San Jose Taiko Brings Spellbinding Sound To The Grunin Center

TOMS RIVER, NJ — San Jose Taiko has been mesmerizing audiences since 1973 with the powerful, propulsive sounds of the taiko. Inspired by traditional Japanese drumming, SJT expresses the beauty and harmony of the human spirit through the voice of the taiko, creating new dimensions in Asian American movement and music. On Sunday, November 4, at 7:00 p.m., see these spellbinding performers at the Jay and Linda Grunin Center for the Arts.

Continuing the core values of founding directors and National Endowment for the Arts 2011 National Heritage Fellows Roy and PJ Hirabayashi, San Jose Taiko performances are based on a profound respect for each member of the group. All compositions performed by SJT are written or arranged by members of the group. Composing, choreographing, designing and producing costumes, and handcrafting the drums are part of the holistic process in which all members participate. Through this singleness of mind and spirit, harmony is achieved and the music rings with unity and clarity.

SJT has broadened this historical art form into a style that joins the traditional rhythms of Japanese drumming with other world rhythms, including African, Brazilian, Filipino, Latin, and jazz, bridging many styles, while still resonating with the Asian soul in America. Company members study both traditional and contemporary dance with leading choreographers, producing performances that are theatrical extravaganzas of movement and music.

Tickets are $25-29, and can be purchased online at grunincenter.org; by phone at 732-255-0500; or in person at the Grunin Center Box Office, Monday to Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Ask about group and student rates.

This engagement of San Jose Taiko is made possible through the ArtsCONNECT program of the Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation, with support from the National Endowment for the Arts.

92.7 WOBM is the official media sponsor of the 2018-2019 Grunin Center Season

The Grunin Center is located on the OCC Main Campus, College Drive, Toms River, NJ.