Sun 1/29 @ 230PM
One of the lesser-known musical treasures of Northeast Ohio is the University of Akron Steel Drum Band, composed of percussion majors from the university. The ensemble was founded in 1980 by Dr. Larry Snider; it’s one of the nation’s oldest collegiate panorama-style steel bands.
The steel drum, or steelpan, which is tuned to different pitches, emerged from the Caribbean island country of Trinidad and Tobago, but its roots reach back to West Africa. One of the missions of this ensemble is to educate people about the instrument’s history as well as its music.
They’ll be performing what they call an “educational concert” this weekend at the Akron Civic Theatre with the UA African drumming Ensemble and US Samba also performing. It should be a real treat for lovers of international rhythms. Go here for tickets.