A remarkable percussion ensemble will present a thunderous sea of sound and rhythm at the Errington Hall May 29.
The Uzume Taiko show will not only feature taiko drumming, the performance will also include choreography that incorporates martial arts and the rhythmic sensitivity of a jazz ensemble.
This is the last concert of the performance season at the hall and organizer Val Dare said the audience can expect an exhilarating performance.
“Uzume Taiko is known around the world for their bold musical collaborations, humour and theatrical stage presence. They have hand crafted a unique brand of West Coast Canadian Taiko drumming that offers a visual, sonic and sensual experience.”
Taiko means drum in Japanese and Uzume is the Japanese Goddess of Laughter.
Taiko is a drumming style involving an array of different sized drums which have been used in Japan for more than 1,400 years. Since forming in 1988, Uzume Taiko’s line-up has changed and expanded to complement the development and evolution of the group.
What has not changed is the group’s electrifying energy and passion.
Combining synchronized movements with arts with the heart stopping pulse of the O-Daiko and other percussion instruments; the ensemble has won fans throughout the world.
Dare said the group’s desire to take artistic risks, and fuse its music with a myriad of like-minded fearless collaborators, has made for a unique and refreshing musical experience unlike any other in Canada.
The current ensemble is composed of artistic director Bonnie Soon, musical director Jason Overy and performers Eileen Kage and Naomi Kajiwara.
As Canada’s first professional taiko drumming group they have performed countless local, national and international shows and participated in teaching and sharing knowledge of this musical art form while on their travels around the globe.
Bonnie Soon will be back in Errington this summer to teach taiko drumming at the Errington World Music Youth Camp from August 17-21.
Dare said their highly successful world music camp is expanding from one week to three. “This summer there are even more opportunities to experience world cultures through music and dance thanks to funding support from the BC Arts Council, B.C. Gaming Commission, and the Regional District of Nanaimo.”
As well as African marimba, drumming and dance in week one, children ages eight and up can take Japanese Taiko drumming, Celtic fiddle, and tin whistle in week two, and Brazilian samba percussion and dance and an introduction to world guitar in week three.
Go to www.erringtonhall.bc.ca for more information.
Tickets for the 8 p.m. show on Friday, May 29 are $20 at Cranky Dog Music, Heaven on Earth, Creekmore’s Coffee and the Errington Store.
Kid’s tickets can be purchased at the door. Admission for youth 13-18 is $10, children 6-11 is $5 and 5 and under free.