What's That Sound? Taiko Drumming Group Coming into Town

Spent some time reading up on the art of taiko this morning in preparation for Friday’s TAO: The Martial Art of Drumming show at the Moore Theater. We learned that traditional Japanese drums - ranging in size and shape - are referred to as “taiko”, with the word literally meaning “fat drum” in Japanese. In modern terminology, however, taiko is most commonly used in reference to the art form of ensemble Japanese drumming, a performance concept that has exploded in popularity since its inception in 1951.

TAO, an internationally touring taiko group based in Japan, will be in Seattle for the first time Friday night. With over 8,000 taiko groups currently in Japan alone, TAO promises to set itself apart with an arrangement of unique proportions: blending drum, dance and music with martial strength and artistry to deliver what will likely be a bare-chested thrumming, kinetic spectacle:

[T]he performance structure and production team building of TAO is distinctly their own. Combine a troupe of performers committed to undertaking hardened physical training, a highly skilled technical staff and the results are breathtaking: athletic bodies in contemporary costumes engaged innovative choreography.

Also in the course of internetting this morning we learned that there are a goodly number of taiko groups, classes and performances in the Seattle area. Perhaps head down to the Moore Theater this Friday to get a taste of a professionally produced taiko touring group, then check out some local options later (both community and professional) to see how this Japanese tradition is being kept alive in the Pacific Northwest.