Sensational! Awesome! Incredible! This only begins to describe the powerful Yamato Drummers that will deliver two performances of their high-energy program MATSURI (Fiesta!) at the Cailloux Theater in Kerrville at 7:30pm on both Wednesday, October 21st and Thursday, October 22nd.

Yamato, the elite taiko drum ensemble from Japan, arrived in North America this past week after having completed 200+ performances in their 2009 European tour. Single performances have exceeded attendance figures of 65,000 almost three times the population of Kerrville! Hill Country residents will have two opportunities to attend this live performance usually culminating in rousing standing ovations that never cease to end!

Probably the smallest venue of their 2009 tour, the Cailloux Theater will provide the most intimate setting for this high-energy performance. Costumes, lighting, amazing feats of technical performances by the drummers, interspersed with the traditional shamisen (Japanese banjo), Shinobue (Japanese flute) and other native instruments, result in a spectacular live event for the opening of KPAS’ 26th season.

Concertgoers will be treated to pre-concert performances by the Tivy High School Drumline (Wednesday evening) and the Fredericksburg High School Drumline (Thursday evening). The entire evening is geared for audiences of all ages.

The two performances, along with a student outreach program for 800+ students on Thursday, October 22nd, are made possible through the generosity and support of Sue & Joe Atkinson, Kerr County Abstract & Title Company and Kerrville Framing. The Texas Commission on the Arts and The City of Kerrville Hotel Occupancy Tax, administered through The Kerrville Convention and Visitors Bureau, provide additional support for Yamato’s appearances. Artist hospitality will be provided by the following local businesses: China Town, Salada’s, Culligan, and YO Ranch Resort.

Limited seating is still available for both the performances and tickets can be purchased at the Cailloux Theater Box Office (830-896-9393) and range in price from $25-$45. For further information, visit the KPAS website at www.kpas.org or the Yamato website at: www.yamato.jp.