TAO: The Art of the Drum to be Presented March 28 in CFA

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- The Center for the Arts at University at Buffalo will present TAO: The Art of the Drum on Wednesday, March 28, at 7:30 p.m. in the Mainstage Theatre in Center for the Arts, North Campus.

Formed in Japan in 1993, TAO: The Art of the Drum melds exciting, modern entertainment with the traditional art of Japanese drumming. Athletic bodies and contemporary costumes meet explosive Taiko drumming and innovative choreography in a spectacular expression of the power of rhythm. TAO: The Art of the Drum features a number of expert musicians who play with acrobat-like grace, demonstrating extreme precision, energy and stamina.

The stars of the show live and train at a compound in the mountains of Japan. Only after years of intensive study will they reach the highest level of virtuosity. Many of the performers in TAO help to bring a nontraditional flair to the group by drawing on their diverse backgrounds: one as a gymnast, another a composer and yet another as a hard rock musician.

The Japanese word "tao" means "way" or "road," a fitting moniker for a show developed to showcase a fundamental Japanese tradition. When founding member Ikuo Fujitaka found an interest in traditional Japanese drumming, he recognized the barrier-breaking appeal that only a show without language can deliver. "It's a primal thing," says Fujitaka, "rhythm comes before speaking."

TAO: The Art of the Drum has been seen more than 5 million people in 17 countries and 400 cities. The Chicago Tribune has described the performers of TAO as, "Extraordinarily talented [with] incomparable muscular zeal." The Edinburgh Evening News described TAO as, "Undoubtedly one of the finest shows."

Tickets for TAO: The Art of the Drum are $29.50 general admission, $16.50 for students (any school) and $26.50 for groups. Tickets are available at the Center for the Arts Box Office (Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.) and all Ticketmaster locations, including ticketmaster.com. To charge tickets, call 1-800-745-3000; in Canada, call 416-870-8000. For more information, call 716-645-2787.