Features
OnEnsemble - Guest Artist
ShastaYama Guest Artist 2008
With Japanese drums at the foundation of its world fusion mix, On Ensemble takes the ancient instruments of taiko into new realms. Infusing the powerful rhythms of ensemble Japanese drumming with influences ranging from hip-hop and electronica to Tuvan throat singing, On Ensemble'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."
On Ensemble's four members are individually recognized as leading artists in their field. Sought after as teachers, composers, and perfomers - Masato Baba, Kristofer Bergstrom, Shoji Kameda, and Kelvin Underwood have over 60 years of taiko experience. All have studied traditional performing arts in Japan.
http://www.onensemble.org
Masato Baba and Shoji Kameda started as children with Shasta Taiko and have been perennial ShastaYama and Shasta Taiko In Concert featured guests. ON Ensemble has performed twice before in Siskiyou County as featured artists for the successful Shasta Taiko In Concert series at the College of the Siskiyous.