Originally published in The Guide by Gavin Stewart
The WCU Performance series progresses with “TAO: Drum Heart” on Saturday, Feb. 24, at 7:30 p.m. at Western Carolina University’s John W. Bardo Arts Fine and Performing Arts Center.
TAO is made up of internationally acclaimed percussion artists trained in Taiko Drumming, a form of drumming that utilizes large-scale drums.
TAO: Drum Heart
The show features a high-energy performance showcasing the ancient art of Japanese drumming with meticulous choreography and rigorous visuals.
TAO has performed for the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2004 and the Vancouver Olympics in 2010. After the Olympics, they sold out every show on their first North American tour. Since these performances, TAO has performed shows in 24 countries and 500 cities with over 7 million spectators worldwide.
The group has received “The 6th Japan Tourism Agency Commissioner’s Awards” from Japan Tourism Agency and “Outstanding Cultural Contribution” from Oita prefecture.
Tickets are $25 for general public, $20 for WCU/Southwestern Community College faculty and $5 for WCU/SCC students. For tickets and more information, go to wcu.edu/bardo-arts-center or call 227-ARTS.
