Kahilu Theatre Presents Taiko Legend Kenny Endo

Kenny Endo, Kahilu Theatre courtesy photo.

Kahilu Theatre will host legendary Taiko drummer Kenny Endo on Wednesday, March 2.

Endo is celebrating 40 years of touring and performing his instrumental rhythms that combine Japanese, Western, and Afro-Cuban influences.

As of one of the leading artists in contemporary percussion and rhythm, Endo is in the vanguard of the taiko genre.

In the musical world, Kenny Endo has become synonymous with “taiko.” He has been said to be arguably one of the most versatile musicians in the genre, crossing easily between the classical Japanese style and his own neo-classical, globally-inspired variety.

Endo earned a M.A. in Ethnomusicology from the University of Hawai’i at Manoa and has been a resident artist at the Lincoln Center Institute in New York. The mayor of Honolulu has even proclaimed a “Kenny Endo Day.”

Through his 40 years of performances, Endo has performed for well-known names like Michael Jackson, Prince, Prince Charles, and the late Princess Diana.

He opened for The Who, performed a duet with singer Bobby McFerrin, and is featured on the soundtracks for Kayo Hatta’s film “Picture Bride,” Francis Ford Coppola’s “Apocalypse Now,” recorded in a motion capture suit for James Cameron’s “Avatar,” as has been in a variety of television commercials.

On Thursday, March 3, the taiko ensemble will provide a Youth Show at Kahilu Theatre. The show will begin at 10:30 a.m.

To learn more about youth shows, contact the theatre’s Education Coordinator, Lisa Shattuck, by e-mailing youth@kahilutheatre.org.

Kahilu Theatre’s doors will open at 6 p.m. for the Friday evening show. The show will begin at 7 p.m.

Tickets cost $68 / $58 / $47 / $20 and are available for purchase online, by calling 885-6868, or at the Kahilu Theatre Box Office, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.