San Jose Taiko celebrates 50 years at the magnificent California Theatre with an exhilarating showcase of old and new compositions. An unforgettable night filled with thundering taiko drums and a series of guest performances, this momentous occasion marks San Jose’s golden celebration of the heritage of Japanese drums and the Asian American community. The remarkable ensemble that started the cultural phenomenon in the early 1970s looks forward to captivating the city of San Jose once again with their wonderful sounds and rhythmic flows on October 14th.
San Jose, California is abuzz with anticipation as San Jose Taiko marks an impressive 50 years of captivating audiences with the powerful beats of Japanese drumming. The city’s cultural hub will be alive with energy on October 14th, as the esteemed ensemble takes to the stage of the majestic California Theatre for two spectacular concerts. This momentous occasion will feature never-before-heard compositions, timeless classics, and a series of guest performances, paying tribute to the rich heritage of taiko and the Asian American community. It promises to be a celebration like no other!
San Jose Taiko is a proud cultural phenomenon that has played an integral role in forming the dynamic art scene of San Jose. Founded in the early 1970s by Roy Hirabayashi and Dean Miyakusu, with the guidance of Rev. Hiroshi Abiko of the San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuin, it was not only a musical accomplishment but also connected to the Civil Rights movement and the search for identity experienced by many Asian Americans at that time.
Over the years, San Jose Taiko has become a recognizable feature within the community. Their performances have been a regular part of festivals in the historical Japantown district, as well as City Hall, and various other locations throughout the city. The group’s distinctive rhythms have become an essential part of the cultural landscape of San Jose, symbolizing its diversity just as much as mariachis, fruit cocktail, and microchips.
The 50th Anniversary Concert of San Jose Taiko at the California Theatre is an extraordinary milestone that celebrates the hard work, dedication, and passion of the ensemble and its members. This momentous occasion will feature a showcase of new compositions and beloved classics, providing audiences with a dynamic and immersive experience. It promises to be a truly special evening, as the thundering taiko drums fill the theater with their powerful resonance.
San Jose Taiko is immensely proud to be part of the vibrant cultural landscape of the city and looks forward to continuing to inspire, entertain, and educate its community and beyond.
Celebrating 50 years of taiko music excellence, the ensemble has earned its place as a symbol of San Jose’s cultural identity. Its commitment to artistic excellence, community engagement, and the preservation of Japanese and Asian American heritage is a powerful testament to the restorative power of music and cultural expression. The upcoming anniversary concerts provide an opportunity for the community to come together and experience the beauty and energy of taiko, honoring the legacy of San Jose Taiko and inspiring future generations.
Through their long-standing dedication to compounding the eclectic energy of San Jose, San Jose Taiko has not only become an essential part of the city’s cultural landscape, but also a symbol of pride for the diverse Asian American community. On October 14th, the esteemed ensemble will bring this celebration full circle with two unforgettable concerts at the renowned California Theatre to fully commemorate the past fifty years. It is sure to be a historically significant occasion, one built on love and respect for the Japanese Irisale influence, that honours their legacy and shines a bright light onto the next fifty exciting years ahead.
