PAST EVENTS
Salt of the Earth （大地の塩）Japanese Tour
June 14 - July 7, 2017
Taiko Extravaganza
- Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts
Saturday, May 6th at 7 p.m.
Scottsdale, Arizona – Ancient Sounds of Peace, co-produced by K2 Enterprise will present “Ken Koshio’s TAIKO EXTRAVAGANZA – Salt of the Earth, taking place at Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts for the first time in Scottsdale, however it will be the third annual show produced by Ken Koshio (first one in 2015).
Our past shows have been a big success. Audiences commented how they felt connected to the soul and energy throughout this masterpiece of performing art.
The theme of this year’s show is “Salt of the Earth” as the art forms of music and dance intertwine to celebrate and experience the diversity of cultures. Since ancient times, Taiko rhythms have set the heartbeat in motion, expressing the melodies and pulse of mother earth.
Koshio’s passion is to create the most rewarding experience possible and express the importance of our origin. This amazing collaboration of diverse cultures will be brought to the stage, in tune with the rhythms of nature within our Grand Canyon State of Arizona.
The experience is unforgettable; this unique performance will transcend you into a different scale and dimension.
Ken Koshio is a world class Japanese Taiko drummer. Taiko is a Japanese style of percussion, which combines music, movement and spirit. Ken pushes the boundaries of Taiko through various collaborations, creating a totally authentic and unique style of music. It is truly an amazing and powerful production and the most exciting performance you will see this year.
Dates: Saturday, May 6, 2016
7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. (doors open at 6:30 p.m.)
Tickets: $25, $35, $45
Location:
Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts
Taiko (Japanese Drum) Workshop
Saturday, May 13 & June 10
1 - 3 p.m.
Workshop Fee: $20 per class (Student $15 )
Sedona Posse Grounds Hub
525 B Posse Ground Rd.Sedona AZ 86336
"Let's find your own rhythm”
This workshop, offered by Ken Koshio, focuses on the basics of playing taiko under the theme of 'finding your own rhythm" Since ancient times, Taiko rhythms set the heartbeat in motion, expressing the melodies and pulse of mother earth.
A brief history of taiko is presented, and participants learn a song based on fundamental stance, rhythms, and technique.
Learn about the principle ideas on taiko, explore your sound and listen to your heartbeats.
Please come share the joy of playing Taiko at Sedona Hub.
No taiko experience is necessary.
Ken brings all of the drums and guides you through a truly energizing workout for your body and soul.
Please make reservations at info@kenkoshio.com or call 480-747-5878
Old Town Arts Festival- Cottonwood, AZ
Ken Koshio & Kenzoo
Celebration of the Earth
Saturday, April 22, 7:00 PM
$20 adv, $22 door, $25 priority
5th St. & Main
Cottonwood, AZ 86326
Event info:
http://www.oldtowncenter.org/event/9th-season/ken-koshio-4-22.html
Drumming Up the Easter Moon with Ken Koshio & KenZoo at Arcosanti
Saturday, April 15th
Dinner at 6pm- $20
Japanese Drum performance at 7:30pm- $20 ($10 for students)
Arcosanti
13555 S. Cross L Rd.
Mayer, AZ 86333
Call for Reservations: 928-632-7135
Japanese Drumming Workshop- Let's Find Your Own Rhythm II
Saturday, March 18th, 1 PM - 3 PM
525 Posse Ground Rd.
Sedona, Arizona 86336
This workshop will be held by Ken Koshio, focuses on the basics of playing taiko under the theme of 'finding your own rhythm"
Since ancient times, Taiko rhythms set the heartbeat in motion, expressing the melodies and pulse of mother earth.
Learning about the principle ideas on taiko, explore your sound and listen to your heartbeats. Please come share the joy of playing Taiko at Sedona Hub.
Discount Tire Free Family Second Sunday
- Phoenix Art Museum
Saturday, March 11th & Sunday, March 12th /
12 - 5 p.m.
1625 N. Central Ave.
Phoenix, AZ 85004
Come join a hands-on experience with Japanese Taiko Drums and an assortment of exciting activities.
HIROSHIMA CALLING
Paper Lantern - a film by Barry Frechette
Payer for Peace - a performance by Hiroshima Taiko Preservation Society international
-Tempe History Museum
809 E. Southern Ave.
Tempe, Arizona 85282
Telephone: (480) 350-5100
Saturday, March 4
7 p.m.
4:45 p.m. Introduction by Dan Miller.
5:00 p.m. Ken Koshio and Hiroshima Historical Preservation Society International performance,
1) Hiryu daiko - Flying Dragon Beats（飛龍太鼓)
2) Hohnoh daiko - Dedication Beats（奉納太鼓）
3) Hiroshima Calling
4) Sakura no Ne – Root of Cherry Tree (サクラノネ)
5) Sukiyaki
6) Nicho daiko - Two Heads Taiko Beats（二挺太鼓）
6:00 p.m. Film Screening "Paper Lantern”
7:30 p.m. hold a discussion with filmmaker if he attends or the Zoom live videoconference.
