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TAO: The Art of the Drum

by jmaloni
Fri, Mar 2nd 2012 10:05 pm

The Center for the Arts, University at Buffalo, will present TAO: The Art of the Drum on Wednesday, March 28, at 7:30 p.m. in the Mainstage Theatre, located at the Center for the Arts, North Campus.

Formed in Japan in 1993, TAO: The Art of the Drum melds exciting, modern entertainment with the traditional art of Japanese drumming. Athletic bodies and contemporary costumes meet explosive Taiko drumming and innovative choreography in a spectacular expression of the power of rhythm. TAO: The Art of the Drum features a number of expert musicians who play with acrobat-like grace, demonstrating extreme precision, energy, and stamina.

The stars of the show live and train at a compound in the mountains of Japan. Only after years of intensive study will they reach the highest level of virtuosity. Many of the performers in TAO help to bring a nontraditional flair to the group by drawing on their diverse backgrounds: one as a gymnast, another a composer, and yet another as a hard rock musician.

The Japanese word "tao" means "way" or "road," a fitting moniker for a show developed to showcase a fundamental Japanese tradition. When founding member Ikuo Fujitaka found an interest in traditional Japanese drumming, he recognized the barrier-breaking appeal that only a show without language can deliver. "It's a primal thing," Fujitaka says, "Rhythm comes before speaking."

TAO: The Art of the Drum has been seen more than five million people in 17 countries and 400 cities.

For more information or for tickets, visit www.ticketmaster.com, call 1-800-745-3000 or 716-645-2787.

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