Florida Museum hosts 'Drums and Dance' fall music series

September 16, 2011

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The Florida Museum of Natural History invites the public to “Drums and Dance,” a series of musical events, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., Sept. 18, Oct. 2, Nov. 20 and Dec. 4.

The free events feature area groups and a special admission discount — one free “Wild Music: Sounds & Songs of Life” admission with the purchase of a regular price adult admission.

“I’m always grateful for a chance to share my love of music and to, hopefully, inspire future musicians,” said Mike Boulware, a vocalist and guitarist for The Imposters, a Beatles tribute band performing Dec. 4.

The “Drums and Dance” series also features performances by the Williston School of Dance, which will perform American tap and Irish step dancing routines; The Scribe Tribe, a group that writes and performs poetry accompanied by musical instruments; and Djembe fola, a West African hand-drumming group.

“The drum was a way to communicate with other villages and to celebrate daily life,” said Kim Heiss, a member of Djembe fola. “We play different size drums, each with a different part, and the parts all weave together to create a rich and powerful sound experience.”

The series promotes music in many forms and complements the museum’s current temporary exhibit, “Wild Music,” on display through Jan. 2, 2012. Presented in English, Spanish and Braille, the acclaimed national traveling exhibit allows visitors to hear, feel and see the power of sound as well as discover the biological origins of music. It takes visitors on a journey through the forest, city and sea to experience the melodies found in each environment.