The renowned Japanese American drumming ensemble, TaikoProject, is set to commemorate its 25th anniversary with a unique one-night-only performance at the iconic Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles on Saturday, July 19, at 7 p.m.
Joining this celebrated group will be the Grammy-winning Chicanx band Quetzal, as well as multi-instrumentalist Sumie Kaneko, who will perform vocals and play traditional Japanese instruments such as the koto and shamisen.
Tickets for this special event are available via TaikoProject’s official website, taikoproject.org, or can be obtained by calling (213) 268-4011.
Founded in 2000 in Los Angeles, TaikoProject emerged from a collective of young and aspiring taiko drummers, led by the dynamic duo of Bryan Yamami and Masato Baba. The group has since defined a contemporary American style of taiko, seamlessly blending traditional techniques with a modern aesthetic.
While the instruments themselves originate from Japan, the performance art has largely evolved within the U.S. thanks to groups like TaikoProject, which have successfully elevated this folk art into a prominent concert attraction.
TaikoProject first gained significant recognition in 2005 when they became the first American taiko ensemble to win the prestigious Tokyo International Taiko Contest, surpassing all participating Japanese groups.
This early success led to further mainstream opportunities, including their appearance in a Mitsubishi Eclipse commercial, making it the first national advertising campaign to prominently feature taiko drumming. Yamami played a crucial role as the lead creative for this campaign, which eventually led to more television appearances in commercials for brands like Nike and Target.
Following these achievements, TaikoProject signed with a touring agency and began increasing their concert presence in Southern California, with regular performances at The Ford (previously known as the John Anson Ford Amphitheatre).
Over the years, they have graced stages at premier performing arts centers across the nation, such as the Ordway Center in St. Paul, Meany Hall in Seattle, and the Mondavi Center in Davis, among many others.
Additionally, TaikoProject has established itself as a significant contributor to the Los Angeles Music Center On Tour, performing live for students and local community centers, reaching as many as 100 shows annually.
The drum group has collaborated and performed with a wide array of renowned artists, including Stevie Wonder, Peter Gabriel, and Alicia Keys, as well as international legends like Antonis Remos and Tiesto.
Their versatility has led them to perform at numerous notable events, such as the Academy Awards in 2009, the Grammy Awards in 2011, and the MTV Music and Movie Awards in 2018. They have also appeared on popular television shows like NBC’s “The Voice,” “Conan,” and “Jimmy Kimmel Live.”
In recognition of their cultural significance, TaikoProject was honored as one of “America’s Cultural Treasures” by the Ford Foundation in 2021, in partnership with the J. Paul Getty Trust and the California Community Foundation.
In 2012, the group received the Visionary Award from East West Players.
In 2023, TaikoProject was selected for the esteemed Western Arts Alliance Performing Arts Discovery (PAD) program, aimed at promoting exceptional U.S. performing artists to international festival directors and programmers.
In 2024, they are set to take the stage at notable events including the Coachella Festival alongside 88Rising’s Atarashii Gakko and the iHeartRadio Music Festival.
Moreover, the group was awarded a significant three-year grant from the Perenchio Foundation last fall in recognition of their artistic excellence, community impact, and decisive leadership within the industry.
Funding for TaikoProject’s ongoing programs is supported by various institutions, including the National Endowment for the Arts, California Arts Council, and Los Angeles County Department of Arts & Culture, highlighting the collective commitment to fostering this unique art form.
Joining TaikoProject on stage is Quetzal, a Grammy-winning ensemble recognized for their innovative approach to Chicano music. Dr. Alex Chavez describes their sound as a fusion of Chicano rock, rhythm and blues, funk, Cuban batá, punk, and Motown soul. Quetzal’s musical narrative encapsulates the social, cultural, and political stories of humanity, reflecting their dedication to community engagement and civil rights.
Quetzal’s live performances are known for their emotional depth and vivid storytelling, effectively transporting audiences into realms of affirmation and belonging. This nearly 26-year-old ensemble has performed in esteemed venues across the U.S., Canada, Asia, and Mexico, earning accolades from institutions such as the Library of Congress and The Kennedy Center.
Their Grammy-winning album, “Imaginaries,” released on the Smithsonian Folkways label in 2013, signifies both their historical relevance and ongoing commitment to community work. Notably, the National Museum of American History has permanently acquired Martha Gonzalez’s tarima and zapateado dance shoes as a testament to Quetzal’s cultural impact.
Sumie Kaneko, the featured soloist for this anniversary performance, is a New York-based artist renowned for her mastery of traditional instruments and her innovative work in jazz and experimental music. With a career that began in 1995, Kaneko has collaborated with a diverse array of artists and performed on stages worldwide.
Her illustrious background includes performances at prestigious venues like Carnegie Hall and TED talks, as well as a significant role in American Ballet Theatre’s season opening performance in 2021.
Having graduated from Tokyo National University of the Arts, Kaneko is also an esteemed educator who has lectured at numerous prestigious institutions, inspiring students with her artistic vision.
In addition to her compelling artistry, Kaneko is committed to fostering cultural exchange and has acted as a cultural ambassador across various countries.
Her passion for new compositions continues to shine, as she presently works on a suite for traditional instruments that bridges various artistic styles.
As TaikoProject approaches its milestone anniversary, the combination of their innovative drumming, Quetzal’s vibrant storytelling, and Sumie Kaneko’s eclectic sounds will surely create an unforgettable evening of celebration.
This special concert at the Walt Disney Concert Hall promises to embody the spirit of collaboration, evolution, and artistic excellence that has defined TaikoProject for a quarter of a century.
image source from：rafu
