Win tickets to Drum Tao at the Saroyan Theatre
Drum Tao came to Fresno in 2017. I swear I can still hear the echo.
The 30th anniversary tour of the acclaimed Japanese drumming company returns to the Saroyan Theatre on Saturday, April 13. This innovative group puts a twist on the iconic tradition of taiko drumming in a way that incorporates Korean, Maori, and Indonesian influences with a modern dynamic.
I’m giving away two pairs of tickets to a lucky reader of The Munro Review. (See below for details.)
When Drum Tao came to Fresno seven years ago, I interviewed one of the drummers beforehand. I learned that the drummers prepare in the off-season by training together in a secluded camp more than 3,000 feet above sea level in the Kujū Highlands on the island of Kyushu. A typical day there might include shoveling 3 feet of snow every morning at 5:30 a.m. before jogging six miles, followed by beating a drumhead for another hour straight without stopping.
The day includes calisthenics, martial arts training, and more hours of dance, drum, and music practice. Workouts end at 10 p.m.
That explains the six-pack abs.
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When I attended the performance, I wrote in a review: “Personality was paramount. For an art form all about precision and conformity, the drummers brimmed over with individual appeal. Some were goofy, others stern, one was an exaggerated sad-sack, and a couple of the younger ones exuded bright-smiled, boy-band personas. What made it work was that despite the various personalities, the drummers all clicked into the same ultra-accomplished stage presence when it came to the show’s high-octane moments. The synchronicity of the drummers was a wow factor in itself.”
One more important note: The Lively Arts Foundation is offering a special student discount — 50% off with a student I.D.
Here’s an exhilarating video teaser from an earlier stop on the tour:
Now, on to the ticket giveaway.
The contest is open to members, donors and individual sponsors of The Munro Review. Tax-deductible memberships start at $5 a month, and you can make a one-time donation of as little as $3. (Paid memberships help keep the site running, and paid members get special members-only benefits. Please consider a paid membership in support of independent, local arts journalism.) A free membership option is available. For details on how to join, go to the Membership and Sponsorship page. No purchase, donation or membership is necessary to enter the ticket giveaway.
To enter this giveaway, leave a reply on this post (see below). Deadline to enter is 5 p.m. Thursday, April 11. The winner will be picked at random and notified by email. Please remember to check your email on Thursday evening to see if you’re a winner.
The Munro Review has no paywall but is financially supported by readers who believe in its non-profit mission of bringing professional arts journalism to the central San Joaquin Valley. You can help by signing up for a monthly recurring paid membership or make a one-time donation of as little as $3. All memberships and donations are tax-deductible.
Javier cabrera
Hi Donald. Thank you so much for continuing to report on these wonderful artists the visit Fresno. This would be my first time experiencing Drum Tao. Thank you again
Live Vi-Carrie-ously
This sounds like an amazing experience! How special to be able to see a live performance. Thank you for the opportunity.
Kristal Smith
This would be an amazing experience!!! It looks like it’s going to be an amazing show.
Patty Stratton
We would love to experience Taiko drumming! My husband was a band director for 30 years and now has Parkinson’s Disease…this would be a joy for both of us!
Gloria "Gib" Brough
Wow! I’m excited to experience this performance!! Gloria Broughi
Susan MARIE McAndrew
I’d love to attend Taiko. The drumming is spiritual and relaxing.
Kristal Smith
This would be an amazing experience!!! Thank you for the chance to win.
Linda Ramirez
I got tired reading about their routine but makes me appreciate them more.
Linda Ramirez
Sounds great