August 12 – Hogaku Hayashi – Japanese Classical Music Past and Present

In this presentation, we will dive deep into the musical life of Mochizuki Saburo, the esteemed kabuki bayashi performer. From his origins as a founding member of the famed Sukeroku Taiko, Tokyo’s first professional taiko ensemble, through his accomplished life as an artist of the traditional performing arts, to his more recent innovative projects fusing traditional instruments and contemporary music, the program will include a variety of short demonstrations for you to experience his journey through music. You will also get a chance to hear the sounds of the various instruments, including the kotsuzumi and otsuzumi hand drums and the shamisen up close and personal. This is a rare opportunity you don’t want to miss!

Open to the Public, Limited Seating

August 13 – Edo Sato Kagura and Japanese Festival Music

In this lecture-demonstration, we will enter the world of Edo Sato Kagura and Edo Matsuri Bayashi, or Tokyo festival music. Learn about the repertoire, instruments, and dances from the source, Suzuki Kyosuke, a member of Wakayama Taneo Shachu, the premiere performing group of this genre in Japan. From “Edo Bayashi,” the five-piece suite that has recently begun to spread across the U.S., to the lesser known dances and characters like Tenko and Daikoku that are deeply connected to Shinto culture, be prepared to immerse yourself in a part of Japanese traditional performing arts that is genuinely Tokyo.

Open to the Public, Limited Seating

August 14 – Tradition as a Basis of Innovation

Kenny Endo has been a central figure in the innovative use of taiko. Originally a jazz and rock drummer, Endo then studied kumi-daiko with taiko luminaries such as Seiichi Tanaka, Oguchi Daihachi, O-Edo Sukeroku Taiko but was the first foreigner to be honored with a natori (stage name & master’s license) in Hōgaku Bayashi (classical Japanese drumming). Endo is well known for his collaborations with musicians and artists of all cultures and genre. Contemporary and modern, Endo’s music is deeply influenced by traditional Japanese and world music from Kabuki Bayashi, Edo Bayashi, Brazilian Samba, Kabuki Geza Ongaku and often incorporates the pentatonic scale, independence and improvisation. Join Endo in an intimate presentation of the making of his music.

Open to the Public, Limited Seating

Cultural Presentations: UH Music Department Room 36 OR
Barbara Smith Amphitheater (aka Gamelan Courtyard)
2411 Dole Street, Honolulu 96822