Samurai- Phoenix Art Museum
First Friday: Public Opening for Samurai Exhibit
Friday, March 3rd / 6 - 10 p.m.
1625 N. Central Ave.
Phoenix, AZ 85004
The exhibition is accompanied by a fully-illustrated catalog, Art of Armor: Samurai Armor from the Ann and Gabriel Barbier-Mueller Collection, with essays by leading Japanese Samurai Armor Experts.
Arizona Matsuri Festival 2017
Saturday, February 25th and Sunday, February 26th 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Heritage & Science Park 115 N. 6th St. Phoenix, AZ 85004 (SW corner of 7th St. & Monroe St.)
Featuring Japanese exhibits, demonstrations, arts and crafts, children's activities, bonsai displays, Japanese food, Japanese beer and sake garden, games and contests, and live entertainment on 4 stages throughout Heritage & Science Park in Downtown Phoenix.
FREE ADMISSION!
Samurai- Phoenix Art Museum First Friday: Public Opening for Samurai Exhibit Friday, March 3rd / 6 - 10 p.m. 1625 N. Central Ave. Phoenix, AZ 85004 The exhibition is accompanied by a fully-illustrated catalog, Art of Armor: Samurai Armor from the Ann and Gabriel Barbier-Mueller Collection, with essays by leading Japanese Samurai Armor Experts. http://www.phxart.org/Samurai Discount Tire Free Family Second Sunday - Phoenix Art Museum Sunday, March 12th / 12 - 5 p.m. 1625 N. Central Ave. Phoenix, AZ 85004 Come join a hands-on experience with Japanese Taiko Drums and an assortment of exciting activities. http://www.phxart.org
Please stay tuned for upcoming events by Ken Koshio and Ancient Sounds of Peace
Rhythm of Earth II
Ken Koshio and KENZOO
with Special Guest, TAKERU (former YAMATO performer)
Saturday, February 11th , Workshop 1p.m. - 3p.m. & Concert 7 p.m.
Sedona Posse Grounds Hub- 525B Posse Grounds Rd. Sedona, AZ 86336
Powerful Taiko beats resonate with your heartbeat
“Ryhthm of the Earth”- produced and performed by Ken Koshio, KENZOO and special guest from Japan: TAKERU - echoes with a sound that could only come from soulful and powerful spirits, which resonate your heartbeat, and connects people across cultures and to our planet.
Ken Koshio is a world class Japanese Taiko drummer. He produced many cultural events and concerts, especially Taiko ‘n’ Roll Live Show, which has been very successful. Taiko is a Japanese style of percussion, combining music, movement, and spirit. Ken pushes the boundaries of Taiko through various collaborations, creating a totally authentic and unique style of music. It is truly an amazing and powerful production and exciting performance you will see with an amazing special guest TAKERU.
Advance Concert Tickets
$20 Adult/$10 Student
Tickets at Door
$25 Adult/$15 Student
Special rate for persons who attend the workshop
Adult:
Workshop $20/Concert: $10: Bundle $30
Concert: $10
Students
Workshop $15/Concert $5: Bundle $20
Takeru
He joined one of the major professional taiko troupes in Japan in 1995. Yamato was founded in Japan’s Nara Prefecture in 1993. He was an outstanding performer and played the main role in Yamato, has given over 2,500 performances in 51 countries and regions. He retired Yamato in 2016 and he is currently performing as a solo artist, or collaborating with many other unique artists to create new vitality and passion for life. He will continue to perform throughout Japan and around the world to express the spirit of Japan.
Awa Odori Experience-
Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix
Friday, February 3 (First Friday)
4 p.m.- 6 p.m.
Free admission
Instructor: Ken Koshio, Matsuri Committee
Organized by Ken Koshio, practice will begin for this exciting part of Matsuri! All ages. Welcome to join in on the dancing fun! Everyone is also welcome to participate the Matsuri Parade!!!
https://www.facebook.com/azmatsuri
The Arizona Matsuri is an annual festival which celebrates Japanese culture and heritage, traditional and modern. The two-day event held at Heritage & Science Park in downtown Phoenix features the sights and sounds of Japan, art, crafts, music, dance and much more. The family friendly Matsuri is free to all. Japanese food and goods from over 60 vendors are available for purchase and the beer and sake garden is a great place to relax. The Arizona Matsuri was first held in 1984 and will be celebrating its 33nd anniversary in 2017.
Sunday A' fair / Peace and Community Day
Hopi to WA Performance
Sunday, January 15th/12 p.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Scottsdale Civic Center Park
www.scottsdaleperformingarts.org/event/sunday-afair-2017/
P.F. Chang's Rock 'N' Roll Arizona Marathon
Opening Performance
Sunday, January 15th/7:55 a.m. - 8:25 a.m.
