_{By Joe Vickrey}

What was originally pitched to me as “Blue Man Group, but spooky,” could be best described as Utah’s premier percussion event… that’s also spooky. I got to chat with Warehouse 5 Drum Theatre’s owner and founder Matt Nickle to talk about the group’s history and their upcoming shows in Salt Lake City as well as their Provo debut. 

What originally began as a middle school daydream for Matt, Paranormal Percussion, is now in its eighth year running for their annual Halloween show. While the idea for an all-percussion Halloween show came to him fifteen years ago, the project didn’t materialize until 2017. He recalled how their first year running was the scariest for him (and not in a spooky sense either) with the ultimate uncertainty of how everything would work on motion, but with so many shows under his belt, it seemed to be natural to him bow. 

Each year the show has morphed, and the arrangements have mutated to match it. Matt expressed both confidence and appreciation for all those involved with the project by mentioning, “We’ve continued to adjust and refine things so the music gets tighter and more exciting with each performance. Especially for those who return each year.”

Speaking to the diversity of the group, Matt mentioned that the musicians consist of lawyers, cops, band teachers, nurses, and even online marketers. He also added, “Our oldest performer is 44, and our youngest is 9 years old.” (With all my heart, I hope that 9-year-old is dressed up as a goblin and runs around the audience.) “Some are classically trained percussionists, while others come from rock, marching band, or other backgrounds.” He illustrated, “That mix is what gives the show its unique energy and sound.”

Having never seen a percussion-only show, and after watching all of the available online previews, I asked about how much choreography was involved in Paranormal Percussion. “There is some choreography in the show, but at its core this is a drum performance. That said, certain pieces call for movement, like when the drummers are weaving and bouncing around a coffin they’re drumming on.” Matt’s answer only intrigued me more, but contained no spoilers. It only hinted that this would be a lively performance focused on music.

Ahead of their Provo debut, Matt clarified for us that it’s an all-ages show. Nothing too gory or horrific, but more-so a family-friendly Halloween event to get everyone excited for spooky season. Lastly, Matt mentioned, “We have a lot of return guests that come each year. Once you see it for yourself you will understand why.”

For anyone interested, Paranormal Percussion will be rising from the crypt to loom at The Rose in Salt Lake City from October 20-23 and creeping their way to the Covey Center for the Arts for three shows between October 24 and 25 here in Provo.