Tao!

If you think a performance by Tao, the Japanese taiko drum troupe, is just a whole bunch of bare-chested dudes and colorfully draped babes banging the hell out of ginormous painted drums while swords flash, banners swirl, dancers soar, and lights flash…yeah, that’s about the size of it. The spectacle makes for great entertainment, falling somewhere between hand-to-hand conflict and Cirque du Soleil (which, as it happens, is also in town this week; keep reading for details). In any case, the gang is bringing the bang to Playhouse Square tonight for one 7:30 performance in the Palace Theatre. Tickets are $10, $29, and $39; snag yours by phone, online, or at the Playhouse Square box office.