By Janeé Williams
Get a bit of Japanese culture this weekend with Tao: Phoenix Rising. The Japanese Drum ensemble will be performing at the Hylton Performing Arts Center at George Mason University, Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday 4 p.m. Tickets prices vary and will be sold up to the performance day. All tickets holders will be able to enjoy a pre-performance discussion with the group 45 minutes before the show is to begin.
What can the audience expect to see?
You will find yourself immersed in Japanese culture and explosive drumming. This group has come from several different eclectic backgrounds ranging from Rock to Classical music and have drawn on these backgrounds to give you the best experience.
Founded in 1993 by Ikuo Fujitaka, the group began performing in the Kyusha region of Japan. From their they were invited to perform at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe were they hit it big with 25 consecutive performances, all sold out. Since then the group has been traveling the country and performing.
Although a male-based genre, the group contains both male and female drummers who will perform. These performers go under intense training, meditation and exercise at a isolated mountain compound in Japan to bring the audience their best performance and reach the highest level of virtuosity. Combined with fashion designer Junko Koshino, the group will not only sound powerful but look powerful.
TAO: Phoenix Rising
Hylton Performing Arts Center
Saturday April 12, 8 p.m.
Sunday April 13, 4 p.m.
