ROCKLAND — The Strand Theatre opens its 2026-27 Strand Family Series on Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026, at 2 p.m., with a lively drum and dance performance from Bomba de Aquí. The Strand Family Series, now in its ninth year, is a collection of performances from visiting artists designed for all ages to enjoy. Tickets are available on a sliding scale, to promote inclusivity and community connection to the arts. 

For this first show of the season, Western Massachusetts-based Bomba de Aquí will perform the bomba tradition of Puerto Rico: drums, dances and songs from the island’s African heritage.

"Thunderous barril drums provide a rhythmic basis while one dancer after another spins and gestures in tandem with the lead drummer," said a Strand Theatre news release.

Their concerts educate audiences about the history of Afro-Puerto Rican culture, foster understanding of traditional arts, and encourage participation in that heritage.  

“Bomba, with its African-influenced rhythms, and Plena, which blends Spanish and African musical elements, are at the heart of Puerto Rican identity, telling stories of struggle, joy, and resilience,” says Brendalíz Cepeda, director and lead dancer for Bomba de Aqui. “Through these forms of music and dance, I channel the stories of our ancestors and the power of community, guiding our group to honor these traditions while keeping them alive for future generations.” 

The concert with Bomba de Aquí is appropriate for adults and children of all ages. The running time is 60 minutes. 

The Strand Family Series continues throughout the season with a number of exciting performances for all ages. Singing engineer Roy Moye returns on November 14, 2026 at 2pm with “STEMusic Takes Flight” – a new concert all about the science of aviation. On March 13, 2027 at 2pm, the Children’s Museum and Theatre of Maine on tour will present a stage adaptation of Oge Mora’s award winning book, “Thank You, Omu!” The Strand will then team up with the Camden Opera House who will host the performance of “MAROONED! A Space Comedy” from acclaimed puppet company Alex and Olmsted on March 27, 2027 at 2pm. The last show in the season will bring audiences back to the Strand on May 22, 2027 at 2pm for a multimedia performance of “Dreamcatcher” by Leland Faulkner, telling magical adventure and wonder tales from Native America.  

All shows in the Strand Family Series also have school-time performances, offered at no cost to local students and home-school groups. Find out more and register on the Education page of the Strand’s website. 

The Strand Family Series is made possible thanks to our sponsors, the Rockland Harbor Hotel, OUT Maine, and Allen Insurance and Financial, with grant funding from the Maine Arts Commission, which receives support in part from the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency. 

Tickets for these Family Series shows are sliding scale: $0-20. To buy tickets, or for more information, visit www.rocklandstrand.com or call (207) 594-0070.

The Strand Theatre is located at 345 Main Street, Rockland.