The Bamboo Orchestra of Japan explores a wealth of sound found in nature by playing a palette of more than 20 bamboo instruments. Bamboo has been used to make instruments in Asia for centuries, because its hollow structure can be readily made into resonating pipes. The instruments' sounds vary greatly from booming bass tones of the gigantic Jegog Marimba to the graceful melodies of the Shinobue flute.

The orchestra's five musicians focus on a vision of the Japanese culture—the harmony in coexistence between people and nature and between people themselves.

"The Bamboo Orchestra has performed extensively throughout Japan and France," says Terri Aldrich, Executive Director of the Minot Area Council of the Arts. "Therefore, hosting the ensemble provides us with the unique opportunity to learn more about and enjoy a slice of Asian culture and one of its forms of musical expression."

The Midwest World Fest, a program of Arts Misdwest, is a cultural exchange that uses workshops, concerts and other community interaction to foster appreciation for the beauty and traditions of other cultures. Arts Midwest, a non-profit arts organization based in Minneapolis, offsets much of the cost and handles the coordination of the Midwest World Fest tour in order to offer communities throughout the Midwest high-caliber international talent and rich international arts experiences.

Midwest World Fest is made possible with leadership support from the 3M Foundation, the William Randolph Hearst Foundation, and the National Endowment for the Arts. Major sponsorship has been generously provided by Amstore Corporation, Hanon McKendry, Verizon, the Consulate General of Israel to the Midwest in concert with the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Israel, and the Muskegon Chronicle. Additional support from WKK Fund of Dorothy A. Johnson, Muskegon Jewish Community, and the Muskegon Rotary Club.

Following courtesy Mountrail Country Promoter, March 29, 2006: