BALTIMORE, MD.- Feel the beat at the BMA! Celebrate the art of drums and drumming at The Baltimore Museum of Art’s annual Kwanzaa Family Day on Sunday, December 21, from 1–5 p.m. Inspired by the sixth principle of Kwanzaa, Kuumba or creativity, the Kwanzaa Family Day features joyous musical experiences, dynamic performances, and storytelling. Come and enjoy this FREE event, which has become a Baltimore tradition. For more information call, 4435731832 or visit artbma.org.

Highlights of this year’s Kwanzaa Family Day include a performance by Fritete African Drum & Dance Ensemble. Inspired by Fritete, meaning “things of the ancient,” this dance ensemble offers audiences an engaging, firsthand exploration of ancient West African cultural traditions. Using call and response chants, energetic dances, and drum rhythms on authentic instruments, the group promotes themes of courage, hope, and sharing.

Lesole’s Dance Project performs native dances that give a snapshot of th clothing, customs, and highenergy of South Africa. Led by native South African dancer Lesole Maine, the group highlights the unique qualities of modern and AfroFusion styles of dance. Through the traditional Indlamu dance to the percussive Gumboot to the forceful Pantsula, Lesole’s Dance Project brings upbeat urban dances with a cultural twist!

Master storyteller Baba Jamal Koram uses drums to bring stories alive with the history, music, and lore of African and AfricanAmerican cultures. Blending contemporary and traditional storytelling techniques with wit and wisdom, his stories encourage youth to make intelligent choices and improve their character. Hear stories including the folkinspired African Stories in the Americas and a lighthearted children’s story, Under the Griot’s Tree.