Kodo

Date: 28 Feb 2009 Time: 7 p.m. Location: Tennessee Theatre

Exploring the limitless possibilities of the traditional Japanese drum, the taiko, Kodo continue to forge new directions for a vibrant living art form. In Japanese the word "Kodo" conveys two meanings: First, "heartbeat" the primal source of all rhythm. The sound of the great taiko is said to resemble a mother's heartbeat as felt in the womb, so it comes as no surprise that babies are often lulled asleep by its thunderous vibrations. The word can also mean "children of the drum," a reflection of Kodo's desire to play their drums simply, with the heart of a child. Since their debut at the Berlin Festival in 1981, Kodo have given over 3,100 performances on all five continents, spending about a third of the year overseas, a third touring in Japan and a third resting and preparing new material on Sado Island. Kodo strives to both preserve and reinterpret traditional Japanese performing arts. Beyond this, members of the troupe, while on tours and research trips all over the globe, have brought back to Sado a kaleidoscope of world music and experiences which exert a strong influence on the group's performances and compositions. Collaborations with other artists and composers extend across the musical spectrum to produce startling new fusion and forms.

Sales Information: Tickets go on sale Friday November 21st, 2008 Series packages are $194.50 or $152.50, plus applicable service fees. Individual tickets go on sale December 5. Venue: Tennessee Theatre 865-684-1200 Ticket Sales Outlets: Subscription renewals at the box office and by phone only. New subscriptions available at the box office, by phone and online. 604 South Gay Knoxville, TN

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