Mu presents Taiko Party
(Minneapolis – May 7, 2008) Mu Performing Arts sets out to prove that Japanese taiko drumming is not just about centuries old traditions in Taiko Party, a three-night-only event that showcases the edgy, progressive side of an ever-evolving art form. Members of the Twin Cities’ own taiko ensemble Mu Daiko collaborate with an eclectic array of guest artists from around North America for a rowdy night of original works and premieres. In true festive fashion, audiences are also invited to mingle with performers during a food and sake reception before the show and during intermission each night.
The idea for Taiko Party arose naturally from within the ranks of Mu Daiko, which is no stranger to promoting the evolution of taiko in a fun, creative atmosphere. The ensemble’s annual fall/winter mainstage performance regularly features new works created and developed by its members. Mu Daiko’s Iris Shiraishi and Jennifer Weir, two of the group’s most prolific composers, were anxious to build a concert experience around the concept of “out-of-the-box” taiko, stretching to new lengths a genre that, despite its dynamic nature, is still often dictated by strict, traditional boundaries.
Much of the inspiration for the event is drawn from the diverse talents and backgrounds of its guest artists: Naomi Guilbert and Hiroshi Koshiyama of Canadian taiko ensemble Fubuki Daiko, local vocalist and Mu regular Momoko Tanno, and cutting-edge music and theater artist D’Lo.
Fubuki Daiko, a past collaborator with Mu Daiko, is lauded for bringing “Japanese drumming into the 21st century” by incorporating a variety of musical influences. Guilbert brings to the show her a new work, “Z’Etoile,” a spiritual piece that receives its premiere performance in Taiko Party. In contrast, Koshiyama’s “Flight 5/4” shows off a jazzy side with rhythms drawn from Dave Brubek’s classic standard “Take Five.”
Nationally recognized performer D’Lo arrives from L.A. to round out the evening with a hip-hop flavor. A contemporary artist whose capacity ranges from music production to spoken word with a focus on social issues, D’Lo weaves a story throughout the concert to connect the program’s wide-reaching elements into an innovative whole.
Taiko Party runs three nights only, Thursday, May 21 – Saturday, May 23 at Mixed Blood Theatre. Doors open at 6:30 for food and sake tasting, with the program beginning at 7:30. Tickets are $27 for adults and $25 for students and seniors, and are available through the Mixed Blood box office at 612-338-6131 or online at www.mixedblood.com.
