 4-8, 2011
Brooklyn Botanic Garden’s 30th Annual Sakura Matsuri Cherry Blossom Festival: April 30 and May 1, 2011
André De Shields stars in Chicago Premiere of Charles Smith’s The Gospel According to James at Victory Gardens 5/14-6/12
Ruby Dee, Alicia Keys and Sidney Poitier Among Honorees at Woodie King, Jr.’s New Federal Theatre’s 40th Anniversary Gala at Edison Ballroom on May 22
Philip Glass, Hal Willner, Lou Reed, Laurie Anderson, Ryuichi Sakamoto in Japan Society’s Concert for Japan in NYC
Join Minami Tamaki LLP & Inspirational Opportunities for Youth and Seniors (IOYS) in Helping Victims of Japan Earthquake
Restaurants Respond for Relief, Chef Arnold Wong Hosts Benefit for Japan Night at E&O Trading Co. in SF
Japan Society’s Japan Earthquake Relief Fund
National Cherry Blossom Festival Invites Public to Stand with Japan
Photos: A.B. Cruz III and Lillian Kimura Receive 2011 AALDEF Justice in Action Awards
The Dish on Susur Lee and Shang
Photos: Chinese New Year Festival at The Huntington in San Marino
Photos & Video Disney’s The Lion King Las Vegas-In the Makeup Chair with Thom Sesma
Click here for the Lia Chang Articles Archive.

All text, graphics, articles & photographs: © 2000-2011 Lia Chang Multimedia. All rights reserved. All materials contained on this site are protected by United States copyright law and may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, displayed, published or broadcast without the prior written permission of Lia Chang. You may not alter or remove any trademark, copyright or other notice from copies of the content. For permission, please contact Lia at liachangpr@gmail.com.

All text, graphics, articles & photographs: © 2000-2011 Lia Chang Multimedia. All rights reserved. All materials contained on this site are protected by United States copyright law and may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, displayed, published or broadcast without the prior written permission of Lia Chang. You may not alter or remove any trademark, copyright or other notice from copies of the content. For permission, please contact Lia at liachangpr@gmail.com.

Lia Chang Photo by Brianne Michelle Photography

Lia Chang is an actor, performance and fine art botanical photographer, and an award-winning multimedia journalist.
As a photographer and videographer, Lia collaborates with artists, organizations and companies in establishing their documentary photo archive and social media presence. She has been documenting her colleagues and contemporaries in the arts, fashion and journalism since making her stage debut as Liat in the National Tour of South Pacific, with Robert Goulet and Barbara Eden. Lia currently plays Nurse Lia on “One Life to Live”. She has appeared in Wolf, New Jack City, A Kiss Before Dying, King of New York, Big Trouble in Little China, The Last Dragon, Taxman and “New York Undercover”.
Selections of Lia’s archive of Asian Pacific Americans in the arts, fashion, journalism, politics and space are now in the newly created LIA CHANG THEATER PHOTOGRAPHY PORTFOLIO in the ASIAN PACIFIC AMERICAN PERFORMING ARTS COLLECTION housed in the Library of Congress Asian Division’s Asian American Pacific Islander Collection.
Lia’s portraits and performance photos have appeared in Vanity Fair, Gourmet, German Elle, Women’s Wear Daily, The Paris Review, TV Guide, Daily Variety, Interior Design, American Theatre, Broadwayworld.com, Life & Style, OUT, New York Magazine, InStyle, Timeout.com, Villagevoice.com, Playbill.com, Theatermania.com, thelmagazine.com, The Wall Street Journal, Financial Times, USA Today, The Boston Globe, New York Times and Washington Post. A former syndicated arts and entertainment columnist for KYODO News, Lia is the New York Bureau Chief for AsianConnections.com. She writes about culture, style and Asian American issues for a variety of publications and this Backstage Pass with Lia Chang blog.

Lia Chang Multimedia: Beijing Opera, Taiko Drummers and Korean Music and Dance at Asian-Pacific American Month Celebration at The Metropolitan Museum of Art by Lia Chang

Kaoru Watanabe and master Taiko artist Kenny Endo of The Kaoru Watanabe Taiko Ensemble were among the artists who performed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Asian-Pacific American Month celebration in The Grace Rainey Rogers Auditorium on Saturday, May 16, 2009.

Also featured, the music and dance of China, Korea and India. CBA Culture & Arts Center presented Beijing Opera: The Crossroad, the Donghwa Cultural Foundation presented a Korean Dance Troupe, Junghee Oh on zither and Eun Ju Kang who performed Salpuri, a haunting dance of exorcism.

