Event

Taiko X Turntables!

The worlds of traditional taiko and turntabalism collide in this first time collaboration with DJ Dopey. Featuring composed and improvised works, Nagata Shachu Japanese taiko group and DJ Dopey will have a true musical dialogue playing off of each other's powerful beats and melodic themes. This unique and exhilarating fusion of two very different genres will be sure to have everyone on the edge of their seats.

As a certified world champion (2003 DMC World Champion) and founding member of the Turntable Monkz, Dopey (born Jon Ryan Santiago) has taken the opportunity to tour the world a few times over. He has shared stages with the likes of Eminem, Slum Village, Kanye West, Kardinal Offishall, Dragonette and Steve Aoki, as well as DJ'd for Jazz Cartier. He continues his globetrotting by carrying out his seasoned successes as a key group member of Notes to Self, a rap crew from Toronto. As one of Canada's premiere DJ talents, he was also an integral part of the Gemini Award winning TV show MTV Live. In his 15 years as a DJ/Turntablist, Dopey has battled his way to the top; he has performed alongside the worlds best DJs and musicians, and has now taken to the studio portion of being an artist.

Nagata Shachu, based in Toronto, Canada, has enthralled audiences with its mesmerizing and heart-pounding performances of the Japanese drum (taiko) since its formation in 1998. The group has toured widely throughout Canada, the US and Italy, in addition to Lebanon and Mexico, performing in major theatres, concert halls, and festivals.

While rooted in the folk drumming traditions of Japan, the ensembles principal aim is to rejuvenate this ancient art form by producing innovative and exciting music that seeks to create a new voice for the taiko.