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Miller Auditorium presents Japanese taiko drummers

Feb. 20, 2005

KALAMAZOO--Japanese taiko drumming has been KODO's speciality since 1981, and this 16-strong, highly disciplined troupe is still taiko drumming's main ambassador to the world. KODO performs Thursday, Feb. 24, at 7:30 p.m. in Miller Auditorium on the campus of Western Michigan University.

The power of the traditional Japanese drums, many of them several feet wide, rivals their African counterparts, especially in live performances. Exploring the limitless possibilities of the drums, KODO has forged new directions for a vibrant living art form.

KODO has given more than 2,600 performances on five continents, spending about one-third of the year performing overseas, one-third touring in Japan and the remaining time preparing new material. KODO strives to both preserve and re-interpret traditional Japanese performing arts. While the troupe performs on a worldwide scale, it remains rooted in its home community of Sado Island, Japan.

Tickets range from $20 to $45 and are available by calling (269) 387-2300 or toll-free (800) 228-9858, online at <www.millerauditorium.com>, or by visiting the Miller Auditorium Ticket Office or the Epic Center Box Office in downtown Kalamazoo.

KODO at Miller Auditorium is sponsored by Q106.5 WQLR and by Coca-Cola.

Media contact: Tracey Lawie, 269 387-2309, tracey.lawie@wmich.edu

WMU News
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