It has been a Gardena Valley Japanese Cultural Institute (GVJCI) tradition that Yuujou Daiko opens our Annual GVJCI Matsuri each year! Yuujou Daiko was established in 2012 through our friendship and our passion for taiko. The meaning of Yuujou is "friendship", which is indicative of our camaraderie and shared goals that formed our group. We are comprised of taiko players from all over Southern California who have been in such diverse groups as Hikari Taiko, Kokoro Taiko, Taiko Center of Los Angeles and East LA Taiko. Since our formation, we have been given tremendous support by the local taiko community and would like to extend our heartfelt appreciation. We are grateful for the encouragement that we have received and hope that through our passion and efforts, we can make significant contributions back to the community. Yuujou Daiko is based in South San Gabriel at the beautiful Gedatsu Church Los Angeles and in Gardena at the Gardena Valley Japanese Cultural Institute.
Elemental Funk is a South Bay-based band comprised of members Brian Yamamoto (vocals), Wade Inouye (trumpet/vocals), Danny Hirota (guitar), Dan Masuda (bass), Ed Shimizu (keyboard), Miles Watanabe (saxophone/trumpet/percussion/vocals), Jon Matsunaga (saxophone/wind controller), Nick Lobato (trumpet), and Jeff Ng (drums). Brought together through their shared love of old school R&B, rock, and soul music, the members of Elemental Funk have been playing music together since 2005, when they first performed at a Friends of Richard (FOR) parent event. Elemental Funk has a deep appreciation for the Asian community in the South Bay, and they love to give back to the community through playing music. You can often find Elemental Funk performing at events and functions around the South Bay. We hope you enjoy this performance!
The GVJCI is so grateful for the beautiful performances that the Kanani Kalama Hula Studio brings to our Annual GVJCI Matsuri Fundraiser each year. We hope you enjoy this special 2021 GVJCI Virtual Matsuri Fundraiser performance!