Skip to main content Skip to footer site map

KODO To Explore Traditional Japanese Performance Art In Scottsdale

Audiences are invited to experience the limitless possibilities of the traditional Japanese art of taiko drum.

KODO To Explore Traditional Japanese Performance Art In Scottsdale

The professional taiko drumming troupe KODO will perform on Feb. 15 and 16 at Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts.

Audiences are invited to experience the limitless possibilities of the traditional Japanese art of taiko drum. In Japanese, the word "Kodo" conveys two meanings: "heartbeat," the primal source of all rhythm, and "children of the drum," a reflection of KODO's desire to play the drums simply, with the heart of a child.

"KODO is finally back on the road and able to commence its One Earth Tour across North America, starting in Seattle and coming to Scottsdale mid-February," said Abbey Messmer, programming director at the center. "KODO is an experience like no other with massive taiko drums producing a sound you can feel in your body and serious physical endurance exhibited by the musicians."

Since the group's debut at Berliner Festspiele in 1981, KODO has given more than 7,000 performances on five continents. Its origins stretch back a decade before that to a gathering of young men and women on Sado Island, where they began to teach traditional Japanese performing arts and crafts to youth.

"KODO is completely disciplined but also know how to have fun," Messmer said. "The program will celebrate the group's history presenting early works like 'Dyu-Ha,' signature pieces such as 'O-daiko,' 'Yatai-bayashi' and 'Zoku,' and new compositions."

In addition to its theater schedule, KODO enjoys working with thousands of school children across Japan through its ongoing "School Workshop Performance" tours. The ensemble also participates in a wide range of projects and events, which includes headlining major international festivals, contributing to motion picture soundtracks and collaborating with a wide variety of global performing arts leaders.

Valley audience members can join KODO and explore traditional Japanese drums at Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, 7380 E. 2nd St., Scottsdale, Arizona. Tickets start at $30. For information, visit ScottsdalePerformingArts.org/events or call 480-499-TKTS (8587).

Scottsdale Arts is continually striving to increase our accessibility offerings to provide enriching arts opportunities for everyone in the community. For more information about services we offer, please visit ScottsdalePerformingArts.org/visit/accessibility.



JUNIE B JONES Jumps Off The Page And Onto The Stage At Valley Youth Theatre Photo
​​​​​​​Junie B Jones, the very fiery, very funny, first grader, is set to fly off the page and onto the stage this Friday at Valley Youth Theatre!

Scottsdale Arts DIVERSION: RECYCLED TEXTILES TO ART Exhibition Tackles Global Garment Wast Photo
Scottsdale Public Art draws attention to the worldwide environmental crisis caused by textile waste with its new exhibition, “Diversion: Recycled Textiles to Art,” open from April 11 to June 30 at the Civic Center Public Gallery at Scottsdale Civic Center Library. 

University Of Arizona School Of Theatre, Film & Television Presents HEAD OVER HEELS Photo
The School of Theatre, Film & Television presents the bold new musical comedy Head Over Heels, onstage at the Tornabene Theatre at the University of Arizona from April 9th through 23rd.

Global Musical Legends To Perform At Scottsdale Arts This Spring Photo
Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts will welcome the final global performances in the 2022–23 season with Vieux Farka Touré and Rodrigo y Gabriela. 


More Hot Stories For You


JUNIE B JONES Jumps Off The Page And Onto The Stage At Valley Youth TheatreJUNIE B JONES Jumps Off The Page And Onto The Stage At Valley Youth Theatre
March 31, 2023

​​​​​​​Junie B Jones, the very fiery, very funny, first grader, is set to fly off the page and onto the stage this Friday at Valley Youth Theatre!

Scottsdale Art's DIVERSION: RECYCLED TEXTILES TO ART Exhibition Tackles Global Garment WasteScottsdale Art's DIVERSION: RECYCLED TEXTILES TO ART Exhibition Tackles Global Garment Waste
March 30, 2023

Scottsdale Public Art draws attention to the worldwide environmental crisis caused by textile waste with its new exhibition, “Diversion: Recycled Textiles to Art,” open from April 11 to June 30 at the Civic Center Public Gallery at Scottsdale Civic Center Library. 

University Of Arizona School Of Theatre, Film & Television Presents HEAD OVER HEELSUniversity Of Arizona School Of Theatre, Film & Television Presents HEAD OVER HEELS
March 30, 2023

The School of Theatre, Film & Television presents the bold new musical comedy Head Over Heels, onstage at the Tornabene Theatre at the University of Arizona from April 9th through 23rd.

Global Musical Legends To Perform At Scottsdale Arts This SpringGlobal Musical Legends To Perform At Scottsdale Arts This Spring
March 29, 2023

Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts will welcome the final global performances in the 2022–23 season with Vieux Farka Touré and Rodrigo y Gabriela. 

Borderlands Theater Presents WEST SIDE STORIESBorderlands Theater Presents WEST SIDE STORIES
March 29, 2023

Borderlands Theater presents West Side Stories, written by Veronica Weatherbie with contributions by Patricia Preciado Martin, Milta Ortiz, Silviana Wood and Marc David Pinate, edited by Milta Ortiz and directed by Jonathan Heras and Marc David Pinate.