On Ensemble, a progressive taiko fusion group based in California, will be playing at the Tri-Lakes Center for the Arts in Palmer Lake on February 15.

On Ensemble
Performing Sunday, February 15
Concert starts at 3 p.m. Doors open at 2 p.m.

Advance Tickets: $15
Door Tickets: $20

Tickets Purchased at www.taikosociety.com

Flyer: oNeNSEMBLE pOSTER.pdf

The Tri-Lakes Center for the Arts is proud to host On Ensemble, one of the most amazing performance troupes you will ever experience. On Ensemble is at the forefront of a growing artistic movement in the taiko (Japanese ensemble drumming) world. Founded by childhood friends Shoji Kameda and Masato (Maz) Baba, On Ensemble has made a name for itself by infusing the powerful rhythms of taiko with overtone singing, odd meter grooves and soaring melodies. Their fearless musical explorations have taken the ancient instruments of taiko into new realms and have established a distinctly modern expression for the art form. The group’s unique sound has been praised as “completely original and brilliantly conceived.” Modern Drummer magazine calls On Ensemble “an exciting taiko ensemble looking at new ways to apply traditional Japanese drums.” In 2013 On Ensemble was the first American taiko group to be invited to perform at the National Theater of Japan for the prestigious Nihon no Taiko concert series.

Shoji Kameda Shoji is a Grammy nominated musician, composer and producer. He started playing taiko at the age of 8 and has played continuously since. He was selected through a highly competitive process as an Asian Pacific Performance Exchange fellow, collaborating with master artists from the Philippines, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and the USA. As the group’s primary creative force he has produced On Ensemble’s critically acclaimed CDs Dust and Sand, Ume in the Middle and Bizarre Heroes. He also composed an original score for Abduction: The Megumi Yokota Story, Audience Award winner for Best Documentary at the Slamdance Film Festival. He was featured in the music of the hit NBC TV show “Heroes” performed with Stevie Wonder at the 2008 Democratic National Convention and received a Grammy nomination with jazz fusion band Hiroshima for his work on their album Legacy. His track “Yamasong” was the inspiration for Sam Koji Hale’s short film of the same name which won Best Animated Film and Best Fantasy Short at the Dragon Con Film Festival. He has collaborated with musicians from around the world including projects and tours to Malaysia, Java, Bali, Mongolia and French Guiana. He continues to be involved in a number of projects as a composer, musician and producer including a trip-hop duo with Grammy Award winning composer Christopher Tin called Stereo Alchemy.

Masato (Maz) Baba Born into a musical family, Maz started playing taiko at age 6 under the tutelage of his parents and professional taiko players, Russel Baba and Jeanne Mercer. In his twenty-eight years of studying, performing, and teaching, Maz has become one of the most respected taiko players in North America. He has toured the United States, Japan, Macau, and Germany and has recorded with many of North America’s leading taiko artists. He was featured in the David Mamet film “Redbelt”, performed at the Academy Awards and performed with Alicia Keys on the TV show “X-Factor”. He also lends his talents as Musical Director to TAIKOPROJECT and serves as lead instructor and workshop leader to several Los Angeles-based taiko groups.

Eien Hunter-Ishikawa Eien is a versatile drummer, percussionist and taiko players with a multifaceted musical background. He earned his Bachelor of Music Education at Central Michigan University where he performed, recorded and toured as a member of the Robert Hohner Percussion Ensemble. He earned his Master of Music at the University of Hawaii Manoa. During his time in Hawaii, Eien performed and toured extensively as a member of the Kenny Endo Taiko Ensemble. Currently based in Vancouver, Eien collaborates with shakuhachi artist Alcvin Ryuzen Ramos and has performed with a wide variety of musicians from electro acoustic groups Isshin Denshin and Haagen & Ryuzen to dancer Colleen Lanki to bag pipe ensembles, African band Kow Kanda and rock/reggae band Still Creek.

Abe Lagrimas Jr. Abe is a multi-instrumentalist equally proficient on vibraphone, drum kit and ukulele. Abe has toured throughout the world performing with notable musicians Eric Marienthal, Eric Reed, Azar Lawrence, Bill Mays, Jon Irabagon, Michael Paulo, Lalo Schifrin, Gabe Baltazar, James Morrison, Benny Rietveld, Jake Shimabukuro, James Ingram, Michael Ruff, Valery Ponomarev, Michelle Coltrane and many others. He is a member of Prelude, one of South Korea’s top jazz groups and is an active educator. He has released several albums his latest entitled Solo Ukulele – King of Pop pays tribute to pop king Michael Jackson and was recognized by the Hawaii Academy of Recording Arts as the EP Release of the Year.