Grass Valley Taiko and CATS (Community Asian Theatre of the Sierra) are hosting several out-of-town taiko groups in a big drum extravaganza Friday. About 80 drummers will be performing at The Center for the Arts in two shows: 6-7 p.m. and 8-9 p.m.

Guest drumming groups are the Marysville YBA Taiko, Ume Taiko Dan of Penryn, and San Francisco Taiko Dojo, which is led by Grand Master Seiichi Tanaka, the "Father of Taiko in America."

Artistic director and founder of Grass Valley Taiko, Mitzi Garnet has been teaching taiko locally for four years, and the drumming group has performed at many local venues, including schools, businesses and celebrations.

Taiko drumming originated in Japan over 2,000 years ago as "the beating of the big drum" and was used in rituals to drive away evil spirits and pests harmful to crops. During times of war, the taiko drum became an instrument of communication between villages to carry "the beat" during combat.

Today, this form of Japanese drumming is enjoyed at concerts, festivals and spiritual healings. It combines percussion with physically demanding choreographic and martial arts movements.

This is a benefit for both Grass Valley Taiko and CATS. Tickets, $15 adults and $10 students (17 and under), can be purchased in Grass Valley at Odyssey Books and The Book Seller; in Nevada City at the Nevada City Postal Co. and the Golden Flower Trading Co. & Museum; and online at www.presaleticketing.com.

Call Jeannie Wood at 265-2990 or (916) 551-2921. Also see www.grassvalleytaiko.com and www.catsweb.org.

The Center for the Arts is in the heart of downtown Grass Valley, just up East Main Street from the Friday Night Market.