San Jose Taiko was formed in 1973 by young Asian Americans searching for an artistic and musical outlet to convey their unique experiences as third generation Japanese Americans, or Sansei. Looking to Japan for inspiration, they selected the symbolic Taiko or drum as their instrument of expression.

San Jose Taiko takes the essence and voice of the traditional Taiko and infuses it with the vitality and freshness of their American spirit. By studying with masters of other traditions and cultures the musicians, under the direction of Roy Hirabayashi, have broadened and embellished this historical art form into a style that joins world rhythms of African, Balinese, Brazilian, Latin and jazz percussion resulting in an innovative sound still resonant of the Asian soul in America.

This one-thousand, nine-hundred and forty-eighth event at the Redlands Bowl Summer Music Festival will begin at 8:15 p.m. Ushers for the concert will be members of the board of directors for the Arts Council for San Bernardino County and members of the law firm Hartnell, Horspool and Fox. Bryan Hartnell will be the intermission speaker. The event is co-sponsored by the Morning, Noon and Evening Kiwanis Clubs of Redlands.

All events of the Redlands Bowl Summer Music Festival are presented without an admission charge, with a free-will offering collected at intermission.

The Redlands Bowl is located at 25 Grant Street in Redlands between Grant and Eureka Streets, just south of Brookside Avenue. For directions and more information, contact the office at 909/793-7316 or view the website at www.redlandsbowl.org