Kenny Endo: 50 Years of Taiko
When
Doors: 7:00 pm | Show: 7:30 pm
Where
Price
Regular: $35.00-55.00 (+ $3.50-5.50 fee)
Group options available. See below for details.
About
Celebrate a milestone with one of the world’s most innovative taiko masters! For five decades, Kenny Endo has pushed the boundaries of Japanese drumming, blending tradition with jazz, funk, Afro-Cuban, Hawaiian, and Asian influences. Born in Los Angeles and revered in Japan as the first non-national awarded a prestigious “natori” title, Endo brings his signature artistry back to his hometown for an unforgettable evening.
Joined by a powerhouse ensemble of musicians, Endo’s 50th Anniversary concert at the Aratani Theatre promises thunderous rhythms, mesmerizing improvisation, and the kind of cross-cultural energy that has defined his legendary career.
Don’t miss this historic celebration of a taiko pioneer who transformed the art form in the U.S. and beyond. JACCC members can save $5 on regular tickets through the Member Hub.
Things To Know
Kenny Endo
Kenny Endo is a pioneering taiko master, composer, and teacher who has expanded Japanese drumming on the global stage for over five decades. Originally trained in jazz during the Asian American cultural renaissance of 1970s California, he began with L.A.’s groundbreaking Kinnara Taiko and later joined the San Francisco Taiko Dojo, the first kumi daiko (ensemble) group outside Japan. He then spent a decade in Japan studying with masters of classical drumming and festival music, becoming the first non-Japanese to receive a natori (stage name and master’s license) in hogaku hayashi.
Endo’s artistry blends traditional Japanese taiko with rhythms from around the world, creating a unique style of original compositions and improvisation. He has performed worldwide with acclaimed artists and orchestras, including Bobby McFerrin, Hiromitsu Agatsuma, and the Tokyo Symphony, and at venues ranging from the Kennedy Center and Lincoln Center to the Kabukiza in Tokyo. His work spans collaborations across genres, film soundtracks such as Picture Bride, Apocalypse Now, and Avatar, and numerous commissioned projects.
Among his many honors are an artist residency at Lincoln Center, “Kenny Endo Day” in Honolulu, and recognition from Hawaii’s State Legislature and City Council. He continues to innovate with ensembles such as “Island Breeze” and cross-cultural projects like Uncommon Time, while recording extensively and inspiring audiences everywhere with his creativity, technique, and infectious groove.
Musician Ensemble
Kenny Endo, taiko set, tsuzumi, odaiko
Chizuko Endo, taiko, percussion
Jay Lai, guzheng, piano, ukulele
Abe Lagrimas Jr., vibraphone, ukulele, drums
With Special Guest:
Dave Iwataki, keyboards, arranger
Group Tickets (10+)
This year, we’re delighted to extend a special offer — book tickets for a group of 10 or more and enjoy an automatic $5.00 off per ticket in your order.
Group Ticketing Instructions
As the group lead, please ensure that you print the tickets and distribute them to your guests in advance to facilitate a smooth check-in on the day of the performance.
- Designate one individual to complete the ticket purchase online on behalf of the entire group.
- Click the Buy Tickets button.
- Select your seats. Please note: no more than twenty (20) tickets may be purchased in a single transaction.
- Proceed to checkout and finalize your purchase.
- Upon successful payment, you will receive two separate emails:
- A confirmation of your purchase
- A PDF attachment containing all e-tickets for your group
Accessibility
We strive to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals, including individuals with disabilities, to engage fully. To be respectful of those with allergies and environmental sensitivities, we ask that you please refrain from wearing strong fragrances. To request an accommodation or for inquiries about accessibility, please contact boxoffice@jaccc.org.
Plan Your Visit
JACCC is a 7-minute walk from the L.A. Metro Rail's Little Tokyo/Arts District Station, which connects to both the A and E lines via the Regional Connector.
For additional transportation options and parking details, check out Go Little Tokyo's Guide to the area here.