7th Ave. & Thomas
http://marathons.ahotu.com/event/p-f-chang-s-rock-n-roll-arizona-marathon
Picnic baskets are welcome. Delicious foods from the grill, snacks, cocktails, beer, wine and soft drinks are also available for purchase. No outside alcohol allowed.
Tucson Japanese Festival
Saturday, January 14th/11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Ken Koshio and Koshio Gumi performance: 2:30 - 2:50 p.m.
Pima Community College Downtown Campus Center 1255 N. Stone Ave. Tucson, AZ 85709
Japanese New Year festival featuring mochi (rice cake) pounding, demonstrations, art & crafts, games, food, musical performances, taiko drumming, and more! Sponsored by Southern Arizona Japanese Cultural Coalition, Odaiko Sonora, Yume Japanese Gardens of Tucson. $5 adults, children under 5 are free. http://www.southernazjapan.org
P.F. Chang's Rock 'N' Roll Arizona Marathon
Opening Performance
Sunday, January 15th/7:55 a.m. - 8:25 a.m.
7th Ave. & Thomas
http://marathons.ahotu.com/event/p-f-chang-s-rock-n-roll-arizona-marathon
Picnic baskets are welcome. Delicious foods from the grill, snacks, cocktails, beer, wine and soft drinks are also available for purchase. No outside alcohol allowed.
Japanese Cultural Festival -The Rhythms of Japan
Wednesday, January 11th / 7-8 p.m.
Arizona Opera Atrium
1636 N. Central Ave. Phoenix, AZ 85004
Celebrate Puccini's masterpiece Madama Butterfly with a celebration of Japanese culture, featuring a showcase of traditional dance, music and various art forms native to Japan. Pre-Show Taiko Drumming in the Plaza!
http://www.azopera.org/events/rhythms-japan
Meet us at Camelback Mountain on New Year's Day and join us for the first Taiko Drumming (Taiko Tataki Hajime) of the year 2017!
It is an ancient Japanese tradition to pray and welcome the first sunrise in celebration of the New Year! Koshio Gumi embraced this powerful sunrise as they climbed Camelback Mountain this past January 1st (New Year's Day).
Please join us on NEW YEAR'S DAY (Jan. 1st) 2017 (Sunrise time will be around 7:30am ) on top of Camelback Mountain to witness the first Sunrise and see Ken Koshio perform a taiko drum prayer. If you have not climbed before, you can join us at the Echo Canyon Parking Lot (north side of mountain) around 6:00am to climb together. It takes between 30 minutes to 1 hour to reach the top. So at your own pace, please experience the wonderful views as you reach the top with Koshio Gumi (before 7:30am). Also dress warm and bring water!!
You are also welcome to TAIKO "TATAKI HAJIME" the first Taiko Drumming of the year to welcome and pray for this wonderful 2017 at Wakonkan Dojo at 11:00am. Ozoni (Japanese new year food) and Sake are available with a $20 Donation. Space is Limited, Please RSVP (Koshio Gumi Members are FREE)
To RSVP and for more detailed information about Camelback Mountain Sacred hike on New Year Day- please contact at info@kenkoshio.com
Wa-Konkan Taiko Drum Dojo of Ken Koshio
2217 N. Dayton St. Phoenix, AZ 85006
Rhythm of Earth
w/ Hiro Hayashida, Zi-Pang, & Ken Koshio
Saturday, January 28th, Workshop 1p.m. - 3p.m. & Concert 7p.m.
Sedona Posse Grounds Hub- 525B Posse Grounds Rd. Sedona, AZ 86336
Powerful Drum Beats Will Resonate With Your Heartbeats
“Rhythm of Earth”- produced and performed by Ken Koshio and Hiro Hayashida -
echoes with a sound that could only come from soulful and powerful spirits, which
resonate your heartbeat, and connects people across cultures and to our planet.
Ken Koshio is a world class Japanese Taiko drummer. He has produced many cultural
events and concerts, especially Taiko ‘n’ Roll Live Show, which has been very
successful. Taiko is a Japanese style of percussion, combining music, movement and
spirit. Ken pushes the boundaries of Taiko through various collaborations, creating a
totally authentic and unique style of music. It is truly an amazing and powerful
production and the most exciting performance you will see with an amazing special
guest and his troupe, Hiro Hayashida & Zi-Pang.
Hiro Hayashida was born in Nagasaki, Japan. He was an active member of the
internationally-renowned taiko group, KODO, whom he joined in 1985 and remained in
for seven years. KODO performed on more than 800 stages all over the world.
Hayashida then became a solo player in 1991 and was a member of Takio Ito (most
famous Minyo singer in Japan) and TAKIO BAND for two years.