Masters of traditional Japanese taiko drumming, Kodo, will bring their “Kodo One Earth Tour 2013: Legend” to West Virginia University on Monday, March 18. Showtime is set for 7:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at the Mountainlair and Creative Arts Center box offices, online at ticketmaster.com, or by calling 304-293-SHOW and 800-745-3000.

Since their debut in 1981, Kodo has been celebrating and spreading the traditional taiko drumming of Japan. In Japanese, the word “Kodo” conveys two meanings. The first is the literal “heartbeat,” the primal source of all rhythm. The sound of the great taiko is said to resemble a mother’s heartbeat as felt in the womb. The second meaning of the word is “children of the drum” and is a reflection of Kodo’s desire to play the drums simply with the heart of a child. Though their music focuses largely on the taiko drum, other traditional Japanese instruments such as the fue (a Japanese variant of the flute) and shamisen (a three-stringed instrument) make appearances, as well as vocals.

The taiko has been a symbol of community since ancient times, serving as a link among people, as well as a link between people and the heavens. Through the ‘One Earth Tour,’ Kodo will continue to bring the sound of the Japanese drum to the ears of the world, and with the taiko’s unique ability to transcend the barriers of language and custom. Under the direction of Artistic Director and Kabuki luminary Tamasaburo Bando, Kodo strives to both preserve and reinterpret traditional Japanese performing arts. The group focuses on traditional Japanese rhythm but strives to both highlight and reinterpret the tradition by blending these with the efforts of contemporary songwriters and Kodo members. Since their debut at the Berlin Festival, Kodo have performed more than 3,100 times over five continents, splitting their time equally between touring overseas, touring in Japan and developing new material.

Tickets are on sale now and prices range from $38 to $58 and may be purchased at the Mountainlair and Creative Arts Center box offices, online at ticketmaster.com and by phone at 304-293-SHOW or 800-745-3000. Students may purchase tickets for $28 with a valid WVU ID (one per valid ID). Tickets may also be purchased at all Ticketmaster outlets.

This University Arts Series is produced by WVU Arts & Entertainment. For additional event information, call 304-293-SHOW, or visit events.wvu.edu. Like us on Facebook at facebook.com/wvuevents and follow us on Twitter at @wvuevents for the most up-to-date show information.

-WVU-

dr/03/11/13

CONTACT: David Ryan, WVU Arts & Entertainment
304-293-8222, David.Ryan@mail.wvu.edu

Follow @WVUToday on Twitter.