A modern take on traditional Japanese Taiko drumming

MORRISTOWN — Tao: Phoenix Rising will perform traditional Japanese Taiko drumming with a 21st century attitude when they come to the Mayo Performing Arts Center on Friday, March 28 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $19 to $39.

In this new production for North America in the Spring of 2014, athletic bodies and contemporary costumes meet explosive Taiko drumming and innovative choreography in a show that has critics waxing lyrical about TAO's extraordinary precision, energy, and stamina.

The stars of TAO live and train at a compound in the mountains of Japan, reaching the highest level of virtuosity only after years of intensive study. The performers each bring nontraditional flair to the group by drawing on their diverse backgrounds: one as a hard rock musician, another a gymnast, and yet another as a composer. They offer a young and vibrantly modern take on a traditional art form.

The Mayo Performing Arts Center is located at 100 South St. in Morristown. For more information or tickets contact the box office at 973-539-8008 or www.mayoarts.org.