WEST PALM BEACH — More than 50 years ago at Florida A&M University in Tallahassee, a tradition of show-style marching bands began, and other Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) in the southeast soon followed in FAMU’s footsteps.
The typical support for football teams evolved into high-energy instrumental performances of classic and contemporary hits, with dancers making it all as exciting as watching the game.
In 2002, 20th Century Fox released the hit movie Drumline, featuring Nick Canon, which celebrated African-American marching band culture. Don P. Roberts, a FAMU graduate who had served as drum major, student conductor and student arranger, was executive band consultant for the film.
He then took his skills to theater as creator and director of Drumline Live, a stage performance featuring a cast who have performed in marching band programs across the southern U.S.
Following its successful tours in 2008-’09, 2010-’11 and 2011-’12, the show is currently in its fourth U.S. tour for the 2012-‘13 season and again making South Florida stops in Nov. 9 in West Palm Beach, Drumline dazzles at 8 p.m. at the Alexander W. Dreyfoos Jr. Concert Hall of the Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, 701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach.
Tickets start at $15; call the box office at 561-832-7469 or visit kravis.org. A free musical presentation by the Boynton United Community Choir will be offered in the Dreyfoos Hall lobby at 7:15 p.m.
On Sunday, Nov. 11 at 3:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. the explosive energy and athleticism return to the Arsht Center, 1300 Biscayne Blvd., Miami. Tickets start at $25. Call 305-949-6722 or visit arshtcenter.org
The drum riffs, brilliant brass, pounding percussion and choreography of Drumline Live will make you feel like you’re on the sidelines of an HBCU football game or at the Bayou Classic or the Big Southern Classic.
Featuring colorful and flamboyant performers, stirring sound, explosive choreography and incredible feats of athleticism from the “steppers,” this “soul-infused” show will not disappoint.
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