Cycropia Aerial Dance with Searchlights + Ho Etsu Taiko
Olbrich Gardens 3330 Atwood Ave., Madison, Wisconsin 53714
![Brenda Smage during a past Cycropia Aerial Dance performance. Brenda Smage during a past Cycropia Aerial Dance performance.](https://isthmus.com/downloads/69370/download/calendar-Cycropia.jpg?cb=f90bf8c3fe15ea99af24469bf08f4f51&w={width}&h={height})
Mick McKiernan
Brenda Smage during a past Cycropia Aerial Dance performance.
Brenda Smage during a past Cycropia Aerial Dance performance.
The summer concert series at Olbrich Gardens is now called Olbrich After Hours, and features food carts, a bar, and more (along with the gardens being open later each Tuesday). This month’s lineup is stellar: July 16 features a collaboration by Searchlights and Chicago drum ensemble Ho Etsu Taiko, accompanying Cycropia Aerial Dance; July 23 is Madison electro-rockers The Earthlings; and July 30 is Kenosha-based singer-songwriter Ben Mulwana & the Village.
media release:
The booming sounds of Chicago-based Ho Etsu Taiko’s drums will ring through Olbrich Botanical Gardens at “Olbrich After Hours” on Tuesday, July 16, at 7 pm, extending cinematic soundscapes from the central Wisconsin band Searchlights. All the while, Madison’s own Cycropia Aerial Dance will take flight and literally dance in the sky. The collaboration among these three unique groups is a celebration bridging the earth and heavens, translating inspiration from nature to make visual and audible art. What better place for this collaboration than Olbrich, where the gardens are an expression of humans channeling heavenly energy through the sun and the natural elements of plants to surround the audience in art.
Searchlights makes cinematic music with a wash of soundscape guitar and melodic bass driven by Japanese taiko drums. They first played with Cycropia at Olbrich’s GLEAM gala opening several years ago, and the experience fit so well both groups wanted to collaborate again. To match the grandeur of Cycropia, Searchlights brought in Ho Etsu Taiko — A Japanese American taiko ensemble from Chicago. The result is a massive drumming sound, weaving with the guitar and bass, propelling Cycropia to the sky and swirling heaven, earth, nature, and people in a unique experience for the senses.
“My background is in taiko and that’s what I bring to the drums for Searchlights. I’ve always envisioned expanding to a whole ensemble of taiko drummers on the stage. To be able to finally do that along with Cycropia in the gorgeous setting of the Olbrich Botanical Gardens is a dream come true that I can’t wait to share.” -Mike Fienen, Searchlights
“Collaborating with Searchlights and Ho Etsu has been an amazing experience, and we’ve put together a show that you couldn’t experience anywhere else. There is something magical about dancing to live, original music, and I am excited for the audience to experience this magic with us.” -Luv Seamon, Cycropia
“It is an honor to share the stage with Searchlights and Cycropia. When all the groups finally came together, it was thrilling to see and feel all the elements come alive! This will be an energetic and memorable experience for all to enjoy. Ho Etsu is ready to give the BOOM in this awesome collaboration.” -Ryan Toguri, Ho Etsu Taiko
“Olbrich Gardens is thrilled to welcome Cycropia Aerial Dance, Ho Etsu Taiko, and Searchlights for a unique collaboration. Our lush, beautiful gardens provide the perfect setting to experience this stunning blend of visual and auditory art as we celebrate human creativity. Join us for an unforgettable evening!” -Mike Gibson, Olbrich Botanical Gardens
This collaboration is truly one-of-a-kind. The support from Olbrich to debut this show in the gardens is a perfect fit. The show will be filmed by MOD Productions with generous support from TaikoVentures, based in northern California. TaikoVentures will stream the show online in the future.
Olbrich After Hours is FREE; a $5 suggested donation supports the musicians and performers. Doors open at 6 pm; the concert starts at 7 pm. Food and beverages available for purchase. Carry-in picnics allowed; carry-in alcohol prohibited.
ABOUT Cycropia (cycropia.org)
Based in Madison, Wisconsin, Cycropia was formed in 1989 and is one of the oldest continuously-operating aerial dance troupes within the United States. Our mission is to inspire real people to do extraordinary things, sparking artistic expression and creative movement.
ABOUT Searchlights (searchlightsmusic.com)
Searchlights, a cinematic post-rock band based in central Wisconsin, makes instrumental music, inspired by north woods starry nights, with a wash of soundscape guitar, driving and melodic bass, and a unique combination of Japanese taiko and western drums. With three albums released, their music has been featured in film (“The Dawn Wall”) and they have toured in the U.S. and Canada.
ABOUT Ho Etsu Taiko (hoetsu.org)
Ho Etsu is a collective of musicians with a fresh take on the art of Japanese drumming. They push the envelope through collaborations with other taiko groups, musicians, and culturally-focused performance artists while staying grounded in the rich tradition of kumi-daiko. Through our music we blend the culture of Japanese-American taiko with influences that celebrate the diversity of our ensemble. Their mission is to spread joy through each and every drumbeat by creating music that is true to who they are.
ABOUT Olbrich Botanical Gardens (olbrich.org)
Contact: Mike Gibson, 608-243-0156, mgibson2@cityofmadison.com
Olbrich Botanical Gardens is a 16 acre outdoor botanical garden and 10,000-square-foot conservatory in Madison, Wisconsin. Founded in 1952 and named for its founder, Michael Olbrich, the gardens are owned and operated jointly by the City of Madison Parks and the non-profit Olbrich Botanical Society. Olbrich hosts Olbrich After Hours performance events on Tuesdays throughout the summer.