Global Drums preparing for exotic event

trevor.kenney — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 17:57:53 +0000

Join Global Drums for another thrilling world tour and sample the exotic rhythms of Africa, Brazil, Japan and Latin America.

Global Drums and their special guests take to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Theatre stage Apr. 1-2 at 8 p.m. nightly for a program of hard-hitting rhythms and unique cultural collaborations.

"Our concert has something for everyone," says Adam Mason, director. "Audiences can expect a fantastic night of entertainment featuring works from our Steel Drum Ensemble, African Drums, Taiko Ensemble, Brazilian and Samba Ensemble."

Joining Global Drums this year is a notable roster of guests. The Brazilian Samba Band welcomes world-renowned Brazilian Samba drumming artist, Jimmy Biala.

"Biala is from San Francisco and teaches Samba percussion worldwide. We're very excited to have him lead our Samba Band during the concert," says Mason.

Another highlight of the program is an inspired twist on Rhapsody in Blue, featuring pianist Glen Montgomery. Composed for piano and orchestra, the U of L Percussion Ensemble collaborates with Montgomery on this unique rendition of Gershwin's classic.

"We are also performing a fast and furious arrangement of Hopak, featuring the Troyanda Ukrainian Dance Club and saxophonist Ian Burleigh," adds Mason.

Consisting of more than 40 performers, Global Drums boasts the largest post-secondary percussion ensemble in the country.

"Our steel drum band proudly represented Canada at the 17th Annual Cultural Festival in Honolulu this March," says Mason.

With support from provincial funding and the Lethbridge Twinning Society, U of L students took to the stage along with ensembles from Korea, Japan and Tahiti.

To experience the electricity of Global Drums, tickets are available from the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Box Office, weekdays from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. or by calling 403-329-2616. Tickets are $15 regular and $10 senior/student.

For a look at the March issue of the Legend in a flipbook format, follow this link.

Global Drums! promises both sight and sound

trevor.kenney — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 20:55:18 +0000

A feast for both the ears and eyes greets those who attend Global Drums!, Feb. 27-28, 8 p.m. in the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Theatre.

High energy, interesting instruments and world music will fill the theatre as the U of L Percussion Ensemble takes over. Also on the program are special guests St. Patrick's School African Dance Ensemble, performing a traditional dance from Ghana.

"Our multi-faceted concert is visually exciting with dance, choreography and props combined with lush, beautiful and powerful music from around the world. And all of it is upbeat," says Adam Mason, director.

He also promises an interesting finale to the evening.

"Our eclectic mix of music has something for everyone, including Debussy thrown in with classic rock by Edgar Winter and Santana."

The program features several percussion ensembles, including a classical ensemble, African drum and dance group, steel drum band, and Taiko Drums.

"We'll play the Taiko drums but it will be Taiko with a twist and that's all I'm willing to say right now."

The 13 members of the Steel Drum Band provide the local audience with a sneak preview of the music they are taking to Japan in August. On the classical front, Brianne Cruickshank will play the new 5-octive marimba.

"This instrument is the Rolls-Royce of marimba. It is beautiful to look at and amazing to hear," says Mason.

A grant from Canbra Foods enabled the group to purchase the instrument. New to the event this year is a Brazilian Samba Ensemble.

"The Samba group does extremely infectious drumming, the kind you'd hear at Carnival in Rio," says Mason. "We've got parade drums, which makes the performers very mobile, so I'm inviting the audience to be prepared to participate."

Tickets for Global Drums! Are priced at $15 regular and $10 student/senior at the
U of L Box Office (403-329-2616).

UNews - steel drum band

Global Drums preparing for exotic event

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Global Drums! promises both sight and sound

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