The Southern Theater and Mu Performing Arts Presents Mu Daiko Performing TAIKO CARAVAN, 11/27-12/6

Since 1997, Twin Cities taiko ensemble Mu Daiko has journeyed through the roots of Japanese drumming toward the heart-pounding blend of theater, dance and music that it is today. Taiko Caravan celebrates that metamorphosis with a return to the Southern Theater, featuring a program of traditional favorites, original compositions and new commissions. San Jose Taiko, one of North America's oldest and most prestigious taiko ensembles, joins Mu Daiko on stage the second weekend (Dec. 4-6 only).

"This is an unprecedented year for Mu Daiko," said Mu Performing Arts' Taiko Programs Director Iris Shiraishi.  "Over the course of the 2009-2010 performing season, Mu Daiko will perform in five venues, two states, and two countries on top if its main event at the Southern Theater."

"Taiko Caravan tells of the evolution of taiko drumming," said Mu Performing Arts Artistic Director Rick Shiomi. "The song 'Taiko Caravan' embodies the ideas of travel, obstacles, changes, and perseverance required to continue the journey.  This is emblematic of Mu's evolution as a company well."

Performances are scheduled for November 27-December 6, 2009, Thurs.-Sat. at 8pm and Sun. at 2pm.  Taiko Caravan for Kids will be held on Sat. Nov. 28 at 2pm.

Tickets are $24 for performances Nov. 27 through Nov. 28 and Dec. 3 and are $27 for performances Dec. 4 through Dec. 6.

For more information call the Southern Theater box office at (612) 340-1725.  The box office is located at 1420 Washington Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN  55454.

Mu Daiko is a nine-member professional taiko ensemble founded in 1997 by Mu Performing Arts Artistic Director Rick Shiomi. After forming Mu Daiko in response to the interest of a few eager students, the group began giving a regular annual performance. Since, Mu Daiko has grown into a nationally recognized taiko ensemble, performing classic and original compositions and hosting such internationally renowned guest artists as Kenny Endo, the San Francisco Taiko Dojo, the On Ensemble, and Fubuki Daiko. Members have performed with the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra and the Chamber Music Society of Minnesota. In 2005, Mu Daiko was honored as one of only four taiko groups in North America selected to perform at the annual North American Taiko Conference in Los Angeles, CA.

Mu Daiko's performance style and compositions represent a synthesis of influences. Shiomi's study with Tanaka Sensei and workshops with Kenny Endo, Hanayui, and Fubuki Daiko are harmonized with the theatrical aesthetic of the group's parent company, Mu Performing Arts, and its connection to Korean Mask Dance. Taiko has likewise proved an inspiration for the company's dramatic work; three of Mu's mainstage productions since the inception of Mu Daiko have showcased taiko drumming or a taiko-based story.

Since 1973, San Jose Taiko (SJT) has been mesmerizing audiences with the powerful, spellbinding, and propulsive sounds of the taiko. Inspired by traditional Japanese drumming, SJT performers express the beauty and harmony of the human spirit through the voice of the taiko as they strive to create new dimensions in Asian American movement and music.

SJT has broadened this historical art form into a style that joins the traditional rhythms of Japanese drumming with other world rhythms, including African, Balinese, Brazilian, Latin, and jazz, bridging many styles, while still resonating with the Asian soul in America. Company members study both traditional and contemporary dance with leading choreographers, producing performances that are theatrical extravaganzas of movement and music.

SJT has been recognized for its artistic and managerial excellence by the Advancement Program from the National Endowment for the Arts, the Multicultural Advancement Program from the California Arts Council, Meet The Composer International Creative Collaborations, the Rockefeller Foundation, the Knight Foundation, the Nathan Cummings Foundation, and the Chevron Award for Excellence. In 1994, SJT was honored by the Arts Council of Santa Clara County with a commendation for community leadership for its efforts to foster cultural and ethnic diversity in the arts.

The Southern Theater cultivates artistic exploration by providing a vibrant home for performance, fostering a multiplicity of voices and catalyzing connections among artists and audience.

The Southern presents and produces performance characterized by innovation and originality.  We value connections to the local community and celebrate artwork that holds potential for transformative exchange.  On stage, we are unyielding in our commitment to the highest levels of professionalism and artistic integrity.

For more information on the Southern, please visit www.southerntheater.org or call (612) 340-0155.

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