RENO — Wielding rare Japanese drums and modern Icelandic electronica with equal ease, the four extraordinary musicians of On Ensemble (pronounced ohn; with a traditional mark over the “O”) transform centuries-old traditions and esoteric instruments into urban-club trendy with a hip-hop edge.

On Ensemble is set to awe the 2009-2010 Performing Arts Series on March 4 at 7:30 p.m. in Nightingale Concert Hall on the University of Nevada, Reno campus.

Known for a fearless mix of intercultural crossovers and a groundbreaking diversity of influences, the group has performed with such 21st century artists as Stevie Wonder, Grammy-nominated fusion icons, cutting-edge filmmakers and avant-garde theater. In high contrast to the group’s cutting-edge modernity, On’s revered taiko drum-maker and one of Japan’s most important traditional-culture bearers, Miyamoto Unosuke Co., has been instrument supplier to the emperor of Japan and others for nearly 150 years.

The group’s members, Masato Baba, Kristofer Bergstrom, Shoji Kameda and Kelvin Underwood, are individually recognized as leading artists in their fields as teachers, workshop leaders, composers and performers. On Ensemble members have been featured in the music of  TV show “Heroes,” in the David Mamet film “Redbelt” and performing with Stevie Wonder at the 2008 Democratic National Convention.

For more about On Ensemble, visit http://www.onensemble.org.

Individual tickets are $24 for adults, $20 for seniors, $12 for students and $7 for UNR student. To purchase tickets (with a convenience fee), visit the Performing Arts Series Web site at www.unr.edu/pas. Tickets may also be purchased (without a convenience fee) in person at Lawlor Events Center Box Office, 1500 No. Virginia St., lower level, open weekdays from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturdays 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; and at the Church Fine Arts box office one hour prior to performance.

Nightingale Concert Hall is located in the UNR Church Fine Arts Building on North Virginia Street. Parking is free after 6:30 p.m. in the Brian J. Whalen Parking Complex north of the Church Fine Arts Building.

For more information about the University’s Performing Arts Series, call 784-4046, e-mail pas@unr.edu or visit www.unr.edu/pas. For additional performance, gallery and arts events at UNR, visit the arts365 Calendar Web site at www.unr.edu/arts.