Edmonton Taiko Duo Will be Drumming up Fun in Spruce Grove

Booming Tree Taiko Launches Horizon Stage’s 16/17 Family Matinee Series

Taiko drumming is a powerful example of stamina and endurance. Dynamic drum beats celebrate the strength and power of the human form. Founded by Gregory Shimizu and Twilla MacLeod, Booming Tree Taiko is an Edmonton-based contemporary drum duo that specializes in taiko, the art of Japanese drumming. Their spectacular, high energy performances thrill and delight audiences of all ages. Experience the joy and wonder of taiko for yourself at Horizon Stage on Saturday, November 5.

Performing as a duo for seven years Greg and Twilla have wowed audiences at the Edmonton Fringe Festival, the Kaliedo Festival, the Dragon Boat Festival, Nextfest, The Works, Edmonton’s Heritage Festival, the Calgary Stampede, and many other events across our province. They have toured to Ottawa, Los Angeles, Virginia Beach, and Toronto, and have collaborated with ProCoro, Viter Ukrainian Dance and Choir, National Stiltwalkers of Canada, Hong de Lion Dancers, VibeTribe Gypsy Circus, Kita No Taiko, and many other arts and cultural organizations. Their song ‘Heart-Beat-Boom’ provides the sound track to a Travel Alberta commercial.

Booming Tree Taiko’s Family Matinee concert at Horizon Stage will be full of spectacular drumming. It will take kids on a music-filled journey into the history of taiko, teaching about the important role that taiko plays in Japanese culture and how it is used in theatre, combat, and religion. Free pre-show crafts and activities start at 1 p.m. and the hour-long performance starts at 2 p.m. Rumor has it some lucky audience members may even get to play along!

Horizon Stage’s 16/17 Family Matinee Series is affordable family-friendly entertainment. All three shows are perfect for 4 - 12 year olds and their grown-ups. This season’s matinees include Booming Tree Taiko on November 5, Axis Theatre Company’s Hamelin, A New Fable on January 22, and Mr. Fish’s Super Circus Stuff on April 29. Our three-show Family Matinee Packages include one ticket per show, cost $30 per person, and are available until November 5. Single tickets are just $12 per person regardless of age.

So spend an afternoon, or three, with your family at Horizon Stage. Tickets may be purchased at the City Hall Ticket Centre (315 Jespersen Ave), by phone at 780-962-8995 or 1-888-655-9090, and online though Ticketpro.ca.