Bet you won’t be able to sit through this concert!

No, you’ll be dancing in your seat (or up on your feet) when Global Drums takes the stage in Fernie on Sunday, September 23.

Global Drums is the only ensemble of its kind in Canada, with an expansive collection of instruments from around the world, and a diverse group of percussionists that has grown to about 60 members over its 13-year history.

Based in Lethbridge, the group is directed by University of Lethbridge professor Adam Mason.

Performing on stage at Mountainside Community Church, this Sunday’s concert follows the ensemble’s annual sizzling-hot, weekend-long drumming retreat in Fernie. Born and raised here, the ensemble’s assistant director, Joe Porter, is excited to bring the high energy of the retreat to the stage right away.

“The retreat is a bonding experience, especially since we have new members every year. It’s a way for them to feel part of the family quickly,” Porter commented.

This year’s retreat will see the ensemble working on Samba, African and steel pan drumming, taught by world-class clinicians. By bringing the ensemble together for the retreat, it gives the group a jump start on learning new repertoire for the year.

And that repertoire travels around the world. They’ve toured in Japan, Trinidad and Tobago, and Europe. They’re hugely popular in China, having travelled there four times in the last two years. In March 2019, the group will perform in Hawaii, and plans are in the works now to travel to Ghana to study traditional African drumming.

Global Drums will perform at 2:30 p.m, Sunday, Sept 23 at Mountainside Church, 1622 Tenth Ave. in Fernie, across the highway from Tim Hortons.

Tickets at the door, $15 for adults/seniors/youth 13 to 18; and $5 for children 12 and under.

88 Keys Grand Piano Society

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