The Icho Daiko drum ensemble is more like an orchestra than a drum circle, with structure and discipline driving its performances. Founded in 2003 and drawing on talent from Cleveland, Akron and Oberlin, the 20-member company uses the taiko tradition as a way to build bridges between cultures. They headline today’s World Music Festival, which benefits the Denison Avenue United Church of Christ. The Crooked River Native Dance Troupe, Afi Scruggs, Ken Richardson and others are also on the bill. It’s a homespun effort, since most of the performers have some sort of connection to the church (Icho Daiko and the Crooked River Native Dance Troupe, for example, have practiced there for years). “Our world and our society are often so divided,” says pastor Dr. C. Nozomi Ikuta. “We believe that sharing the music and traditions from different cultures is an important way to help people come together.” It starts at 3:30 p.m. at the Church of the Redeemer United Church of Christ (23500 Center Ridge Rd., Westlake, 216.631.0904). Tickets: $10 advance, $12 at the door. — Michael Gill
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