UZUME TAIKO IN DRUM SPIRITS

Friday, April 6th & Saturday, April 7th, 2007, 8:00pm
Norman Rothstein Theatre, 950 West 41st Avenue

Tickets $20 (general) /$15 (student, senior) available at
Norman Rothstein Theatre (604 257 5111), Highlife Records and Zulu Records
Information: www.uzume.com / 604 683 8240

FEATURING
Bonnie Soon, taiko & percussion
Jason Overy, taiko & percussion
Naomi Kajiwara, taiko & percussion
Eileen Kage, taiko & percussion
Guest: Dave Corman, guitar & percussion

On April 6th & April 7th, Vancouver’s professional taiko ensemble Uzume Taiko performs in Drum Spirits, another of their trademark breathtaking shows at the intimate Norman Rothstein Theatre. Drum Spirits features the taiko ensemble joined by guest guitarist and percussionist, Dave Corman, who received his music degree in classical guitar performance at the University of Victoria and has worked with a variety of bands of many genres. Uzume Artistic Director Bonnie Soon describes the show as “atmospheric,” with the western drum set and Corman’s melodic and rhythmic guitar adding another element to an already exhilarating show. Soon promises: “‘Uzume’ the goddess of laughter will make an appearance and will rouse humour and playfulness among the group’s powerful taiko drumming. Expect to be excited and entranced!”

Since 1988, Uzume Taiko has enthralled audiences at festivals, schools, concerts and special events across Canada, the United States, Europe and Japan with its dynamic synthesis of music, movement and theatre. Using a diverse collection of percussive and melodic instruments as well as taiko drums, Uzume Taiko has developed a dynamic fusion of old and new styles of drumming ­ bringing a vibrant, contemporary sensibility to an ancient art. With the choreographed physicality of martial arts, the heart-stopping pulse of the O-Daiko and the rhythmic sensitivity of a jazz ensemble, the drummers of Uzume Taiko create an exhilarating sensual experience.

One of the most remarkable percussion ensembles ever to hit the UK … hugely inventive, ingenious and dangerously mesmerizing. Press and Journal, Scotland