MONROE — The Monroe Arts Center presents an evening of good vibes, fleet feet, fast wit and funky rhythms when brothers Andy and Rick Ausland take the stage with “Buckets and Tap Shoes,” a high-energy blend of music, dance and drumming at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 27. 

Touted as “utterly brilliant” by the New York Times, these performers have astounded audiences world-wide with their tap dancing and high-voltage music by using buckets, found objects, drums and tap shoes. 

Born and raised in Minneapolis, the Ausland brothers started taking jazz, ballet and tap dance training at a young age. Upon graduating from high school, Rick auditioned in Los Angeles for a spot in the hit show “Stomp,” which was a unique combination of percussion, movement and visual comedy. Although he didn’t earn a slot in the show, the experience elicited a desire to create something similar in Minneapolis.

After Rick returned to Minneapolis, he and Andy recruited other like-minded dancers and began working on pieces they could perform in dance competitions. Starting out as street performers, their efforts eventually proved successful and they formed the group “Buckets and Tap Shoes.” 

Performing throughout the Minneapolis community, they have garnered critical accolades and amassed a following.

In addition to winning awards and competitions, “Buckets and Tap Shoes” have toured internationally to Austria, Finland, Ecuador, Malta, St. Thomas, Costa Rica and Russia, as well as North American tours to over 30 states. In 2016, they performed on the next-to-the-last broadcast of A Prairie Home Companion.

Rick and Andy Ausland will be joined on stage by their brother, Joey (a.k.a. DJ SL3NDR). Joey is an accomplished DJ and drummer who adds additional percussion and musical elements to the show.

Reserved seat tickets for “Buckets and Tap Shoes” may be purchased by calling the Monroe Arts Center at 608-325-5700 or 888-596-1249, in person at the box office at 1315 11th Street or online at www.monroeartscenter.com.