THE LEGENDARY DRUMMERS AND DANCERS OF BURUNDI COME TO THREE STAGES | Arts & Culture

Rooted in sacred ritual; a celebration of African rhythm

(October 24, 2012   Folsom, CA)   One of the greatest percussion ensembles in the world, the Royal Drummers and Dancers of Burundi have performed in the same way for centuries, passing down traditions and techniques from father to son. The origins of their performance are shrouded in ancient legend and mystery; their performances were traditionally a part of particular ceremonies, such as births, funerals and the enthronement of kings. Their music has touched musicians from Joni Mitchell to Bow Wow Wow, and has graced stages all over the world, including the first WOMAD Festival.

Executive Director Dave Pier noted that “their live performances have been described as the ultimate African drum experience. It will be an exuberant evening of rhythm and movement.”

THE ROYAL DRUMMERS AND DANCERS OF BURUNDI will perform in Three Stages on Monday, November 19, 2012 at 7 pm. Tickets are $19-$29; Premium tickets are available for $39, and student tickets are $12 (with ID).  Tickets may be purchased online at www.threestages.net or from Three Stages Ticket Office at 916-608-6888 from 10 am to 6 pm, Monday through Saturday, and two hours before show time. Three Stages is located on the west side of Folsom Lake College campus in Folsom, CA, facing East Bidwell Street.

In ancient Burundi, drums were much more than simple musical instruments. As sacred objects, reserved solely for ritualists, they were only played under exceptional circumstances and then always for ritual purposes: the major events of the country were heralded by their beating - coronations, sovereigns' funerals - and, with the joy and fervor of all Burundians, they kept rhythm with the regular cycle of the seasons, ensuring the prosperity of the herds and fields.

Nowadays, the drum remains an instrument that is both revered and popular, reserved for national celebrations and distinguished guests. The ancient lineages of drummers have kept their art alive and, in some cases, have had great success in popularizing it around the world.

The large drums "Ingoma" that are played are made from hollowed tree trunks covered with skin. The "Amashako" drums provide a continuous beat, and "Ibishikiso" drums follow the rhythm of the central "Inkiranya" drum. The thunderous sound of the drums with the graceful yet athletic dance that accompanies this masterful performance represents an important part of Burundi's musical heritage.

The relationship in Burundi between drum and nature is so strong that various parts of the drum are named after the concept of fertility:

The drums have lost none of their revered significance over the centuries. An ancient network of drum sanctuaries still exists in Burundi where the drums have been stored over the years until such time as they are brought out to be played.

What does a performance by the Royal Drummers and Dancers of Burundi look like? Here’s a review of the current tour from the Boston Globe.

“ In addition, extra performers enter periodically to dance around the central drum, sometimes solo, other times in pairs, and here’s where the show gets really fun. These guys play to the audience with charming insouciant grins and a face-front flourish of the arms, begging adulation after every virtuosic display. Most of the movement evolves from squat, low-weighted slides, hitch-kicks, skips and runs, torsos rippling sinuously, arms churning and windmilling. Heads roll feverishly as if necks are made of rubber. Out of nowhere, the dancers jump three to four feet in the air, legs split, folded under or straight out in front, bent over, chins to knees. One drums behind his back then sets up a rhythm with one mallet while vigorously encircling his neck with the other, frequently switching directions. The gesture, repeated frequently in the show, evokes beheading and apparently references devout, sacrificial-level loyalty” (Boston Globe, 10/12/12).

Three Stages: Inspire, Include, Instruct!

Three Stages at Folsom Lake College presents touring artists from around the world; partners with the best regional arts organizations, and supports productions by FLC students and faculty.

Three Stages at Folsom Lake College is a $50 million performing and visual arts center that opened in February 2011. Located on the campus, Three Stages includes three intimate performance venues (850, 200, 100 seats), an art gallery, a recording studio, ample rehearsal and classroom space, a full service ticket office plus all the amenities of a state-of-the-art performance venue. Parking is free on weekends and for those buying tickets in advance.

A renaming of Three Stages is currently under way.  The new name, Harris Center for the Arts, honors Dr. Brice Harris, Chancellor Emeritus of the Los Rios Community College District, for his many contributions to the Capital Region, including providing the vision and leadership that lead to the opening of this regional arts center.

Event Summary

What:                THE ROYAL DRUMMERS AND DANCERS OF BURUNDI

When:               Monday, November 19, 2012 at 7 pm

Where:              Three Stages at Folsom Lake College

                        10 College Parkway

                        Folsom, CA 95630

Tickets:             $19-$29; Premium tickets are available for $39, and student tickets are $12 (with ID).  Tickets are available online at www.threestages.net or from Three Stages Ticket Office at 916-608-6888 (Monday through Saturday, 10 am-6 pm, and two hours before show time)  

For interview requests, contact Dave Webb at david.webb@threestages.net

High resolution images available at http://bit.ly/fDbSro (Press Room at www.threestages.net)  

For a map of the campus, see http://www.flc.losrios.edu/Documents/About/folsom_map.pdf

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Dave Webb

Marketing Consultant

Three Stages at Folsom Lake College

www.ThreeStages.net

916.608.6820

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Source: David Webb for Three Stages at Folsom Lake College