The thunderous sounds of Japanese taiko (tie-COE) drumming fill UNC Asheville's Lipinsky Auditorium as Nagata (nah-GAH-tah) Shachu (shah-CHOO) takes the stage. Based in Toronto, Canada, this authentic Japanese ensemble has thrilled audiences across North America and Europe for more than 10 years with Japanese taiko drums, gongs, bells and bamboo flutes. Critics have hailed Nagata Shachu's concerts as exhilarating, flawless and mesmerizing. Each performance features three to six musicians whose focus is to rejuvenate the ancient art form of taiko drumming with modern interpretations. The concerts are a feast for the eyes as well as the ears; the musicians play oversized drums through a series of choreographed movements that resemble synchronized martial arts.