Taiko demonstration at Plymouth church on Feb. 4

PLYMOUTH — Experience the extraordinary power of Taiko and a glimpse into Japanese music and culture during a solo performance of traditional Japanese drumming by Burlington Taiko founder Stuart Paton at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, February 4, at Plymouth Congregational United Church of Christ.

Since 1987, Paton and his troupe, Burlington Taiko, have been mesmerizing audiences with the powerful, spellbinding and propulsive sounds of the Taiko. Burlington Taiko Group estimates it has introduced over half a million people to the power of Taiko via public performances, including feature performances at the 100th running of the Boston Marathon, annual performances at Burlington's First Night, the Joseph Campbell — Keepers of the Lore festival, the Black Ships Festival in Newport, Rhode Island, and over 200 corporate, collegiate and public performances. Using a background of thunderous drums, graceful movement and colorful pageantry, Burlington Taiko provides audiences with a unique opportunity for both lively entertainment and engaging learning.

Sensei Stuart Paton, Founder and Artistic Director, spent most of his childhood in Japan. His formal study of Taiko began in 1984 during a summer apprenticeship with Grandmaster Seiichi Tanaka, the founder of the first Taiko group in North America, and he founded the Burlington Taiko Group in 1986 not long after settling in Vermont.

"Taiko is an exciting display of strength and power through music that enthralls all ages, from preschool to seniors," says Jamie Feinberg, Program Manager for the Arts Alliance of Northern New Hampshire, which is presenting the concert as part of the PCUCC's Winter/Spring concert series.

Admission for the performance at the Plymouth Congregational United Church of Christ, 4 Post Office Square, is by donation. The suggested donation is $10 Adult, $5 Student, $20 Family. All are welcome, regardless of ability to pay.

The performance is presented as part of Burlington Taiko's 10-day North Country residency, coordinated by the Arts Alliance of Northern New Hampshire. The residency, funded in part by the New England Foundation for the Arts as part of the NEA Regional Touring Program, brings assemblies, workshops and performances to schools and communities throughout the region. Many of the school programs are presented through a collaboration with the New Hampshire Music Festival, with support from the New Hampshire Electric Cooperative Foundation.