AURORA | It’s going to be more than just an unusual night on Havana Street tomorrow.

Sure, not only will there be a nearly full “strawberry” moon be snuggling next to the giant rusty star Antares, shining over the boulevard, but a world-champion Japanese drummer will be bringing a once-in-a-lifetime peace offering to the party as well.

Acclaimed Japanese Taiko drummer Takumi Kato and his family are slated to bring a centuries-old musical tradition to Havana Night Street Market Saturday as part of a five-year, cross-country journey aimed at promoting peace through performance.

Peaceful Forest, a family ensemble led by Kato, is scheduled to perform from 7 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Night Market, produced by On Havana Street and held at Leezakaya, 2710 S. Havana St.

Kato, his wife and his three children have been traveling across the United States since 2022 with a goal of performing 1,000 shows in all 50 states.

The Aurora performance will mark show No. 718, with 282 more to go.

The family organizes many of its performances through grassroots connections with local organizations, reaching out directly to communities along their route.

That led them to Aurora, city spokesperson Joe Rubino said in a statement.

Seeking a Colorado performance, the family contacted the Havana Business Improvement District, which coordinated with the On Havana Street Night Market organizers and Leezakaya owner JW Lee to bring the group to the multicultural market.

The family is traveling from Laramie, Wyo., for Saturday’s appearance.

They also are scheduled to perform at the Denver Cherry Blossom Festival, city officials said.

Kato, who is from the Gifu Prefecture in Japan, a solemn and heavily forested area, has garnered international recognition for his Taiko drumming. He won the top prize at the 2008 Tokyo International Wadaiko Competition, performed for the Emperor and Empress of Japan during the Japanese National Games and served as a torchbearer for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games, according to his group’s history.

His children perform alongside him as Peaceful Forest, playing traditional Taiko drums, including one instrument that is more than a century old.

Taiko drumming has been integral to Japanese culture for more than 1,400 years. Historically, the drums were used for messaging during battles, religious ceremonies, festivals and theatrical performances. Modern ensemble-style Taiko, known as Kumi-Daiko, gained worldwide attention after being featured during the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, according to .

Kato says his family’s performances are intended to spread a message of world peace through music while introducing audiences across the United States to Japanese culture. M On the down side of their five-year mission, the family has already completed hundreds of performances nationwide.

Aurora’s selection as one of their stops reflects the city’s reputation as one of Colorado’s most diverse communities, Rubino said. The city’s motto, “The World in a City,” underscores its international character and makes the Havana Street Night Market a fitting venue for the family’s cultural performance.

Aurora’s global street festivals have returned for the 2026 season Saturday night, transforming the Havana Street corridor into an open-air celebration of food, art and community. Centered outside Leezakaya, the monthly night market features an eclectic mix of vendors offering handmade goods, clothing, jewelry and international crafts. Live music, dance performances, games and giveaways add to the festive atmosphere, making it a lively gathering for all ages. A major highlight is the rotating lineup of food trucks and culinary vendors serving global street fare — from Korean barbecue and Mexican tacos to African specialties and inventive fusion dishes — creating a dynamic, ever-changing dining experience.

IF YOU GO:

Date: June 27; continues monthly through September from 6 p.m.-10 p.m.)

Place: Leezakaya, 2710 S. Havana St.

Tickets: Free admission

Information: onhavanastreet.com or 303-360-7505

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