FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 25, 2004 

Of interest to editors and journalists covering: Los Angeles music, percussion, performance-arts, Japanese/Japanese-American culture.


ON ENSEMBLE WORKS IN PROGRESS '04 -- 
  CONCERT OF NEW TAIKO IN HISTORIC THEATER

Los Angeles-based taiko quartet, On Ensemble, will debut all-new and reworked music for taiko and dance at Santa Monica's Miles Memorial Playhouse, Friday December 3, 2004.  Known for its innovative and experimental compositions for traditional Japanese drums, On Ensemble will be joined by multiple collaborators including drummer Jon Bailey, guitarist Charlie Campagna, and percussionist Kelvin Underwood, formerly of Ondekoza.  New works incorporate Japanese flute, koto, shamisen, western drums, turntable, and Tuvan throat singing.  Background information concerning the art-form of taiko and the creation of the new works will be presented.  The recently-renovated Miles Memorial Playhouse provides an intimate setting for this evening of new music.  Tickets are $20 general, $15 for students and children 12 and under, and can be purchased by calling 310-350-8825.

Works In Progress '04 presents eight new pieces, the group's newest and most experimental music.  Each piece explores the group's musical sensibilities from the inside-out --- a complicated mix of influences from the members' study of traditional Japanese aesthetics, to their affinity for eclectic, contemporary music.  One member, trained in the traditional Japanese music of Kabuki, debuts a piece about homelessness in downtown Los Angeles.  Another, with significant study of Japanese folk dance, presents a movement-oriented piece that bends and sometimes breaks the traditional dance vocabulary in an effort to understand the struggles of living in a modern, confused society.  Another member's piece, an exploration of deeply internal musical sense, utilizes Japanese flute, bowed koto, and Tuvan throat singing.

The Miles Memorial Playhouse is one of Santa Monica's most treasured historical landmarks and the ideal setting for the evening's debut of new music.  Located on the northeast side of Christine Emerson Reed Park, at 1130 Lincoln Boulevard, the 150-seat theater was fully restored in 1998 and is now one of the most intimate and beautiful performing arts spaces in southern California.  Free parking is available in the parking structure at Lincoln and Wilshire.

On Ensemble was founded in 2002, its debut concert in northern Japan.  Soon after, the group made Los Angeles its home base where it has quickly established itself as one of north America's most sought-after taiko groups.  On Ensemble and its individual members perform and teach regularly throughout the country.

Interviews with the performers may be scheduled at the contact below.  Photographs are available upon request.  More information about On Ensemble, including downloadable music and videos, is available at OnEnsemble.org .

CONTACT INFORMATION:
	Kristofer Bergstrom
	On Ensemble
	310-350-8825
	kris@OnEnsemble.org	

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