Rhythm Nation

The Royal Drummers of Burundi bang out East African beats tonight as part of the Cleveland Museum of Art's Viva! & Gala series. The 20-man troupe is sort of like the African version of Stomp. Dressed in brightly colored costumes, they leap over their instruments and fiercely shake their groove thangs. Reminiscent of Japanese taiko drummers, the Burundi group employs giant drums carved out of tree trunks to recreate the ancient rhythm-calling patterns from long-gone tribes. The rituals are part of an African celebration that acknowledges the cycle of birth, death, and regeneration. Says Massoud Saidpour, the CMA director in charge of the series: "These performances connect you to other ways of life."
Sat., Nov. 4, 7:30 p.m.