DRUM! to Smash On Stage At NSU

TAHLEQUAH - The thundering pulse of the Mi'kmaq drum, the jubilant praise of the gospel choir, the joyful snap of Acadian spoons, and the bounce of Celtic bow-rhythms combine to form the experience that is DRUM!

The cultural extravaganza takes the stage at Northeastern State University's Center for the Performing Arts at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 24. The event is sponsored by NSU, The Sequoyah Institute, and NeoHealth.

A one-of-a-kind performance, DRUM! is a heart-pumping fusion of the distinct rhythms of the four founding cultures of Nova Scotia: Native, Celtic, Acadian, and African.

"Bringing together four different cultures and music styles creates an amazing experience that can't be missed," said Megan White, director of The Sequoyah Institute. "This unforgettable show features a stellar cast of singers, dancers, and musicians."

Since DRUM! first came to the stage in 1999, the production has been received with standing ovations and rave reviews. Originally conceived as a 45-minute tourism piece, DRUM! was the main stage show at Tall Ships 2000, featured at a series of international conferences, and a one-hour television special broadcast.

DRUM! made its debut as a full-length production in 2004, running for 10 nights in its own specially designed theater at the Halifax waterfront.

DRUM! was created by Brookes Diamond and directed by Tim French. Music director is multi-talented Nova Scotian, Doris Mason, who also performs in the show along with Jeremiah Sparks, Dutch Robinson, Trevor Gould, Hubert Francis, Len LeBlanc, Shaunda Aucoin, Cathy Porter, the MacQuarrie Dancers, Squid, fiddler Anna Ludlow, and house band members Jamie Alcorn, Brian Bourne, and Dave Burton. The production is a partnership with the Music Industry Association of Nova Scotia.

"DRUM! communicates a message to the world that we can hold on to who we are and still share a song, a stage, a country, and a world," said White.

Tickets for DRUM! are $20 for adults, $18 for NSU alumni, $16 for NSU employees, $14 for senior citizens, $10 for students and children, and $5 for NSU students. Group discounts are available for additional savings. For ticket information, please call 918-458-2075.

Additional funding is provided by the Oklahoma Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts. For more information on the 21st Annual Galaxy of Stars Series, visit The Sequoyah Institute's site.