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The
central concept of the 2004 International Drum
Festival is drumming as a way to communicate with
nature. The event is sponsored by the Pai Shih
Cultural & Educational Group, and backed by
the central government's Tourism Bureau as part
of the 2004 Visit Taiwan Year campaign.
The
festival--which this year runs from July 25 to
August 14--started some years ago as a regional
competition. It became an islandwide event, and
is now an international festival.
The
2004 International Drum Festival will include both
community activities and professional performances.
Among the former are the "Drumming Luo Han
Modeling Contest," the "Drumming Luo
Han Drawing Contest," and the "Drum-Shaped
Lantern Design Contest." The latter presents "Drumming & Communicating
With Nature," "Thundering Drumming," and,
finally, the "Drum & Lantern Festival
at The Eternal Castle."
"Drumming & Communicating
With Nature" will visit some of Taiwan's most
magnificent scenic spots, including Tainan's Eternal
Castle (July 25), Alishan (July 26), Sun Moon Lake
(July 27), Taipei's Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall
(July 28), Longdong in Taipei County (July 31),
Hualien (August 1), and Kenting (August 4).
"Thundering Drumming" on August 7 will attempt to break a world record
by having 2,088 drummers perform at the same time. Almost a hundred drum groups
from all over the world will give three performances in a row. What with administrative
staff and volunteers, this unprecedented event requires the work of more than
3,000 people. Local and foreign media will be there to witness it.
Ten
foreign groups--from the US, Korea, Japan, Turkey--will
join Taiwan-based groups such as Taipei Chingu-Huo
Kuang Lion Dance Troupe, Hung Sheng Lion Dance
Theater, and Ten Drum Art Percussion.
The "Drum & Lantern
Festival at The Eternal Castle" (August 8
to 14) will utilize a thousand drum-shaped lanterns
to light up this historic site. Handmade colorful
lanterns will be hung along the surrounding river.
The drum-lantern-illuminated red-carpet walk is
sure to draw a crowd.
A
full range of memorabilia will be for sale, including
a special wine, DVDs, a stamp package, T-shirts,
and--of course--drums. For more information, go
to http://www.ti-df.org.tw
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