Taikoproject turns ancient Japanese drumming on its head with a contemporary blend of taiko, music, storytelling and choreography bound to dazzle audiences. The group will perform “Interlocking Rhythms” at 7:30 p.m. March 31 at the Lied Center for Performing Arts.
Tickets are on sale here, by phone at 402-472-4747 or at the Lied Center box office, 301 N. 12th St. Students can purchase tickets at a 50 percent discount with a valid NCard.
Taikoproject, with guest collaborator Ryutaro Kaneko, former music and artistic director of Japan’s Kodo, skillfully blends ancient Japanese tradition with 21st century American innovation. The dynamic production contrasts the raw primal power of the drums with the yokobue (bamboo flutes), koto (harp/zither), chappa (hand cymbals), marimba and udu (clay pot drum).
The drumming ensemble has performed and recorded with such artists as Stevie Wonder, Usher, Alicia Keys and Kanye West. The group appeared at the 2009 Academy Awards and the 2011 Grammy Awards, and was the first and only American taiko group to win the prestigious Tokyo International Taiko Contest in 2005.
Taikoproject aims to preserve taiko as a dynamic element of Japanese-American culture and heritage, while maintaining the art form as a community-based tradition.
The Lied Center performance is supported by Patron Friend sponsors Christena and Kelley Baker.
