Drumtao will perform its 30th anniversary performance at the Poway Performing Arts Center on April 6, two years after its last performance.
The group features an immersive “traditional Japanese drum, mesmerizing melodies of flute and harp, martial arts, and stunning visuals in a harmonious celebration of culture, ancient art, and performance.” I'll put on a show.
Taro Harasaki, a Drumtao performer for 20 years, said the group's show was inspired by a Cirque du Soleil show in Las Vegas that founder Ikuo Fujitaka saw more than 30 years ago.
“They were using Japanese drums, and when the founder saw that, he was shocked and received a lot of inspiration,” Harasaki said. “He decided to create a new piece using only traditional instruments.”
The instruments used by Poway's 11 performers, nine men and two women, include taiko drums, shamisen (guitar), koto, shinobue and small cymbals.
Drums vary in size, Harasaki said, from small enough to be carried on a shoulder strap to the “Big Mama drum,” which can be up to 10 feet tall and 5 feet in diameter when placed on a stand.
“Our heaviest specimen weighs 440 pounds,” he added.
In addition to playing musical instruments, some members of the group perform acrobatic movements.
“Two of the performers were originally gymnasts,” says Harasaki.
The show, presented by Poway OnStage, is scheduled to last approximately two hours, including a 20-minute intermission.
Harasaki said that since it is the group's 30th anniversary, the music will be a mix of new songs by cast members and songs from the group's first performance in Japan in 1993.
While the North American tour is an homage to Drumtao's beginnings, the cast is “trying to create something completely new,” Harasaki said.
He said the group's goal is to provide a fun show rather than a traditional concert.
“It's full of fun and the music is beautiful melodies,” he said. “If you're having a hard time in your life, if you're worried about something, come see the show. It'll be a lot of fun.”
According to Harasaki, the Drumtao show was performed all over Japan for many years before being brought to Scotland's Edinburgh Festival Fringe. It received positive reviews there, sold out shows, and soon the group was invited to go on a world tour.
According to Drumtao's website, the show was watched by more than 9 million people and visited more than 26 countries.
Drum Tao will perform at the Poway Center for the Performing Arts, 15498 Espola Road, on Saturday, April 6th at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets are $45 to $80 for adults. $38 to $68 for seniors (65 and older), active military, and students (13 to 21). Youth (12 and under) $23 to $40. There will also be a $9 handling fee and facility repair fee added to each ticket. Purchase at powayonstage.org or call 858-748-0505.