In Chinese “jigu” means to “beat or touch the drum,” which audiences will learn in depth during a powerful show at the Performing Arts Center on March 13.

    Twenty eight drummers, percussionists and musicians will present “Jigu! Thunder Drums of China” at 7:30 p.m. during the second show of the 2008 Season. A new, fascinating show concept from the producers of the famous Peking Acrobats, Jigu! performances astound audiences with an ultra-sensory experience.

    The world-renown company hails from the Shanxi Province, and performances are indicative of its native culture. Deeply rooted in Shanxi folk origins, the show features many modern musical elements as well, and combined with high-tech lighting and special effects, create a powerful presentation. Audiences not only see and hear the action, they actually feel the intense sound!

    Each of the show’s selections tells a story through pounding drum work, a tradition that dates back thousands of years in China. Each number tells a story, as it reveals a pageantry of epic sagas depicting ancient battles, mythical characters, legendary fables and the beauty of nature.

    “Hear the Tiger and the Dragon Roar” is a spectacular opening to the production, displaying the abilities of the musicians while honoring two great beasts, one walking the Earth today and the other the story of legend. From “The Bull and the Tiger” to a “Mouse-Fairy Wedding” cultural tales unfold on stage amidst colorful costumes and heart-pounding sound.

    Many of the numbers are dedicated to the Yellow River because of its importance to the people of the Shanxi Province. Particularly impressive is the tribute to the river’s boatmen, where color, sound, light and emotion convey their courage and spirit in a centuries-old tale.

    The Shanxi Jiangzhou Drum Art ensemble, presenters of “Jigu! Thunder Drums of China,” was founded in 1988 and has performed in many countries including Denmark, Morocco, Singapore, Malaysia, Korea, Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan. Last year’s first-ever North American tour played to sold out audiences in over 25 cities including Seattle, San Francisco, Detroit and Philadelphia, and the 2008 tour that visits Big Bear is expected to be just as popular.

    The company has won numerous awards including 1992 Chinese Folk Competitions for percussion and drum performers, and was the gold medalist at the 2004 National Star Awards in China given for drumming and percussive excellence.

    The group also took gold at National Star Awards competition in 1992, 2000 and 2001. Basketball fans will recognize the group from its performances at 2004 China-United States exhibitions and the company has been featured at NBA games.

    The drummers, percussionists and musicians come from 28 cities in the Shanxi Province, and mainly range in age from 18-30 years old. Their families have passed drumming techniques down through the generations, and some of China’s earliest drumming traditions can be traced to the Shanxi Province. Tickets for Jigu! Thunder Drums of China are $25 and $45.

    The series continues with the smash comedy hit Defending the Caveman by Rob Becker on Wednesday, April 30. The wildly-popular show about the differences between the sexes is the longest running solo play in Broadway history, and has been performed in over 30 countries and in 15 different languages.

    The series concludes with a 2 p.m. Sunday matinee on May 11 with Theatre of Illusion. The production by Kevin and Cindy Spencer is aptly named because it’s much more than just a magic show; it’s actually a blend of illusion and theater that combines dramatic lighting, music and special effects...plus plenty of audience participation. Is it possible for an audience member to survive the dreaded “Spikes of Doom” or to have the innermost thoughts revealed? The answers are mystifying...

    Call the Big Bear PAC at (909) 866-4970.