WALDOBORO — Inanna, Sisters in Rhythm, will fill Broad Bay Congregational Church with the sounds of African drums and chanting in a concert for all ages on Friday, Oct. 25, 2024, at 7 p.m., at 941 Main Street, in Waldoboro.

Inanna, Sisters in Rhythm, is a percussion and vocal ensemble. They play and share instruments such as djembes (West African goblet drums) and bass drums such as kenkeni, sangba, and doundounba (different sized bass drums). They’ll also play and sing African tunes using the ukelele, a tar and tamborine (frame drums), and a caxixi (a shaker instrument from Africa and South America, similar to maracas). Audience participation in clapping to the rhythms and singing, by kids and adults alike, is encouraged for many songs.

As member Tori Morrill says, “Sharing the joy of music is our focus. The rhythms, the singing, and the stories teach us about different cultures and traditions. They remind us that we are a global community.”

Inanna was formed almost 30 years ago by students who had been in drum class in Alna.

They named their group after the ancient Sumerian goddess of love, war and fertility. “In some myths, Inanna brought drums to her people. And in ancient art, you’ll see images of women drumming, even on Babylonian and Egyptian friezes and murals,” added Tori Morrill.

Members have studied in the United States and abroad with such master drummers as Famoudou Konate (one of the greatest djembe player in the world), Babatunde Olatunji (known as the father of African drumming in the U.S.), Yaya Diallo (author of ‘The Healing Drum’ and musician from Mali), Layne Redmond (a master frame drum artist and author of “When Drummers Were Women, A Spiritual History of Rhythm”), and Glen Velez (a four-time Grammy winning American percussionist) and many others.  

“In these times where there is so much global strife and divisions between us, at a time of collective uncertainty and anxiety, music can break down the walls that separate us. Music creates a shared humanity,” says Shirsten Lundblad.

Tori Morrill adds, “This is why we do it. Playing drums brings us to a place of peace and joy. It’s magical. As you play, the energy comes from your heart first, then your hands, and into the drum, and then the drum’s vibration sings back to you. And that creates this vibration and energy into the audience, inspiring them to stand, dance, clap and sing.”

Inanna performs all over the United States, in concert halls to community fairs. In addition, they give classes and workshops.  The group has recorded seven full-length albums.

This concert is free to the community with donations welcomed.  

Broad Bay Congregational Church United Church of Christ is an open and affirming congregation. “No matter who you are, wherever you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here.” United Church of Christ.