One Drum brings good vibes to Milwaukee stages

For Jahmes Tony Finlayson, drumming is more than a hobby. It's also a spiritual practice and a way of life for Finlayson, who is a member of One Drum, Ko-Thi African Dance Company and the jazz ensemble Clamnation.

Tonight, Finlayson and One Drum will perform at Shank Hall. The show starts at 10 p.m. and will run for a whopping 240 minutes.

The group tours extensively throughout the U.S. performing songs, stories and dances from African, Caribbean, Middle Eastern and Australian cultures. They are loud, colorful and energetic, resulting in an all-consuming experience.

With eight core members and more than 20 fringe participants, the shows are never the same. The diverse musicians play multiple instruments that include djembe, kalimba, congas, flutes, guitars, charango, djun-djun, oud, dijeridoo, bells, violin, viola, marimba, cabasa, talking drum and more.

The group also regularly performs for school-aged children, offering workshops and performances that range from instrument making to African dance.

One Drum will also perform this summer at Summerfest and Rainbow Summer. For more information about Finlayson or One Drum, go to www.onedrum.net.