Roots & Rhythm

Reuniting on stage for the first time in more than two decades — and appearing together in the United States for the first time — acclaimed shakuhachi artist John Kaizan Neptune and Grammy-winning ghatam virtuoso Giridhar Udupa come together for an extraordinary evening of music. Joined by David Neptune on Takeda percussion, Christophe Ambrosino on guitar, and Spencer Hinkle on bss, the quintet explores original compositions shaped by Japanese melodies, South Indian rhythm, jazz improvisation, Latin influences, and musical traditions from around the world. Across a rare 90-minute performance, the ensemble creates a sound that is at once intimate, adventurous, and deeply immersive. Each performance unfolds as a living conversation where melody, rhythm, and spontaneity meet in the moment. Roots & Rhythm celebrates musical friendship, creative exchange, and the power of music to connect people across generations, cultures, and borders.