TaikoProject returns to Little Tokyo to perform at the Aratani Theatre at the Japanese American Cultural & Community Center (JACCC) on Saturday, July 20, at 7 p.m. with its exuberant blend of innovative taiko drum-based music and choreography, for their annual taiko spectacular “Rhythmic Relations 2024.”
This year’s show, the group’s 18th home concert, features Bombu Taiko, Kitsune Intermediates, and special guest Makana from Honolulu.
“We’re excited to partner with JACCC to bring our show to Little Tokyo,” says TaikoProject Executive Director Bryan Yamami, “and we’re grateful to bring our taiko-slack key guitar collaborative music with Makana to our friends and family in L.A.”
Makana has been described as “one of the greatest living slack key guitarists” by Esquire Magazine. His musical career began at age 9; he was taught by one of Hawaii’s slack key guitar masters, Sonny Chillingsworth. Over the decades, he has jammed with Jake Shimabukuro, the Pahinui brothers, Willie K, and Jason Mraz.
TaikoProject has captivated audiences since its founding in 2000, performing alongside stars such as Stevie Wonder, Alicia Keys, Jared Leto’s Thirty Seconds to Mars, and John Legend. The group has performed at the Academy Awards, the Grammys, on NBC’s “The Voice,” and has been featured in numerous music videos. Recently, the group performed at the Coachella Art & Music Festival with Japanese girl band Atarashii Gakko, and for Ubisoft Forward 2024’s “Assassin’s Creed Shadows” game reveal.
This spring, the ensemble toured to Arroyo Grande, Omaha, Morristown, N.J, Iowa City, Iowa, Lancaster, and Palm Desert.
The program includes traditional and contemporary works by all of the performing artists, as well as special taiko-slack key guitar collaborations developed specifically to premiere at “Rhythmic Relations 2024.”
Ticket prices start at $20; Reserved seating. Tickets are available at jaccc.org.
TaikoProject programs are supported by the National Endowment for the Arts, California Arts Council, Los Angeles County Department of Arts & Culture, City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs, L.A. Arts Recovery Fund, The James Irvine Foundation, Sansei Legacy Fund, and individual BaseBeat donors.