Let There Be Drums

A “Global Invasion” of Percussion at Arts Garage



By Skip Sheffield



Hark! The sound of distant drums, beating the rhythm of life.

Partial to percussion? You have a big treat in store when Drew Tucker leads a “Global Invasion” at 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 6 at the Arts Garage, 180 N.W. First Street, Delray Beach.

Tucker will be featured on vibraphone, marimba and percussion. Lebanese singer Rachel Chalhoub will perform vocal percussion, otherwise known as beat-boxing. From India Rajesh Bhandari will be featured on tabla. There will also be a bit of Latin piano, bass, electronic dub-step and even Japanese taiko drums in a unique sonic blend.

“This hasn’t been done anywhere,” says Tucker, an instructor at Arts Garage. “I don’t think there has ever been this particular blend of instruments. We’ll be playing songs I love but no one wants to hear.”

Lonely is the marimba player. Tucker packed a stadium in Europe in 2004 showing off his marimba prowess. In the USA unless you are one of the pre-packaged super groups, forget about attracting a huge crowd, much less marimba-lovers.

That’s the beauty of Arts Garage. It is not a large performance space. People are there because they want to be; because they want music and theater they can’t experience anywhere else.

Drew Tucker grew up in west Boca Raton and still lives there with his wife and 7-year-old daughter. He graduated from Olympic Heights High School and went on to Berklee School of Music in Boston.

Tucker began piano instruction at age 4, but in middle school he became fascinated with the vibraphone and other percussive instruments. After Berklee he went to Europe and began spreading his wings musically.

“Europe appreciates and supports jazz much more than America,” he says. “Even pop music in Europe has more integrity than what you hear on the radio here. There is so much noise in general. No one likes to be challenged.”

Tucker challenges you to be challenged with something you have never heard before. Tickets are $20-$30 in advance ($5 more at the door) and may be reserved by calling 561-450-6357 or by going to www.artsgarage.org.



Chopin and Schubert at FAU Theatre



For music of a more traditional classic nature, the Florida Atlantic University Symphony Orchestra presents a program of “Romantic Masters” featuring Chopin and Schubert at 7 p.m. Saturday in the University Theatre. Heather Coltman is piano soloist. Tickets are a suggested $10 donation. Call 561-297-3853 or go to www.fau.edu/sota.