Jax and I went into Bellingham this afternoon for a visit to the Mt Baker Theatre where we watched a performance of “Tao – The Martial Art of Drumming”…

We haven’t been out to a theatre in at least a dozen years. Neither of us are very comfortable with crowds and our visit tonight reminded us why it is that we don’t often visit this kind of venue. For example, there were clearly some folks in the audience tonight who might have been more comfortable sitting home and taking some sort of anti-flatulence medication. I know for sure I’d have been more comfotable if they had and I know my nose would have been happier as well. And, there was some lady sitting a couple of rows back and a few seats over who was either giggling or laughing at every move made on stage – whether giggling or laughter was appropriate to that move or not. We also had aisle seats and we got to do our impression of pogo sticks as people entered or left our row.

All that aside, however, the performance was great and Jax and I both really enjoyed seeing it. The performers were young and in excellent physical condition and beat those drums with an obvious relish and a passion that had to be seen to be believed. We were both amazed at how many different sounds the performers could coax out of the different sized drums and were awed when they hauled out drumsticks the size of baseball bats to beat the larger drums. Almost every drumstroke looked to be perfectly choreographed and the drumming was clearly a team effort. We were also delighted with how well the performers were able to add humor to their drumming and how well they were able to get the audience involved. These young Japanese artists truly did turn drumming into a martial art form and Jax and I were glad we went. I wish I could provide you with a photo or two but photography was, unfortunately, prohibited in the theatre.

Now, maybe it’s time I began work on “Meow: The Martial Art of Motorcycle Riding”. First, though, I’ll need to get myself in shape. Hmmmm. I think I’ll start right after dessert…

Ride safe,

Zippo and Jax