I’m a fan of drumming - the percussion of it all, the excitement, the thunder. I loved Stomp and Tap Dogs and I love the Japanese art of Taiko Drumming. Hence, I looked forward to what seemed to be the Chinese version of Taiko Drumming.

Drums fill the stage like dishes of food fill a table. The performers move in lock rhythm, not just in their striking the skins, but where their arms and sticks end up after the hit. It’s quite an elegant choreography. Though almost no narration or vocal element intrude on the show, some of the performers show off their other talents. The highlight of which includes a vibrant costume change for all. Then steps out, the man behind 100 masks (well, 10 at least); with a flick of his neck, each mask instantly disappears revealing the one behind it -- quite a crowd pleasing trick. Other, talents included Chinese wind instruments played with great fervor (although a Chinese flute solo goes a bit long).

While my girlfriend and I loved the thunder, there were some bits that weren’t so overwhelming (which included a very slow start to an otherwise enjoyable over-sized-drum solo). Unfortunately, like the flute solo, the entire performance went a bit long and, ironically as it sounds, actually put us to sleep. I’m not talking figuratively, I mean, during the last 20 minutes our eyes were closed and we were dreaming. I wouldn’t have mentioned if it was just me, but both of us caught a few. Anyway, other people were up for a standing ovation (so perhaps the two of us had an exhausting day).

(Hailing from China's Shanxi province, this world-reknowned company of 28 drummers, percussionists and musicians astounds audiences with an ultra-sensory entertainment experience. In Chinese, "jigu" means to "beat or touch the drum," and performances are deeply rooted in folk origins, which are blended with many modern musical elements.)

This review based on the April 13th, 2007 show at Caltech, Beckman Auditorium. www.events.caltech.edu

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