Combining highly physical, large-scale drumming with contemporary costumes, precise choreography and innovative visuals, the performers of “DRUM TAO 2020” create an energetic and unforgettable production.Experience internationally acclaimed percussion artists TAO and its latest production, “Art of the Drum: DRUM TAO 2020” at the University of Alabama at Birmingham on Monday, Jan. 27.
TAO’s modern, high-energy performances showcasing the ancient art of Japanese drumming have transfixed audiences worldwide. Combining highly physical, large-scale drumming with contemporary costumes, precise choreography and innovative visuals, the performers of “DRUM TAO 2020” create an energetic and unforgettable production.
The 7 p.m. performance is presented by UAB’s Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $28, $10 for students. For tickets, call the Alys Stephens Center Box Office at 205-975-2787 or visit AlysStephens.org. UAB faculty and staff may receive $15 off two single tickets. A limited number of student and faculty/staff tickets are available. This performance is part of the PNC Family Series.A free “Art of the Drum” lunch and learn will be at noon Thursday, Jan. 23; bring a lunch and spend the hour learning more about the history and art of traditional Japanese taiko drums.
TAO’s phenomenal performances are created with incomparable, traditional Japanese “Wadaiko-drums” and the beautiful mesmerizing melody of Japanese flutes and harps. It is the “Japanese entertainment” for a new generation that completely surpasses expectations, according to its artist statement.
This performance is supported in part by the National Endowment for the Arts, PNC Bank, and The Japan Foundation, New York.
In 2017, TAO’s major recording debut with Universal Music was a compilation of their work over the past 25 years. It ranked as one of the top three in the iTunes World Album Ranking in five different countries. In 2018, they performed in the opening ceremony of “Japonism 2018” in Paris, France. They also co-starred with the Bolshoi Ballet as the opening act of “Japan Year in Russia,” held at The Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow, Russia, in front of the head of each country.