Calendar :: Cunningham Swan Global Beat Series

About Jigu! Thunder Drums of China

Jigu in Chinese means to 'beat or touch the drum' and audiences will clamour for more as they thrill to the powerful beat of Jigu! Thunder Drums Of China! Hailing from the Shanxi Province, this world-renowned company of drummers, percussionists, and musicians will astound audiences in an ultra-sensory entertainment experience. Seen across the world at the opening ceremonies of the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, the musicians in Jigu reverberate with dynamic energy and enthusiasm. Their high-tech lighting and special effects add to the drama of this spectacular and awe-inspiring cultural event and not only can you see and hear the action, but you can actually feel the intense sound!

Visit Jigu Thunder Drums of China on MySpace.

About Ladysmith Black Mambazo

Perhaps best known for their collaboration with artists such as Paul Simon, Stevie Wonder, Sarah McLachlan and many others, Ladysmith Black Mambazo is a musical force unlike any other that has helped to raise awareness about South Africa and especially South African culture. Focusing on the power of the human voice, each performance by Ladysmith Black Mambazo is electrifying offering audiences the opportunity to experience the intricate rhythms and exquisite harmonies of a musical tradition that grew out of oppression but that celebrates the resilience of the human spirit.

Visit Ladysmith Black Mambazo online or follow them on Twitter.

“It isn’t merely the grace and power of their dancing or the beauty of their singing that rivets the attention, but the sheer joy and love that emanates from their being.” — Paul Simon

About Kodo

If you were thrilled by the explosive performance of Yamato last season, you won’t want to miss Kodo! Through the 'One Earth Tour,' Kodo brings the sound of the Japanese drum to the ears of the world, and with the taiko's unique ability to transcend the barriers of language and custom, reminds us all of our membership in that larger community — the world. Kodo is the world’s most renowned taiko drumming
group performing for almost 30 years to sold-out performances across the globe. The legendary group from Japan will perform for the first time in Kingston on the Grand stage.

Visit Kodo online.

About The Peking Acrobats

Since 1958, The Peking Acrobats® have toured the world leaving audiences spellbound wherever they go. Expert at performing the most daring manoevres with grace and precision, they appear to defy gravity at every moment through amazing displays of flexibility, strength and control. Carefully selected from the finest acrobat schools in China, this group of gymnasts, jugglers, cyclists, tumblers and wire walkers transform 2000-year-old traditions into an exuberant and entertaining event for all ages, featuring all the excitement and festive pageantry of a Chinese Carnival!

Visit The Peking Acrobats at MySpace.