Every since the movie Rising Sun I have wanted to see the Taiko drums.  Or, should I say I have idealized seeing them.  But, it was one of those things I never quite seemed to get around to doing.  This week when Volume One came out, I saw the listing for Taiko drums coming to the Heyde Center, I considered it.  But it was one of those considerations in the way of, "I would like to go, but I know something else will come up" sort of things.  Then suppertime came, and the Wife said unto me, "I would like to go but I can't, so I think you should go."  And, shortly thereafter, I found myself walking up the east hill toward the Heyde Center.  It wasn't until then, as I was less than a block away that I really took stock of my actions.  I thought about the fact, for the past thirty years I have been going to shows.  And for thirty years when the drum solo starts, I am the guy diving for the bathroom doors, or going up to the bar to order more drinks.  I *hate* drum solos!  What am I doing here?

I arrived at the Heyde Center about ten minutes before showtime and was able to grab a center stage seat a few tables back.  The turnout was fairly good.  I am guessing there might have been 200 people in the audience.  Most of the main floor seats were taken by showtime, and it looked like at least the front of the balcony was fairly full.  The show didn't have a program.  Unfortunate, but I suppose this is a cost saving measure.  The downside, of this, I don't know the two groups names, and I am not going to print what would be my best guess.

It is really hard to describe the sense of excitement the taiko drums can build.   Just how exhilarating they are. I have to say up front, I loved the performance.  It was amazing to me how much effort the drummers put in.

The stage setup was simple, just drums and a colorful banner on a black curtain.  There were two groups of performers.  A younger group of six, and an older group of thirteen.    The younger group performed first.  Their act was energetic and vibrant.  It was as if the sheer effort of drumming were not enough they danced at the same time, drums slung to their bodies.  I found myself enchanted with the performance.  Amazed at what they could do.  Amazed at their level of effort.  Enthralled with the drum music itself.

When the second group came out.  They were older.  They were moving slower as they setup their drums.  I found myself thinking, "I am not going to like these guys as much.  There is no way they can expend the energy"  And, in truth, they didn't in the same way, but yet, the music was amazing and energetic as well.  Because there were more of them, the music was deeper.  At times there were some blended in japanese bamboo flute.  The effect was better.  I liked the second group more.  I only wish I knew their groups name.

Before the intermission, the emcee, japanese accent thick, announced, "Now, we have workshop" and invited audience members to the stage to play the drums.  Not surprising, the first civilian foot on the stage was that of Chippewa Falls Freak & Geek chapter President, and High Queen, Joanna Dane.   We are all lucky they didn't sign her up on the spot.  I know she would love to put a check mark in the box, toured with taiko drum corps, in the bucket list of her life.

Final word, Taiko Drums are a fantastic experience.  See them if you get the chance.

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