IMPACT 2012: On Ensemble Tours Ohio
by Kaitlin Armocida
Creating music as unique as themselves, the members of On Ensemble (pronounced "Ohn") combine ancient Japanese taiko instruments with elements of hip-hop, rock and electronica in an innovative fusion that reinterprets world music for a new generation.
On Ensemble will perform five shows and numerous outreach activities between October 30 and November 13 as part of the Ohio Arts Council's International Music and Performing Arts in Communities Tour (IMPACT). Performances will take place in Medina, Archbold, Cincinnati, McConnelsville and Urbana. All performances are free and open to the public.
Come experience the powerful rhythms of Japanese taiko drumming in a way that only On Ensemble can provide. Together with special guests, Eien Hunter-Ishikawa, Abe Lagrimas and Kaoru Watanabe, group members Masato Baba, Kristofer Bergstrom and Shoji Kameda combine their study and appreciation of this musical tradition with their extensive experiences as DJs, electronic music producers, jazz drummers and rock bassists. The result is an exciting and avant-garde selection that has been praised as "completely original and brilliantly conceived."
The fall IMPACT tour will feature educational outreach programs in each community in libraries, schools, coffee houses, senior centers, etc., in addition to the performances. IMPACT is a program of the OAC and is presented in partnership with Ohio Arts Presenters Network. It is supported by the Arts Midwest Touring Fund, a program of Arts Midwest, which is generously supported by the National Endowment for the Arts and the Ohio Arts Council.
Since 1998, IMPACT has brought international artists to Ohio each fall for a statewide tour of non-traditional venues, including places of worship. The fall IMPACT tour exposes new audiences to art forms from around the world through performances and festivals that unite communities around the state. IMPACT is designed to bring the best international performing arts groups to audiences in Ohio.
The OAC began the program in 1998 with the presentation of Barocco Andino, a Chilean music ensemble. In the following years, the OAC brought international artists such as Ragamala Music and Dance Theatre, Viva Quetzal, Cuerdas de Fuego, Real Tango, Eblen Macari Trio, El Arranque Tango Orchestra, Andes Manta, America Indigina, Sones de Mexico Ensemble and Mauvais Sort to Ohio for a statewide tour.
For more information, contact Kathy Cain at 614/728-4427 or kathy.cain@oac.state.oh.us.
About the Ohio Arts Council:
The Ohio Arts Council is a state agency that funds and supports quality arts experiences to strengthen Ohio communities culturally, educationally and economically.
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