Shidara Drums At The Ordway 2/24

Blending masterful stick work, blinding energy and breakneck speed, Shidara's powerful, energetic Taiko drumming performance comes to Ordway Center for the Performing Arts on February 24 at 7:30p.m. This engagement, part of the Ordway's Target® World Music and Dance Series, marks Shidara's third U.S. tour and first trip to the Midwest region.

Members of Shidara hail from Toei, a small town located in the mountainous region of Japan called Okumikawa. It is in this community where Shidara trains with the strictest of traditional discipline. In addition to their professional pursuits, Shidara strives to remain deeply entwined in the activities of their village and aims to preserve the townspeople's spirit of coexistence with nature. Shidara's mission as a professional Taiko drumming team is to preserve the folk traditions of Japan through song, music and dance.

Shidara's Artistic Director, Chabo, explains what impacts his creative process. "I go to the forest, watch TV, talk with others, and read - all the time with my antennae out. Then I empty myself, receiving hints that spark creativity. My personal life is one with Shidara's art. The stage is synonymous with how you live life. They cannot be separated."

In their performance called "Heart of the Immortal Mountain," which features eight musical selections, Shidara will take Taiko drumming to another level, wowing both new and experienced Taiko drumming fans.

Ticket holders are invited to delve deeper into the traditions of Taiko drumming by attending a special, free Ordway Extra in the Marzitelli Foyer before the show at 6:30 p.m. for a discussion featuring a panel of local Taiko drummers. To learn more about Ordway Extras, visit ordway.org/events.

Ordway Center for the Performing Arts
The Ordway celebrates its 25th anniversary season as one of the nation's leading not-for-profit performing arts centers and Saint Paul's most elegant and inviting performance space. The Ordway's Main Hall and McKnight Theatre stages attract diverse audiences with an array of productions showcasing the finest in American musical theater, world music, jazz, dance, and vocal performance. Education and community engagement are integral to the Ordway's mission, with major initiatives including the annual Flint Hills International Children's Festival and Ordway Education programs that serve over 50,000 students annually. The Ordway also sponsors the Saint Paul Conservatory for Performing Artists, a professionally guided academic and artistic environment that trains aspiring pre-professional performing artists. Together with the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, Minnesota Opera and Schubert Club, the Ordway is a member of the Arts Partnership and serves as the principal venue for their performances.

Shidara's educational activities are funded in part by the Japan Foundation Center for Global Partnership. The Center for Global Partnership's education program seeks to increase awareness and understanding of Japan in the U.S. through support of teacher training, curriculum development and community outreach efforts addressing the needs of K-12 students, teachers and the larger community.

Performance and Ticket Information

Shidara
Ordway's Target® World Music and Dance Series
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
7:30 p.m.
$25.50 - $30.50

Ordway Center for the Performing Arts
345 Washington Street
Saint Paul, MN 55102

Box Office: 651.224.4222
Groups: 651.282.3111
ordway.org

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