Starring Hanayui from KODO, including legendary Odaiko soloist, Yoshikazu Fujimoto. Also starring North American guest artists, Tiffany Tamaribuchi and Megan Chao Smith.

MU DAIKO 15TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT AT THE ORDWAY CENTER
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*

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

Mu Performing Arts presents Mu Daiko, Minnesota’s foremost taiko drumming ensemble, as it returns to the Ordway Center to present its 15th anniversary concert.

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 of legendary group, KODO, come together to present the best of Japanese taiko to the Minnesota stage. Long recognized as the visionaries of the artform world-wide, their artistry, skill, and power in dance, drumming and song have set the bar for Japanese traditional art all over the world. For decades, audiences have flocked to witness these artists on stage. Hanayui features three top senior female artists in traditional and fresh new performances of dance, drumming and song. Also featured is Yoshikazu Fujimoto, long-considered here and in Japan, to be 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: After a decade performing and training professionally in Japan, Megan is back in the states. One of a handful of Americans to perform taiko professionally in Japan, she was the first foreigner ever to dance in the sacred Hana Matsuri festival in Aichi prefecture.

Families are invited to come to our special Family Concert on February 11, 2012 at 2:00pm. This program is specially priced and shorter in length. Plus kids get a chance to come on stage afterwards to try the drums!

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 visiting www.muperformingarts.org