James Yoshizawa

James Yoshizawa is a versatile drummer and percussionist celebrated for his creative integration of unique percussion instruments into his performances, from the drum set to the Irish bones to the bodhrán and beyond.

James began his musical journey at age 11, playing in a Japanese folk music ensemble alongside his school orchestra and marching band. That early immersion in diverse musical traditions laid the foundation for a career defined by versatility, eventually leading him to earn a degree in classical percussion.

Since then, James has performed at some of the most storied venues in the country and abroad, including The Greek Theatre, The Hollywood Bowl, The Taipei National Concert Hall, Ford's Theatre, The Blue Whale, The Baked Potato, and The Rady Shell. His theatrical credits include serving as bodhrán soloist and percussionist for the Broadway musical Come From Away in 2016. He has also had the honor of performing for President Barack Obama. From 2013 to 2023, he served as a guest artist at the Fairbanks Summer Arts Festival. In 2026, he was invited to perform with the San Diego Symphony for their performance of How to Train Your Dragon 2.

A standout in the world of traditional Irish percussion, James was named the 2022 All-Ireland World Champion on the bones — a distinction that reflects both his technical mastery and his dedication to a lesser-known art form. Equally at home behind a drum kit, he brings that same versatility and creativity to his work as a drum set player across a wide range of genres and settings.

As an educator, James has shared his expertise with some of the nation's most respected high school percussion programs, including Arcadia High School and Woodbridge High School. In 2022, he was invited to present on the bones at the Percussive Arts Society International Convention, further cementing his role as an advocate for the instrument.

James's recorded work can be heard on episodes of the television show The Westies and on video game soundtracks such as Arknights. He currently performs with a diverse roster of ensembles and artists, including the Nick Mancini Collective, Eric Rigler's Celtic Hollywood, Dylan Meek, Adryon De Leon, Stepwise, Camille Trust, and Lily Honigberg.

Whether behind the drum set, on stage with unconventional percussion, or in the classroom, James Yoshizawa continues to expand the possibilities of percussion in every form.