See, feel, hear Japanese drumming with TAO: The Art of the Drum

The traditional art of Japanese drumming gets an exciting contemporary twist with a new show presented by UAB’s Alys Stephens Center.

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Feel the beat of Japanese drumming when UAB’s Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center presents TAO: The Art of the Drum, a fusion of athletic prowess and explosive Taiko drumming.

“TAO: The Art of the Drum” showcases the extraordinary precision, energy and stamina of the performers. The stars of TAO live and train at a compound in the mountains of Japan, reaching the highest level of virtuosity only after years of intensive study. This new production from TAO is a young and vibrantly modern take on the traditional art form of drumming, with colorful, contemporary costumes and innovative choreography. The artists each bring nontraditional flair from their diverse backgrounds to the group: one a rock musician, another a gymnast and even a composer. Energetic and exciting, the show is an adventure for the entire family.

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The show will take place at 8 p.m. Friday, March 9, 2012, in UAB’s Alys Stephens Center, 1200 10th Ave. South. Tickets are $49.50, $39.50, $27.50; student tickets are $20. The Alys Stephens Center is offering a special family four-pack of tickets for this show: four tickets for $60, if at least one member of the group is a child. Availability is limited. Use the code FAMPKWEB for online purchases at www.AlysStephens.org or call the Alys Stephens Center Box Office at 205-975-2787.

Come early for a Q&A with the performers in the Alys Stephens Center Reynolds-Kirschbaum Recital Hall, free and open to everyone.

The Chicago Tribune said of the performers, “Extraordinarily talented ... incomparable muscular zeal” while the Edinburgh Evening News declared it “Undoubtedly one of the finest shows on offer.” In addition to the show, the TAO performers will meet with ArtPlay students as part of the Alys Stephens Center arts education and outreach programs.