TaikoProject: Benzaiten

About the only American taiko group to ever win the prestigious Tokyo International Taiko Contest, LA Weekly says, "This ain't your mama's taiko, but it may be your hip, younger cousin's." Founded in 2000 by a group of young, emerging taiko drummers led by Bryan Tamami and Masato Baba, their music is rooted in the rich traditions of Japanese taiko, but expressed through the lens of their American upbringing and experiences.

Their new full-length concert program "BENZAITEN" is inspired by the Japanese goddess of wisdom, beauty, and dance. TAIKOPROJECT has always sought to break the boundaries of traditional taiko and create new music and choreography based in the art form, but expanding past its original expressions. In this latest work, they are challenging gender roles in taiko music and emphasizing the equity present in the genre in the past. But not only will they be showcasing their female members in powerful, strenuous roles, but also delving into their male members' delicacy and grace in a multi-layered exploration of taiko and gender.

Reserved Seating

Running Time: 110 minutes with 20 minute intermission.