Local youth have had the chance to learn from the best drummers in the world, thanks to Caldera's Celebration of the Drum program, and now the public can join in the fun with performances on May 17 and 19 in Portland.
Celebration of the Drum is Caldera's multicultural percussion extravaganza that brings local middle school students on stage in performance with world-class musicians Obo Addy, Portland Taiko, Cat"n Lyles, Hakim Muhammad, and Brian Davis of Pink Martini fame.
The public will have a chance to enjoy a sneak preview of this extraordinary event at a free, open-air performance at 5 p.m. Thursday, May 17 at the Discovery Center at South Waterfront, 0680 S.W. Bancroft St. Portland students will take the stage along with the internationally acclaimed percussion artists from Portland Taiko.
A full afternoon concert featuring all of the artists and Caldera students from throughout Portland will take place at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 19 in the Jefferson High School basketball gym, 5210 N. Kerby Ave. The event is free and open to the public.
Caldera's yearlong study of the drum in the cultures of Brazil, Japan, and West Africa has reached more than 5,000 Portland students through school-wide residencies, performances, and workshops. Sponsors for the event include the National Endowment for the Arts, The Paul G. Allen Charitable Foundation, The Campbell Group, Wells Fargo, Mark and Ann Edlen for Gerding Edlen Development, and the Regional Arts & Culture Council. Additional event support is provided by Portland Public Schools.
Founded in 1996 by Dan Wieden, chief creative officer of the Portland, Oregon-based international ad agency Wieden+Kennedy, Caldera is a nonprofit organization committed to bringing the arts to underserved youth and adults. Caldera provides rich artistic learning opportunities for kids in grades six through 12. Students from four local Caldera Arts Partner schools will be participating in Celebration of the Drum, including Binnsmead, H.B. Lee, Open Meadow, and Ockley Green Middle Schools.
IF YOU GO
What: A full afternoon concert featuring all of the artists and Caldera students
When: 2 p.m. Saturday, May 19
Where: Jefferson High School basketball gym, 5210 N. Kerby Ave.
Cost: The event is free and open to the public.
