Nagata Shachu will perform September 30

The thunderous sounds of Japanese taiko (tie-COE) drumming will fill UNC Asheville's Lipinsky Auditorium as Nagata (nah-GAH-tah) Shachu (shah-CHOO) takes the stage at 8 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 30. The concert kicks off the University's 2009-10 Cultural and Special Events Season. Based in Toronto, Canada, this authentic Japanese ensemble has thrilled audiences across North America and Europe for more than 10 years with Japanese taiko drums, gongs, bells and bamboo flutes. The troupe performs in Asheville for one night only.

Critics have hailed Nagata Shachu's concerts as exhilarating, flawless and mesmerizing. Each performance features three to six musicians whose focus is to rejuvenate the ancient art form of taiko drumming with modern interpretations. The concerts are a feast for the eyes as well as the ears; the musicians play oversized drums through a series of choreographed movements that resemble synchronized martial arts. With five CDs to its credit, Nagata Shachu also produces an annual concert where it premieres new works.

In addition to the Asheville concert, the ensemble will give a short demonstration and lecture on the art of taiko at 12:45 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 30, in UNC Asheville's Lipinsky Auditorium. This event is free and open to the public.

Tickets are on sale now. General admission tickets to the concert are $18 or $6 for area students. To reserve tickets by phone, call UNC Asheville's Highsmith University Union Box Office at 828/232-5000. To purchase tickets online, visit www.uncatickets.com.

Other events in the 2009-10 UNC Asheville Cultural and Special Events season include:

- October 24: Violinist Daniel Bernard Roumain and friends perform "etudes4violin&electronix"
- December 10: Holiday pops concert by the North Carolina Symphony
- January 20: MLK Day celebration lecture by environmental justice leader Robert D. Bullard
- February 26-27: nicholas leichter dance company performs
- March 2: Jazz concert by Esperanza Spalding

For more information on UNC Asheville's Cultural & Special Events season or to purchase group tickets, call 828/251-6991 or click on www.unca.edu/culturalarts/.


H1N1 Influenza Information for Those Attending Upcoming Public Events at UNC Asheville

While the H1N1 influenza appears to be mild in otherwise healthy people, it can spread easily from person to person. Social distancing is one of the best ways to help curb the spread of the flu. Therefore, UNC Asheville health officials strongly discourage members of the public with influenza-like symptoms from attending campus events until they are free of fever for at least 24 hours. If you have questions about whether you are well enough to attend campus events, call UNC Asheville's Health Services at 828/251-6520.