VIDEO/SLIDESHOW | It's a standing ovation for Cherry Blossom Kaleidoscope of Cultures

Wow! I think I found my new favorite Cherry Blossom event! The Kaleidoscope of Cultures at the Grand Opera House tonight was absolutely spectacular. There were performers representing Greece, Japan, the United Kingdom, Uganda and the United States.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW PHOTOS FROM THE KALEIDOSCOPE OF CULTURES.

I think my favorite of the performances was the one by the Japanese drummers. They were funny and extremely talented. Not only were they incredibly rhythmically in sync with each other, but they knew how to play to the crowd. At one point, one of the drummers came out dressed as a hibachi chef and joked with the crowd about placing an order. Then he moved back to the table that was brought out and joined in with the drum beat with his cooking utensils.

Just watching all of the drummers made me wonder how much they have to practice in the day to actually be able to keep in sync like they did. And judging by the muscle tone in their arms, it must be an incredible workout for them, too, every time they play. (Hmmm. Not a bad idea for one of those workout videos they market on TV late at night.) They received a standing ovation when they were done with their performance.

Also receiving a standing ovation was Mercer University senior Krystal Morris, who represented the United States at the end of the program with the songs "At Last" and "Amazing Grace."

From the zitherist (as fun to say as it is to watch) to the Ugandan dance piece, I thought everyone did a great job. I know the parade was filmed live by GPTV this afternoon, but I think next year the the Kaleidoscope of Cultures should be added to that list. Evidence for that is found in the audience - I heard of at least one person trying to find out where she could purchase a copy of the evening's performances.

If you think I'm over-exaggerating with my praise, just watch for yourself.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE ZITHERIST REPRESENTING TAIWAN.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE JAPANESE DRUMMERS PERFORM.