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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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