Drumplay, a percussion circle with spoken poetry from Daniel Thompson, the poet laureate of Ohio, will perform at Frostburg State University Monday, April 14, at 7 p.m., in the Lane University Center's Manicur Assembly Hall. The presentation, which is part of the Martin Luther King Jr. Convocation celebration, is free and open to the public.

Drumplay celebrates over 10 years of music-making, exploring world rhythms with the use of ashiko, congas, djembe, drumkit and miscellaneous percussion instruments such as balafon, xylomarimba and vibraphone. Winner of Best World Music Act 2002 in the Cleveland Free Times Music Awards, Drumplay creates original music they call "rhythmprovisations" The group is inspired by African, Afro-Cuban and Brazilian rhythms as well as Middle Eastern motifs. Their new CD features the Indian "shruti box" and wind instruments such as conch and trident shells. Members are Warren Levert, Phil Kester and James Onysko.

Thompson's poetry speaks to the human condition. Often, his poems are autobiographical in nature; and Daniel is prepared to talk a little bit about this aspect of his poetry, and about his life as a Freedom Rider.

Signed copies of Drumplay's latest release, as well as limited-edition posters of Thompson's poetry, will be available directly from the artists.

For more information, contact the Lane University Center Information Desk at (301) 687-4411.