African Drum Circle: Make Music Day Manchester 2026

📍 WORK_SPACE | 903 Main Street, Manchester
🗓 Sunday, June 21 | 10:00–11:30 AM
🎟 Free & Open to All Ages and Musical Abilities

Help us kick off Manchester’s inaugural participation in the global Make Music Day celebration with a lively, hands-on African Drum Circle focused on rhythm, creativity, and community connection.

Participants will be guided through basic drumming techniques, explore traditional rhythms, and engage in collaborative percussion experiences designed to be welcoming, energizing, and fun for all ages. No musical experience is necessary—just curiosity and a willingness to join in.

This interactive program encourages teamwork, self-expression, and joyful participation while illustrating the power of music to bring people together across generations and backgrounds. Families, individuals, beginners, experienced musicians, and curious newcomers are all welcome.

All materials will be provided, but participants are welcome to bring their own drums.

Facilitator: Lance “Kamau” James

Lance James can be heard beating the drums, tuning out on a piano, composing lyrics, and bringing down the house with his signature blend of “Smooth Jazz with an Afro/Latin Groove.” “Kamau” (pronounced Ka-mah-oo) is Swahili for “Musical Warrior,” and he brings positive energy wherever he performs.Formerly in the corporate world and now a bandleader, performer, composer, and educator, Lance has performed with numerous bands and musicians including People of Goodwill. His original songs include Calypso Caliente, Follow the Leader, and Sunrise (Sunset), and his reggae version of Billie Jean featured Bernard Jackson of Surface. His 2001 album Friends and Strangers reached the Hot 100 list. In addition to performing, Lance also teaches studio production, band directing, theater production, guitar, piano, and steel pan.

Come make some joyful noise with us as we launch a day of music throughout Manchester’s Cultural District!

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