Ghanaian drummer Jordan Mensah and dancer Samuel Maama Marquaye will bring a family-friendly performance that features percussion, movement, and cultural celebrations of Ghana and West Africa to the Safe Harbor Gazebo, 60 Ocean St., in Rockland, on Sunday, Aug. 10, at 1 p.m. As part of the Strand Theatre’s Family Sunshine Series, admission is on a $0-20 sliding scale.  

Dancer and choreographer Samuel Maama Marquaye has traveled internationally to share West African cultural dances through performances in Dubai, Austria, and Germany, as well as extensively across the US. Drummer Jordan Mensah has organized countless arts residences and workshops across the region through Shidaa Projects and is a Juried Artist listed with the Vermont Arts Council. 

Shidaa Projects is a Vermont-based organization focused on cultural education and diversity through sharing West African dances, drumming and other activities. They conduct workshops and residencies in schools, and dance drumming performances in community spaces. Shidaa Projects aims to support diversity projects that will foster cultural awareness that helps students and community members become better citizens with more empathy and understanding. 

The Strand’s “Sunshine Series” provides outdoor performances for kids and families, taking place at the Safe Harbor Gazebo in Rockland. Featuring a line-up of puppet shows, musical guests, and cultural activities, this series is open to all ages and admission is on a Sliding Scale ($0-20).

The performances are sponsored by Safe Harbor Gazebo, Penobscot Bay YMCA at Rockland Harbor, Allen Insurance and Financial, Midcoast Music Academy, and Rockland Harbor Hotel with grant funding from the Rockland Rotary Club, Mattina R. Proctor Foundation, Morton-Kelly Charitable Trust, and the New England States Touring program of the New England Foundation for the Arts, made possible with funding from the National Endowment for the Arts Regional Touring Program and the six New England state arts agencies. 

Running time for the show is approximately 60 min. Tickets are available online at www.RocklandStrand.com, or by calling the box office at (207) 594-0070. Advance purchase is recommended; if tickets remain, they will be available at the Safe Harbor Gazebo starting 30 minutes prior to the performance.

In case of inclement weather, this show will take place at the Strand Theatre.

For more information, visit www.RocklandStrand.com. 

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