All Over Albany

San Jose Taiko at UAlbany

The music group San Jose Taiko will be at the UAlbany Performing Arts Center this Saturday, November 10. The group touts itself as a pioneer in contemporary taiko -- Japanese drumming. That's a clip embedded above. Blurbage:

n 1973, San Jose Taiko was founded by young Asian Americans searching for an outlet to convey their experiences as third generation Japanese Americans. Looking to Japan for inspiration, they were drawn to the empowering sounds of the taiko - the Japanese drum - an instrument that embodies the spiritual essence and heartbeat of Japan.

Since then, the company has become a world-class ensemble, performing extensively both nationally and internationally, reaching more than 75,000 audience members each year. By studying with masters of other traditions and cultures, San Jose Taiko has broadened and embellished this historical art form into a distinct performance style that blends the traditional rhythms of Japanese drumming with the beat of world rhythms, including African, Brazilian, Filipino, Latin and Jazz.

We watched a few of their videos on YouTube and got some strong drumline flashbacks (in a good way).

The show at the UAlbany PAC is Saturday at 7:30 pm. Tickets are $15 / $10 for students ahead and $20 / $15 students day of.