On Wednesday, Sept. 27, at 8 p.m. in the Osterhout Concert Theater, the Anderson Center will offer students the opportunity to be a part of a “taarab drum experience,” which is a mixture of traditional East African drumming, infused with Arabic and Indian melodies. For a $20 student-ticket, you can experience the sights and sounds of the world-renowned Royal Drummers of Burundi. If going alone doesn’t sound enticing, group rates are available for parties of 10 or more. Tickets can be purchased at the box office, located right outside the main Osterhout Concert theatre in the Fine Arts Building. To reserve tickets by phone call 777-ARTS.

Not only will you get the chance to hear percussion played so well it’s been tagged the “Burundi Beat,” but you will feel their intensity, energy and creativity as they submerge you in a culture that’s all their own. However, the Royal Drummers of Burundi’s devotion to playing isn’t merely a product of their worldwide acclaim. Royal Drummers are taught techniques from generation to generation, and there is great significance behind the symbol of the drum. In the Central African state of Burundi, the drum, which is a symbol of power, fertility and regeneration, has traditionally been played during ceremonies of birth, death and the enthronement of kings. Acknowledging the drum’s significance since the 1960s, these musicians have provided audiences all over the world, from London to Connecticut, with the ultimate African drum experience.

Don’t let this be your one and only musical experience at the Anderson Center. The Royal Drummers of Burundi performance is only the first in a long lineup of exciting fall shows. On Tuesday, Oct. 24, the Anderson Center presents Bayanihan: A National Treasure, and Cinderella: Enchantment for all Ages on Friday, Dec. 1. For more information, visit http://anderson.binghamton.edu.