Whitefish Theatre Company hosts drumming quartet

Whitefish Theatre Company hosts On Ensemble, a contemporary taiko drumming quartet, in concert March 15.

The show starts at 7:30 p.m. at the O’Shaughnessy Center in Whitefish.

Taiko, which translates as "big drum" in Japanese, dates back centuries and was used in Japanese ceremonies, celebrations and theater, eventually evolving into a dynamic performing art.

With Japanese drums at the foundation of its world fusion mix, On Ensemble takes the ancient instruments of taiko into new realms. Infusing the commanding beats of ensemble Japanese drumming with elements of hip-hop, rock and electronica, On Ensemble’s unique sound has been praised as “completely original and brilliantly conceived.” Modern Drummer magazine calls On Ensemble “an exciting taiko ensemble looking at new ways to apply traditional Japanese drums.”

Based in Los Angeles, On Ensemble’s four members, Masato Baba, Kristofer Bergstrom, Shoji Kameda and Kelvin Underwood, are individually recognized as leading artists in their field and are sought after as teachers, composers and performers. As On Ensemble, they combine their study and appreciation of tradition with equally formative experiences as disc jockeys, electronic music producers, jazz drummers and rock bassists to create a repertoire of ground-breaking music.

On Ensemble will be showcasing many new songs off their soon-to-be released album “Bizarre Heroes.” For more information and song clips, visit onensemble.org.

Tickets are $27 with reserved seating. Tickets can be purchased at the box office, 1 Central Ave., Whitefish; by calling 862-5371; or at www.whitefishtheatreco.org. Box office hours are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and one hour before performances.