From the Shanxi Province in China, the  JIGU! Thunder Drums of China will perform Wednesday, April 25, at West Virginia University at Parkersburg to conclude this year's Distinguished Performance Series.

Curtain time is 7 p.m. in the multipurpose room.  Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for students and WVU Parkersburg students may purchase special advance tickets for themselves and a guest for $2 each in the business office.

Jigu means to "beat or touch the drum."  This marks the premier tour of North America for the world-renown company of 28 drummers, percussionists and musicians from the Shanxi Province in China.

The fine art of drumming and percussive performance is indicative of the rich and historic culture of the Shanxi Province, and performances by Jigu! are deeply rooted in these folk origins. An intricate blending of traditional and modern musical elements, this fascinating and innovative show offers intense high-tech lighting and superlative special effects adding to the drama of this spectacular and awe-inspiring cultural event that patrons won't want to miss. Audiences are immersed in a wonderland of sight and sound, and swept away by the incredible power found in the intense drumming, percussive styling and astounding musicianship displayed by the performers.

The Shanxi Jiangzhou Drum Art Ensemble, performing as JIGU! THUNDER DRUMS OF CHINA for its American debut, was founded in 1988 and has performed in many countries, including Denmark, Morocco, Singapore, Malaysia, Korea, Hong Kong, and Taiwan.  Its performances at the Hong Kong Arts Festival were lauded “varied as the beats and drums themselves” and featured “dramatic, heart-stopping pieces” while also displaying a playful attitude with passages that are “entirely humorous!”

Its participation in festivals and arts events are many and varied and include the Chinese Central Television’s Spring Festival, the Macao International Music Festival, the Shanghai International Arts Festival, the Chinese Folk Art Festival, the Summer of Ha'ErBin Arts Festival, the Hong Kong Drum Festival and Competition, the internationally renowned Arhus Cultural Festival in Denmark and the 2004 NBA’s International Games, where they were the featured performers.

JIGU! has also won numerous awards including the 1992 Chinese Folk Competitions for Percussion and Drums Performers.  The ensemble won gold medalist honors at the 2004 National Star Awards in China for excellence in the fields of drumming and percussive performance. The group also won gold medals at the National Star Awards competition in 1992, 2000 and 2001. Bringing something special from the People’s Republic of China, this exuberant troupe has thrilled and astounded audiences around the world and is now sharing its talents with America.

The Distinguished Performance Series is presented with financial assistance from the West Virginia Commission on the Arts.

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For additional information, contact:
Connie Dziagwa
WVU Parkersburg
Executive Director
Institutional Advancement
(304-424-8203)

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