In November I had the opportunity to visit Carmel, Indiana along with Midwest Guest. One of the highlight of the visit was the opportunity to see The Royal Drummers of Burundi at the Carmel Center for the Performing Arts.
The center is made up of three distinct venues, the Palladium (where we saw the drummers), the Studio Theater and the Tarkington. The Tarkington is a 500 seat venue perfect for large theatrical presentations and makes for a great venue for small concerts. The Studio Theater is a great spot for intimate performances. The spectacular Palladium seats 1600 in a space with exquisite accoustics perfect for grand musical performances.
Our visit started with an informally led drum circle for patrons before the main show. In an upstairs room to drumm leaders helped a large group of children and adults get into a drumming mood.
Adults got the opportunity to let their inner child out.
And Children got to act like themselves. Of course the children held the upper hand.
The drumming circle inspired me to gift Dominique with a drum for Christmas.
Moving from the drumming circle to the main venue we were in for a real treat. The Royal Dummers of Burundi performed an energetic show that can only be described as amazing.
Founded in 1960 the drummers have toured the world spreading the good music and the good will of Burundi in their wake. They have recorded several albums of their own as well as appearing on albums by artists such as Def Leppard ands Joni Mitchell.
The show begins with the drummers entering the stage with the drums balanced in their heads, drumming the entire time. As the show continues, the drummers place their drums on the stage and continue a combination of drumming rhythm and dance that can't help but get the audience tapping their feet.
Not only did we get to see a great show, we were able to visit a fun city and experience a great entertainment venue. Not only that we added a new musical instrument to our home.
If you get down to the Indianapolis area you would do well to take in a show at the Carmel Center for the Performing Arts.
Thanks to the Hamilton County Convention and Visitors Bureau for sponsoring our visit to Hamilton County, providing lodging, meals and entry to the performance for my review during my recent visit there, with no further compensation. I was free to express my own opinions about the stay and experiences, and the opinions expressed here are mine.
© 2013 Tim Marks
what an incredible, amazing time!! wish i could have been there with you!
Posted by: wandering educators | January 17, 2013 at 12:45 AM
Thanks, for me it was one of the highlights of the trip. Of course I'm a sucker for World Music :)
Posted by: Tim Marks | January 17, 2013 at 09:14 AM