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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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