Commemorating Event of the 20th Anniversary of the Diplomatic Relations Between Japan and Georgia
Wadaiko Demonstration and Concert by 'Leonard Eto Taiko Ensamble'
Demonstration
Date: November 21 (Wed.), 2012 17:00
Venue: V. Sarajishvili Tbilisi State Conservatoire (Recital Hall)
Address: 8-10 Griboedov str..
* * *Admission Free
Date: November 22 (Thur.), 2012 17:00
Venue: Free University of Tbilisi
Address: Bedia str. Nutsubidze Plateau
* * *Admission Free
Concert
Date: November 23 (Fri.), 2012 19:00
Venue: A. Griboedov Russian State Drama Theatre
Address: 2, Rustaveli Ave.
* * *Admission Free
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● Cast:
Leonard Eto (Japanese Drum)
Born in New York in 1963. Participated in "Kodo" from 1984. He led the group by blowing away the old image of the drum as not only a player and composer but also as a music director. The drum ensemble created by his original style gave a significant impact to the entertainment and music scene in Japan as well as Europe and United States. He left Kodo in 1992 and started his solo career.
Since his solo live debut "Leo Project" in 1993, he has conducted various projects with his unique worldview through many collaborations. The stage he produces is filled with the scrupulous arrangement by the collaborations with percussion definitely, stringed, pianoforte, digital sound, and tap-dance. Then, it creates a comfortable tension and the stereophonic effect in sound by keeping the organic relationship respectively.
Also he has made active exchanges with overseas artists participating in many festivals and tours. His music has been used numerous film and dance, and CM. His father, Kimio Eto, is the head master of Ikuta-Eto style of the Japanese harp, and he was active in America in 1950's so that he co-starred with such as Leopold Stokowski (a conductor) and Harry Belafonte (a singer). His five years elder brother, Steve Eto, is the percussionist.
MIHO UESUGI (Japanese Drum)
Born in October in 1974. She started playing Japanese Drum at 16 years old and belonged to the Drum group in Oume, but became independent in 2000. Since then, she has been building up her career as a musician while groping for her own sound. Her experience as a Japanese Drum player is 20 years. Participated Leonard Eto's Africa and Middle East tour sponsored by Japan Foundation in 2004. Currently is active in her own band "eno" and "tei". Has been joined many albums of Leonard Eto.
KENICHI KOIZUMI (Japanese Drum)
Born in Saitama in 1975. Began to learn the drums under the influence of his father at 10 years old, and joined a local group. Aimed at becoming a drum player in his high school days. After graduation, started his activities with various musicians, dancers, actors, who are in several genres in order to become a full-fledged drum player. Participated in the concert as a member of "Takio Ito (a folk singer)&TAKIO BAND". Planning various activities as an all-round drum player.
YURA HIDENORI (Japanese Drum)
Belonged to Japanese Drum Group "Furyudagaku Matsurisyu" till 2008. Participated in CD "Raion". Also, formed the "HIDE&KEITH" with Keith Hills come from Canada in 2004. At home and abroad played with various artists adopting any musical instruments freely beyond the concept of the Japanese Drum. In 2005, his first CD "pfat?" was produced, and the second CD "Kukuruyuh" in 2009.
Further, HIDE&KEITH advanced to the finals of "ISC 2007" in US. Their musicality has begun to be recognized in abroad.
DOJI (Tap Dance)
Born in Tokyo in June 1982. Graduated Art Department of Tamagawa University. When he was 9 years old he started learning tap under Mr. Koyo Ukai, and he has shown remarkable achievements on the stages, the events, and the TV shows. He considers tap as one means of the comprehensive art, and he is a pioneering tapper in the next generation who is aggressively challenging to collaborate with various musicians and dancers in different genres.
At the tap event "SOUND OUT", he performs with tap dancers of the same age for creating a new tap scene.
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