Day of the Drum
Krannert Center’s Day of the Drum was first presented in 2009 based on C-U local Rocky Maffit’s vision of a multifaceted event that would celebrate the many global legacies of percussion while engaging the public in high-energy performances by some of the world’s greatest instrumentalists. Over the years, patrons have enjoyed several iterations of Day of the Drum, and Krannert Center once again presents this day-long encounter with percussion featuring energetic and engaging performances, a tap dance lesson and demonstration, an appearance by Maffit himself, and collaborations between UI School of Music and professional ensembles, all of which will culminate in an evening ticketed performance by the taiko drummers of Kodo.
Celebrate global drumming traditions, try out different types of percussion instruments, and immerse yourself in many different drumming styles and rhythms.
Noon: Futureman | Silverman
When Tracy Silverman and Roy “Futureman” Wooten perform together, they have musical conversations with “all kinds of different sounds.” They will present and eclectic mix of original compositions and new arrangements of classics.
Stage 5, Free
1pm: UI Percussion Ensemble with Sō Percussion: Amid the Noise
Sō Percussion promotes the power of music to forge bonds between people by creating and performing multi-genre works that go beyond the conventional limits of a percussion ensemble. Together with the UI Percussion Ensemble, the artists will perform Sō’s indie-electronica project, Amid the Noise.
Stage 6, Free
2pm: Glen Velez and Loire Cotler
Glen Velez has developed his own unique style of hand drumming that brings together traditions from around the world. He joins with jazz rhythm vocalist and vocal percussionist Loire Cotler for a one-of-a-kind, energetic, and fearlessly passionate performance.
Stage 5, Free
3pm: UI Steel Band with special guest Josh Quillen
Josh Quillen, from Sō Percussion, brings his steel drum expertise to perform calypso, soca, jazz, and popular music with the UI Steel Band.
In front of Tryon Festival Theatre, Free
3:45pm: Tap Lesson/Demo with Lucas Anderson from Art in Motion Dance Studio
Stage 5, Free
4pm: Marching Illini Tenor Drumline
The Best Band in the Land has a stellar drumline. Hear the cadences and enjoy the choreography of this acclaimed group of students.
Lobby, Free
4:30pm: Rocky Maffit and Friends Finale
Day of the Drum curator and emcee Rocky Maffit has performed with artists such as Paul Winter and Dizzy Gillespie, has written songs for the film About Last Night, has played with the chart-topping group Champaign, and has been studying world percussion traditions for decades.
Stage 5, Free
7:30pm: Kodo
Through more than 3,700 performances on five continents, Kodo has recast the Japanese taiko drumming tradition as, at once, a tool of exquisite cultural preservation and a vehicle for contemporary composition and collaboration.
Tryon Festival Theatre, Tickets.
Beginning at noon and throughout the entire day, Intermezzo cafe and Promenade—Krannert Center’s official showcase and gift shop—will be open for service.
