Mu Daiko 15th Anniversary Concert and Minnesota Tour, February 9-19, 2012

Mu Performing Arts presents Mu Daiko, Minnesota’s foremost taiko drumming ensemble, as it returns to the Mcknight Theatre At Ordway Center For Performing Arts,345 Washington St. in St Paul, MN., to present its 15th anniversary concert. Starring Hanayui from KODO, legendary Odaiko soloist, Yoshikazu Fujimoto and featuring North American guest artists, Tiffany Tamaribuchi and Megan Chao Smith.

The first weekend of performances (Feb. 9-12) will feature Mu Daiko in concert. The second weekend (Feb. 16-19) will feature Mu Daiko along with special guest appearances including:

Hanayui from KODO: The top founders and artists from legendary group, KODO, come together to bring the best of Japanese taiko to the Minnesota stage. Long recognized as visionaries of the artform world-wide, Hanayui features three top female artists in traditional and fresh new performances of dance, drumming and song. Also featured is Yoshikazu Fujimoto, long-considered the best Odaiko performer in the world.

Tiffany Tamaribuchi: Grand Champion, 2002 All Japan Odaiko Contest. With her two signature strengths of power and form, Tamaribuchi was proclaimed by contest judges to have “a perfect hit.” She brings 22 years experience touring and training professionally with several top companies and folk artists throughout Japan.

Megan Chao Smith: One of a handful of Americans to perform taiko professionally in Japan, Megan Chao Smith was the first foreigner ever to dance in the sacred Hana Matsuri festival in Aichi prefecture.

Regular performance adult tickets range from $25-$35 (Children/students: $10) and can be purchased by calling the Ordway Center box office at 651-224-4222 or by visitingwww.muperformingarts.org. On February 11, 2012 at 2pm, there is a Family Concert, with a reduced rate, at which kids can join the taiko artists onstage and try the drums.

FEBRUARY 9-19, 2012
Feb. 8 Preview ($18)
Feb. 9-12 (Mu Daiko)
Feb. 16-19 (Mu Daiko with guest artists)
Ordway Center’s McKnight Theatre
Feb. 11 Family Matinee*

Mcknight Theatre At Ordway Center For Performing Arts
345 Washington St
St Paul, MN.

MU DAIKO 15TH ANNIVERSARY MINNESOTA CONCERT TOUR
After the Ordway concert Mu Daiko and special guests will embark on a state-wide tour:
February 23, 2012 at A Center for the Arts in Fergus Falls, MN
February 25, 2012 at Sheldon Theatre in Red Wing, MN
March 1, 2012 at Grand Marais Playhouse in Arrowhead Center for the Arts, Grand Marais, MN
March 3, 2012 at The Reif Center in Grand Rapids, MN

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Lia Chang as Sam Shikaze in Rick Shiomi's Yellow Fever Photo by Lia Chang

Lia Chang is an actor, performance and fine art botanical photographer, and an award-winning multimedia journalist.