What exactly is ‘Kodo’ though? Where and how did this ever evolving cultural Japanese aspect develop so that the rest of the world could witness its beauty? Let’s take a little trip into history shall we?

Formed in 1981 by former members of the Taiko (Japanese drumming) group ‘Ondekoza’, Kodo became a way to both preserve and re-interpret traditional Japanese performing arts. That is, while primarily focused on Taiko drumming, Kodo also infused other instrumental traditions such as the fue (flute) and the shamisen (three strings) along with traditional dance and vocal performances; a collaboration that is sure to bring to the stage an invaluable insight into this Sado Island based musical force.

Now with currently about 70 members, apprentices and part-time workers, Kodo, meaning “heartbeat” or if read differently “children of the drum”, reflects the overwhelming desire these performers have to play their drums simply. A desire that we, as an audience, now have the privilege to become enveloped in for one amazing night…or more if you are an avid follower!

So where can you get the chance to watch this cultural tradition of the Kodo village? At Butler university’s Clowes Memorial Hall, Sunday the 27^th of February. Tickets can be purchased from the Clowes Hall website (http://www.cloweshall.org/calendar/event.lasso?-KeyValue=276&-Token.Action=), doors open at 3:30pm and the show starts at 4:00pm.