Shamisen, Koto, Taiko Drum and Beyond

Shamisen Duo from California - Kyle Abbott and Mike Penny are both American-born musicians who became very interested in Japanese Shamisen after learning all types of western instruments and now are a performer, instructor and a maker of the instrument. Their performance starts off with very traditional Japanese Shamisen music then moves on to bluegrass, fusion, Anime song (Dragonball-Z!) and rock. They will collaborate with the local musicians to cover Yoshida-brothers, who are currently very popular and known as those who revived the old traditional shamisen to rock music Now, shamisen is more popular than ever in Japan because of Yoshida brothers.

Website: http://bachido.com/

Koto by Masayo Ishigure - Ishigure will cover the traditional Japanese Koto music but also play Anime songs with Koto to show that a traditional instrument can play fun, modern music. Then she collaborates with local Jazz musicians to play jazz and Emma, an emerging tap dancer and a winner of Gregory Hines Award from NY will be tap dancing with their jazz music.

Website: Ishigure: http://masayoishigure.com/

Japanese taiko drums have been enthralling audiences for 2000 years -- in religious ceremonies, in festivals, for rain and crops, even on the battlefields as soldiers prayed for victory.Under the talented leadership of Takemasa Ishikura, who has influenced the group to play both traditional music as well as composed arrangements, the Matsuriza drum troupe regularly performs at W.D.W. EPCOT in Orlando FL. An undisputed favorite of fans from the many cultures and countries where they have performed, they continue to mesmerize listeners with their rolling, clashing, dramatic choreography and sound..

Website: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PRBbjuXfgos