Master Taiko artist Kenny Endo and Kaoru Watanabe of The Kaoru Watanabe Taiko Ensemble (Photo by Lia Chang)

CBA Culture & Arts Center presented Beijing Opera: The Crossroad (Photo by Lia Chang)

CBA Culture & Arts Center presented Beijing Opera: The Crossroad (Photo by Lia Chang)

Korean Dance Troupe from the Donghwa Cultural Foundation (Photo by Lia Chang)

Traditional Korean Musicians from the Donghwa Cultural Foundation (Photo by Lia Chang

Eun Ju Kang performed Salpuri, a dance of exorcism. (Photo by Lia Chang)

Related Articles:
Hanami Daiko at Drom
Different Keys: Japanese Women Pianists and Photos by George Hirose at Drom
Matsuri Sawagi at Drom
On Ensemble, Kenny Endo and Kaoru Watanabe in Taiko x2 at Cerritos Center
Exordium Quartet at Drom
Stanley Jordan

Click here for the Lia Chang Articles Archive.

All text, graphics, articles & photographs: © 2000-2011 Lia Chang Multimedia. All rights reserved. All materials contained on this site are protected by United States copyright law and may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, displayed, published or broadcast without the prior written permission of Lia Chang. You may not alter or remove any trademark, copyright or other notice from copies of the content. For permission, please contact Lia at liachangpr@gmail.com.

Lia Chang Photo by Brianne Michelle Photography

Lia Chang is an actor, performance and fine art botanical photographer, and an award-winning multimedia journalist.

As a photographer and videographer, Lia collaborates with artists, organizations and companies in establishing their documentary photo archive and social media presence. She has been documenting her colleagues and contemporaries in the arts, fashion and journalism since making her stage debut as Liat in the National Tour of South Pacific, with Robert Goulet and Barbara Eden.

Selections of Lia’s archive of Asian Pacific Americans in the arts, fashion, journalism, politics and space are now in the newly created LIA CHANG THEATER PHOTOGRAPHY PORTFOLIO in the ASIAN PACIFIC AMERICAN PERFORMING ARTS COLLECTION housed in the Library of Congress Asian Division’s Asian American Pacific Islander Collection.

Lia’s portraits and performance photos have appeared in Vanity Fair, Gourmet, German Elle, Women’s Wear Daily, The Paris Review, TV Guide, Daily Variety, Interior Design, American Theatre, Broadwayworld.com, Life & Style, OUT, New York Magazine, InStyle, Timeout.com, Villagevoice.com, Playbill.com, Theatermania.com, thelmagazine.com, The Wall Street Journal, Financial Times, USA Today, The Boston Globe, New York Times and Washington Post. A former syndicated arts and entertainment columnist for KYODO News, Lia is the New York Bureau Chief for AsianConnections.com. She writes about culture, style and Asian American issues for a variety of publications and this Backstage Pass with Lia Chang blog.

Lia Chang: Kaoru Watanabe Taiko Ensemble Featuring Kenny Endo to Play Metropolitan Museum of Art

Kaoru Watanabe

The Kaoru Watanabe Taiko Ensemble featuring Kaoru Watanabe and master Taiko artist Kenny Endo, will perform at the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Asian-Pacific American Month celebration on Saturday, May 16, 2009.

From 2-4 , there will be

Kenny Endo Photo by Lia Chang

performances in The Grace Rainey Rogers Auditorium of the music and dance of China, Korea, India, and Japan including Beijing opera, ancient dances, contemporary taiko drum music, and other selections. Before each performance, educators will speak briefly about the arts of the region, highlighting special exhibitions and works from the permanent collection. The program is organized by the Museum’s Multicultural Audience Development Initiative.

Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1000 Fifth Avenue, Fifth Ave at 82nd Street, New York (212) 535-7710

Subways- 4, 5, 6 to 86 St

Suggested Contribution to the Museum

General $10, Students/Seniors $5, 12 years and under are free, when accompanied by adult.

Related Articles:

Hanami Daiko at Drom

Charnett Moffett Trio The Art of Improvisation CD Release Part at Iridium

Multimedia: Francis Mbappe and the Tribe at Joe’s Pub Photos

Will Calhoun’s Native Lands Experience Live at the Blue Note in NYC

Francis Mbappe Unplugged with The Tribe at Joe’s Pub

Different Keys: Japanese Women Pianists and Photos by George Hirose at Drom

Matsuri Sawagi at Drom

On Ensemble, Kenny Endo and Kaoru Watanabe in Taiko x2 at Cerritos Center

Alex Nguyen and the Jazz Conceptions Orchestra

Funk Filharmonik at Mirelle

Will Calhoun Tours with Unified Presence and Living Colour in Europe

Exordium Quartet at Drom

Francis Mbappe and Will Calhoun Duo at Zinc Bar

Thelonious Monk at Town Hall-The 50^th Anniversary Celebration

Stanley Jordan