The High Energy Drums of Japan
Amazing, high energy, and awesome are the typical comments you’ll hear from people who have seen Yamato – The Drums of Japan.
The ancient Japanese art of Taiko drumming is being rejuvenated by a group of men and women who combine music and dance from the ancestral Japanese beliefs about the power of the drum.
Taiko drumming has been part of Japanese culture for hundreds of years, with its roots originating during religious festivals and ceremonies at temples and shrines.
During feudal times in Japan, taiko drums were often used to set cadence on marches, motivate troops, or to announce orders, similar to a drum and bugle corps.
The eleven piece group blend drums, theater and musical arts into a performance of tightly synchronized percussion mixed with explosive solos. Using the koto (the 13-string Japanese zither) and three-string shamisen (a Japanese lute) along with cymbals, gongs, flutes, and a series of drums ranging from six inches to six feet across.
Yamato was founded in 1993 in Nara, Japan, known as the birthplace of Japanese culture. The term Yamato is the original name of Japan.
Yamato: Drums of Japan
George Washington University – Lisner Auditorium
730 21st Street, NW
Washington, DC 20052 (map it)
Dates and Times – Sunday, Nov. 11th, 7:00 p.m.
Tickets – $25.00 – $45.00 and are available online.
Nearest Metro Subway Station – Foggy Bottom-GWU – Blue and Orange lines, then a 3 block walk.
Parking – Street parking is available, but can be challenging.
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2 Comments
The Taiko drummers are awesome, but street parking around Lisner is worse than challenging. If you must drive, I’d recommend parking at the University Garage on Eye Street at 22nd.
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