Join On Ensemble and Yoki Daiko at the Meet Me At Reed Taiko Festival this Saturday, June 29, 2019 5-7 p.m. Admission is FREE and Pre-concert activities for all ages begin at 3 p.m. Bring picnic blankets, lawn chairs, and food, or enjoy rotating food trucks throughout the season.
Festival Location:
Christine Emerson Reed Park
1133 7th Street
Santa Monica, CA 90403
YOKI DAIKO
Performers
Keiji Uesugi (director), Yoko Morishita, Michael Hirota, Diana Hirota, Scott Ichikawa, Stephanie Ichikawa, Rebecca Uesugi, Aya Yoshida, Elle Romero
Yoki Daiko (yōkē dai-kō), which means Joyous Drumming in Japanese, was formed in 1996 at the Tenrikyo Church located in Boyle Heights, Los Angeles, as a way for the community to come together and experience the dynamic art of Japanese drumming. Through the thunderous beats, kinetic rhythms, and unified minds, Yoki Daiko shares their efforts to create a joyous life where all people of the world can live together in unity as brothers and sisters.
ON ENSEMBLE
Masato Baba, Shoji Kameda, Abe Lagrimas Jr., Eien Hunter-Ishikawa
Established in 2002 On Ensemble is one of the most respected ensembles in the taiko world. Led by childhood friends Shoji Kameda and Masato (Maz) Baba, On Ensemble is recognized for infusing the powerful rhythms of taiko with a wide range of musical influences from jazz and rock to central asian overtone singing. Their fearless musical exploration has expanded the artistic range of the taiko and has taken these ancient instruments into new realms. The group’s unique sound has been praised as “completely original and brilliantly conceived.” Modern Drummer magazine calls On Ensemble “an exciting taiko ensemble looking at new ways to apply traditional Japanese drums.” On Ensemble was the first American taiko group to be invited to perform at the National Theater of Japan for the prestigious Nihon no Taiko concert series.
