Katari Taiko has used two of my photographs on their poster for their upcoming concert! Here is their press release:
KATARI TAIKO, the first taiko group in Canada, presents an evening concert at the "Cultch" on Saturday, March 10th. This concert will feature the eight-member taiko ensemble plus a guest appearance by the virtuosic Vietnamese music duo Khac Chi. The program will feature an eclectic mix of traditional and contemporary pieces, showcasing Katari Taiko‚s energy, joy and passion. Khac Chi will perform the opening set and will collaborate with Katari Taiko in a grand finale piece.
Katari Taiko was formed in Vancouver in 1979 by a group of Asian Canadian activists inspired by performances by the Kodo Drummers of Japan and San Jose Taiko. They began learning and practicing on old tires in a community hall. Since then, they have built and acquired an impressive collection of taiko drums and percussion, on which they pound, tap and sing out their exuberant songs. Katari Taiko has built up an extensive repertoire of both traditional and modern pieces, including original compositions. Their performances incorporate vocals, martial arts, poetry and theatre. The synergy of the group, together with the visceral experience of the drumming, appeals to audiences of all ages and transcends cultural barriers.
Khac Chi features two of Vietnam‚s premiere performing artists, playing music of exquisite beauty. Their rare talents and superb musicianship have won them numerous awards for excellence, as well as many invitations to play across Canada, the US, Europe and Asia. Showcasing rare and unique musical instruments, made of bamboo by the mountain peoples of Vietnam, interspersed with the haunting melodies of Dan Bau (a one-string zither from northern Vietnam), Khac Chi takes you on an adventure in sound. Their concert performances are a rare insight into the sophistication of Vietnamese culture. Khac Chi has released three CDs: Moon Light in Vietnam, Spirit of Vietnam, and their most recent CD, The Sounds of Dan Bau released in 2006.
"Katari Taiko [showed] incredible discipline matched to exhilarating improvisation. The crowd wanted an encore!" Georgia Straight
www.kataritaiko.bc.ca / www.khacchi.com
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