Unity presents the Art of Taiko

The spectacular art of Taiko - Japanese drumming - complete with lively choreography, hypnotic rhythms, elements of jazz and completely original musical concepts, will be presented in concert at 7:30 p.m. June 15, at the Historic Ashland Armory, 208 Oak Street, Ashland. Featured performers are Mt. Shasta's nationally recognized Shasta Taiko ensemble "Kokoro", and the On Ensemble, a young group, which includes former Shasta Taiko members Masato Baba and Shoji Kameda, recognized as two of the outstanding young taiko talents and leaders in the country.

Russel Baba and Jeanne Mercer are respected pioneers in American taiko, new music, and jazz. They received their taiko training from Grand Master Seiichi Tanaka of San Francisco Taiko Dojo before establishing Shasta Taiko in 1985. Their repertoire consists of original compositions by Baba and Mercer, some based on traditional Japanese taiko rhythms, some with world music and jazz influences and some inspired from nature. In addition to an "orchestra" of drums of various sizes and tones, the compositions often include a variety of percussion as well as wind instruments - Japanese bamboo flutes, Mexican clay flutes, saxophone, conch shells and didgeridoo - combined with dramatic choreography to present a colorful auditory and visual experience.

With the powerful rhythms of ensemble taiko music at its foundation, the On Ensemble (pronounced "ohn") combines the musical and dance talents of its four members into unique and provocative performances. With musical influences from Japanese court music to electronic to jazz and rock, the resulting mix is an exciting blend of sounds presented in the group's distinctive artistic approach to performance. In their nearly 50 years of combined taiko and dance experience, these young musicians have studied significantly with master teachers in both the U.S. and Japan. Since their debut in Japan in 2001, On Ensemble has received numerous accolades for their "novel new taiko," and "powerful, creative sound."

Presented by Unity in Ashland, tickets for the concert are $15 and can be purchased at the Music Coop and Sound Peace in Ashland, Larry's Music at the Rogue Valley Mall in Medford, and Listen Hear in Grants Pass.

For more information, call 488-0890.