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“His ability to interweave … traditional taiko style with … jazz drumming has enabled him to create an incredibly dynamic style of performing that captivated the audience and was literally breathtaking. “ –The Grateful Web, NYCelebrating 50 years in Taiko with the Golden 2×25 Tour in Fall 2025, Kenny Endo stands at the vanguard of the taiko genre, as one of the leading personas in contemporary percussion and rhythm in North America and in Japan. For 5 decades, he has led the way in this Japanese style of drumming in the U.S., and will be touring with his Contemporary Ensemble.
As a jazz percussionist and early innovator in Japanese taiko, Kenny Endo’s adventurous spirit stretches the taiko genre incorporating influences like funk, jazz, Afro-Cuban & Hawaiian, with roots firmly grounded in tradition. With 45 years of performing and touring, he continues to lead the way in this Japanese style of drumming. His performances are nuanced, brilliant, exciting!
Endo tours with his Contemporary Ensemble – taiko, vibes, drums, ‘ukulele, flute, koto or shamisen. The 45th Anniversary tour will feature prominent artists and long-time collaborators Kaoru Watanabe, flutes, and Abe Lagrimas, vibes, drumkit, ‘ukulele. along with Sumie Kaneko, koto and shamisen.
Endo has received numerous awards and accolades, including special recognition in Japan—he was the first non-national to be honored with a “natori,” a stage name, in Japanese classical drumming and is still esteemed in Japan today. He has won numerous awards, was featured artist on 2005 PBS special Spirit of Taiko, as well as several film soundtracks (including Coppola’s Apocalypse Now), and was honored by the National Endowment for the Arts for American Masterpieces. In 2022, Endo was honored as a Living Treasure of Hawai’i (TM).
Field Hall Presents: Kenny Endo, Contemporary Taiko 50th Anniversary Tour
Sunday, November 16 @ 2:30PM | Donna M. Morris Theater
*Tickets $28-$55 Adult, $18 Youth | Financial assistance available
*Our ticketing platform Ludus charges a 5% service fee for all credit card transactions. To avoid this fee, visit our Box Office at 201 W. Front Street and pay via cash or check. Hours: Monday-Saturday 10AM-2PM.
Our mission is to make art accessible to everyone. Financial assistance is available for this event through our #fieldhallforall program. Patrons can request a discount of up to 100%.
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Field Arts & Events Hall, 219 N Oak St, Port Angeles, WA 98362-2652, United States
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