Tenth Drum Festival 1/23 Huashan Welcomes Spring with Joint Performances from Japan, USA, and Korea

By Liu Jiawen, Reporting

In line with the tradition of visiting scenic spots during the Lunar New Year, the Tenth Drum Percussion Group will invite the public to join the “2012 Tenth Drum Festival in Taipei” at Huashan 1914 Creative Park from January 23 (Lunar New Year’s Day) to January 26 (the fourth day of the Lunar New Year). Now in its eighth edition, this year’s festival has been expanded beyond Huashan 1914 Creative Park to include two additional performance venues: the Kaohsiung Shiyi Qiaotang Cultural & Creative Park and the Tainan Rende Shiyi Culture Village. The event also features performing groups from Japan, Korea, and the USA. These include a U.S. steel drum ensemble known for blending modern, reggae, and various other performance styles, as well as the Inazuma Taiko Drum Group from Japan’s earthquake-stricken region, who have made a special trip to Taiwan for this performance.

Founded in 2000, the Tenth Drum Percussion Group draws inspiration for its performances from Taiwanese folklore, history, and landscapes. With its unique musical style, the group has been invited to perform around the world multiple times, helping promote Taiwan’s drum culture internationally. The group’s albums have even been nominated for Grammy Awards and the Independent Music Awards (USA). Xie Shi, leader of the Tenth Drum Percussion Group, stated that through the Tenth Drum Festival, performers from various countries are invited to Taiwan for international cultural exchange, bringing audiences new visual and auditory experiences.

Tickets for performances at Huashan 1914 Creative Park allow entry to up to three shows per day. Performing groups include Japan’s Mai Taiko Asuka Group and Inazuma Taiko Drum Group, South Korea’s Kim Tae-hoon Modern Dance Group, the U.S. Steel Drum Ensemble, and the Tenth Drum Percussion Group. Those interested in attending this grand drum music event can visit the official event website (www.ten-hsieh.com.tw/ten-2012/main.html) for ticket information.