West African drumming classes to be held in Port

PORT JERVIS, NY — Maxwell Kofi Donkor, international and nationally known master drummer from Ghana, will lead a series of drumming workshops this summer free of charge at the Port Jervis Youth Center, 134 Pike Street. There will be six sessions: Monday, June 1; Wednesdays, June 10, 17 and 24; and Wednesdays, July 8 and 22. All sessions will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. They are open to youth, grade 7 and older; adults are also welcome.

Kathy Brink of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Port Jervis will be assisting. Participants will learn basic traditional hand drumming techniques as well as two Ghanaian drum rhythms (‘Kpalogo’ - 4/4 and ‘Agadza’- 6/8) with related cultural history and songs, over the course of the sessions.

The participants will present a final showcase at the Port Jervis National Night Out Celebration on August 4 at Riverside Park in Port Jervis. Drums will be provided for the first 30 registrants on a first come, first served basis. Bring your own drum, if you have one.

Donkor has been very influential in the arts-in-education program in schools and communities in the Tri-State region and has played with world renowned drummers, like Baba Olatunje and Mickey Hart. He believes in the use of cultural arts as a conduit in community building, teamwork, leadership, diversity and self-esteem. He brings this experience with him to his workshops and performances.

This project is made possible, in part, with public funds from the New York State Council on the Arts Decentralization Program administered by Arts in Orange.

Register at bak2roots.com via email or call 914/213-9789.