The power of drumming is in the spotlight in an event at the Columbia Theatre this weekend.
The 1000 Drummers of B.C. event is onstage Friday, May 3 at 7 p.m., celebrating “the rich history and cultures of the Indigenous people of B.C. and diverse cultures of the settlers from around the world,” as an event write-up says.
Featured in the event are the Git Hayetsk Dancers, Cassius Khan and Charm Dance Company.
The Git Hayetsk Dancers are an internationally renowned dance group whose name means “people of the copper shield” in Sm’algyax, the language spoken by the Nisga’a, Tsimshian and Gitxsan Nations. The copper shield is the highest form of ceremonial wealth shared among their people.
“The Git Hayetsk Dancers challenge themselves to learn and practise the artistry of dance, song composition, choreography and regalia-making to the standards of wealth, power and prestige embodied by the copper shield,” says the write-up. “With deep love and respect for their communities, they draw their strengths together to give life to the songs and dances of their ancestors, as well as bring to life new ones that reflect their experiences as First Nations people today.”
Khan, a Queensborough resident, is one of Canada’s best known Indian classical musicians, known internationally for his unique performance style – in which he combines tabla drumming with the classical styles of ghazal and thumri singing.
He is a founder of the Mushtari Begum Festival of Indian Classical Music and Dance, which runs annually in New Westminster.
Outside of Indian classical music, Khan has also lent his hands and voice to a range of genres of music – from pop, rock and metal to world music, roots and blues, country and jazz.
Charm Dance Company started performing in 2016 in Metro Vancouver. It was founded by professional Korean dancers to show Korean culture and traditional dancing.
Tickets are $15 regular, $20 premium or $200 for a VIP booth (seating up to six people, including bottle of wine), available through www.eventbrite.ca.
Doors open at 6 p.m., and a buffet dinner is available for a special price of $25. The performance begins at 7:30 p.m.
For details, see www.thecolumbia.net.
