Uzume Taiko concert Dec. 11 & 12 at 8 pm at the Roundhouse

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Drummer Jason Overy

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uploaded by Ally McGrane

Following their recent tours to Germany and Atlantic Canada, Vancouver's own Uzume Taiko will play Vancouver for two nights only – December 11 & 12, 2009 at the Roundhouse in Yaletown!

Uzume Taiko has earned a reputation as one of Canada's most dynamic performing ensembles. Drawing inspiration from the festival drumming of pre-industrial Japan, the group has developed a unique performing style that combines heart-stopping choreography, thunderous rhythms and effective staging, with a dose of humour thrown in for good measure. Joining them on stage will be guest artist Alcvin Ryuzen Ramos with the sounds of bamboo shakuhachi and shinobue flutes.

Our performance will showcase the powerful vibrations of the taiko drums and the clear sounds of the bamboo flutes. Energetic, spirited choreographed drumming, melodic flute playing and textural layering of Japanese percussion and wind-blown instruments fuel this show. Pairing taiko drums with shakuhachi flute offers a traditional instrumentation for taiko performance. By returning to Uzume Taiko's classical Japanese roots we will give our audience the opportunity to truly hear and see what taiko is capable of when planted firmly in the Japanese culture. For our audiences, we believe that the sounds of Uzume Taiko truly reveal the power of music to transcend cultural boundaries.

We are very fortunate to feature Sunshine Coast guest artist Alcvin Ryuzen Ramos and our West Coast drummers are Bonnie Soon, Jason Overy, Naomi Kajiwara and Eien Hunter-Ishikawa. This show builds on a long relationship between Uzume Taiko and Alcvin Ryuzen Ramos and will deliver the wondrous sounds of Japanese drums and bamboo.