Calling all drummers and wannabe drummers. Hungry for the opportunity to elevate spirit for the purpose of cultivating joy and connectedness? Global artist Manas Itene brings his unique fusion of soul, rock, world rhythms and conscious lyrics to Unity of Wimberley, October 25. During the two-hour performance from 7 to 9 p.m., he will perform a solo acoustic set followed by a drum circle where ticketholders can join in.
Nigerian-born Itene, hailed as a “visionary,” began banging on the drums at age eight and started playing professionally at 16. He’s played with musical greats, spending time in the studio with Mickey Thomas of Jefferson Starship, Babatunde Olatunjii, who was the inspiration for Mickey Hart of Grateful Dead, and the Bluegrass great, Grammy-award winning Peter Rowan.
Itene has performed with many ensembles including Inka Inka, the Mandators, and since 2001 he has been playing with Michael Franti and Spearhead.
His acoustic set will be followed by a brief question and answer session, before launching into what has been described as an “epic” drum circle. Ticketholders are invited to become part of the circle by bringing drums, rattles, or the rhythm-talking item of their choice.
