The Saakumu Dance Troupe hails from Ghana (Africa), performing spiritual, ceremonial, recreational, and contemporary African dance forms. It is led by Bernard Woma. According to the group's Facebook page, Woma's father handed him mallets as an infant and he began playing the "gyil" when he was only 2 years old. The gyil is a traditional instrument, like a xylophone, of the African Dagara people. Take in the colors, instruments, and music as part of the Eastman School of Music's World Music Series. Future concerts include Pablo Ziegler Quartet's Argentinean tango music (January 21), and the Balian Gamelan Lila Muni (April 28).
Saakumu Dance Troupe performs Tuesday, September 24, 8 p.m. at Eastman School of Music, Kilbourn Hall, 26 Gibbs St. $10. esm.rochester.edu.