Sage and Brian of the Sangre del Sol fire troupe will be performing during the 12th Annual Grand Taiko Festival at Miller Outdoor Theatre in Houston, Texas on Friday, September 26th and Saturday, September 27th.

From ArtsHound.com:

Taiko is a dynamic music presentation that combines high energy movements to compelling percussive rhythms that embodies spiritual essence and the heartbeat of Japan and its people.

While taiko is inevitably rooted in 3000 year old Japanese traditions that express beauty and harmony, the powerful sound of taiko is a living and evolving art form that is rapidly permeating the entire world.

Houston Grand Taiko Festival has been recognized as one of the major concerts in Houston — attracting over 8,500 spectators.

Kaminari continues to mesmerize its audience with energetic performances inspired by the traditional values of the Japanese art form combined with world rhythms.

Special guests include Japanese classical dancer Takahamaryu Mitsujuroku and Okinawan dance group Ryu Fu.

Miller Outdoor Theatre is located at 100 Concert Dr. in Houston, TX. Shows start at 7:30 pm. Admission and parking are free thanks to a sponsorship from the City of Houston!

Stay tuned for the release of Sage’s instructional poi DVD, “Journey into Poi.”

The DVD features more than two hours of instruction including lessons on stretching, fire safety, beginning and intermediate moves, and transitions. The DVD will be available through HomeofPoi.com, as well as through the Sangre del Sol website, during the winter of 2008.

Friday, September 19th, 2008, members of the Sangre del Sol Fire Troupe will be firing up the wicks for a series of performances at The Belmont in downtown Austin.

Sangre del Sol dancers Sage and Brian will be spinning during three sets starting at 10:30 and ending by 1am.

The Belmont is located at 305 W. 6th St.

Its the third and final round of parties at Ruta Maya and it looks like host Ararat has saved the best for last.

You’ll want to be at the show on Thursday, August 28th to catch DJ sets by DJ Manny and Bigface with the Jessebells, live music with EXSTUS, and another electric soul glow performance by Sage. Speaking of, did you catch the Metallic strobe action last week? Wowzers indeed.

Doors open at 8pm with an enchanted artists’ bazaar filled with intuitive readings, prayer hoops, henna and glitter body art, handmade jewelry and patches, Austin-made soaps, massage, felted hair accessories, and more. Want to vend? Give Kelly at holler at kelly_ararat@yahoo dot com.

If that wasn’t enough, NuLighTribal and HipNautica featuring Tinkr will be on the bill along with a multi-media electro visual performance by Electra Texas and monkey dance by Hoecake the Circus Monkey (please refrain from spanking until after the show). The event is sponsered by Ruta Maya, KOOP Radio, Sangre del Sol, Starlet Sweets, The Austin Daze, Airbrush by Amy, Ararat Mid-East Fusion, Hot Mama’s Espresso Bar, and Twist It Sister Productions. Jamie Teer will be the Mistriess of Ceremonies for the evening.

Show starts at 8pm at Ruta Maya located at 3601 S. Congress Ave. There is a $15 suggested donation, but pay more or less depending on your budget. Visit the Enchanted Forest page at www.myspace.com/austinenchantedforest to learn more about how you can help SAVE THE FOREST! A silent auction, sponsored by GAGA, will be held from 8pm-12am. For donations, please contact savetheenchantedforest<<at>>gmail.com and include “donation for 8/28″ in the subject line.