Famous percussion group STOMP sweeps into Bloomington

IU Auditorium will feature the percussion group STOMP this weekend.

The group is widely known for its unusual, sound-creating tactics, as members use their bodies and ordinary objects to tell a story.

“These guys use everything from trash cans to brooms,” Maria Talbert, events manager at the Auditorium, said. “This year they have a couple new acts that I honestly can’t wait to see.”

STOMP has made three previous appearances at the Auditorium ­in 2000, 2003 and 2008.

Beginning at 7:30 p.m. both Friday and Saturday, STOMP will clatter its way into Bloomington once again.

“The energy, athleticism and talent of the performers is breathtaking, and the noise they make on stage with brooms, zippo lighters and other household items is truly incredible,” Auditorium Director Douglas Booher said.

The entire performance is choreographed and features no dialogue. Yet, the show is still filled with audience interaction.

“You don’t just sit and observe this type of show,” Talbert said. “You’re constantly interacting with the cast which makes for one awesome show. The time absolutely flies by and when it’s finally over you’re like ‘Wait, it’s over?’”

Every time STOMP comes to the Auditorium it features something new, Talbert said. This year the act will involve paint cans and rubber tractor tires.

“The fact that they have updated the show, adding some new features, made it that much more appealing to include in our line up,” Booher said.

The Auditorium sends out a survey each year to students and non-students alike in order to see what performances they want back at IU.

“We keep bringing STOMP back because people keep coming back to see it,” Talbert said. “It’s a show that’s great for everybody, both young and old.”

This will be the fourth time STOMP has been to IU, and the Auditorium management said it is highly anticipating the performance.

Jacob Boris, freshman and front desk operator, said the show will be crowded.

“It’s kind of a childhood dream come true,” Boris said. “A lot of people banged on pots and trash cans when they were little, but mothers never seemed to appreciate the music. We couldn’t get away with it because we weren’t awesome. This is going to be awesome.”