On Thursday, July 26, 2007 starting at 6:30pm, CAVA and San Jose Taiko came to the Japanese American National Museum in Little Tokyo to perform as part of the 2007 1st and Central Summer Concerts series. This program is put on by the Museum, and offers free concerts throughout the summer, right outside of the Museum entrance. Other performers include Ricardo Lemvo and Makina Loca, Enzo Avitabile and Bottari, and more!

CAVA is a latin music group comprised of Claudia Gonzalez on vocals, cajon, juarana and taiko, Walter Miranda on piano, electric keyboard and bass, Alfredo Ortiz on drums and timbales and Taiko Master Maceo on taiko. CAVA's Latin powered Jazz, mixed with influences of Peruvian soul, Cumbia, Salsa, Afro-Cuban music and Ska, captivated the audience that night.

San Jose Taiko was founded in 1973, and is under the artistic directorship of Roy and PJ Hirabayashi. SJT mixes the beats of traditional Japanese drumming with African, Balinese, Brazilian, Latin and jazz percussion rhythms as well. The group currently has 15 performing members and three apprentices.

This collection is composed of pictures from the concert, pictures of both CAVA and San Jose Taiko. It captures the spirit, the art, the power and the love for music that the groups share. Enjoy!

Photographs by Richard Murakami.