Kofi Dennis, one half of DT favorites Anansegromma, leads audiences on a joyous celebration of pattern and communication in drumming and the visual art of Africa–how would the art sound? What would the beat look like? Bring your own handcrafted drums and shakers to play or use ours and learn to speak through the music in this interactive drum circle. Then out into the galleries to look for the ‘ART Beat” in this innovative program that celebrates all the rhythms and fun of Africa.

A Closer Look – About the Artist:

Kofi Dennis received his Diploma in Early Childhood Education at the Komenda Teaching College at the University of Cape Coast, Ghana, West Africa. He then received a Theater Arts (creative dramatics) degree from the School of Performing Arts, University of Ghana.  As a member of a Theater Collective he presented seminars and workshops for women’s community development groups in Ghana and also coordinated and directed all student theater for development community projects in the correctional facilities, orphanages, and child-care centers in Ghana. He also starred in Ghanaian radio and stage theaters, television and video productions.

Since moving to the United States in 1995, Kofi has delighted children, parents, teachers, and colleagues with his work as a drummer, storyteller, singer and dancer. He has presented drumming and storytelling workshops and residencies in schools and centers nationwide: most notably at the Kennedy Center, the Smithsonian Folklife Festival and also toured to the St. Thomas Folklife Festival, Virgin Islands.  As half of the acclaimed duo Anansegromma, (with partner Kwame Anseh-Brew) he presents music, dance, drums, games, and stories throughout the Washington area; and with Class Acts Arts, the group was in integral part of its outreach program for at-risk youth is given in correctional facilities in the Metro area.

Kofi co-created and performed for many years in Grandmother's Footsteps, an interactive children's performance at The Barns of Wolf Trap. He is also a Wolf Trap Master Teaching Artist who conducts Artsplay and Baby Artsplay through their acclaimed “Field Trip” program of arts learning: a fun filled literature based exploration of drama, dance and music for 3-5 year old children at the Wolf Trap Center for Education every fall and spring.
He has worked with World Children’s Choir singers in the Washington DC area teaching and performing African drumming for peace; and was with them at the WCC International Arts/Peace Camp held in Timisoara, Romania in July 2005. His three beautiful daughters sing with the choir.

About the Meet the Museum Series:

Look for other Meet the Museum partnerships offered in Smithsonian museums on and off the mall. These programs are specially designed by Discovery Theater and the education departments of the nation’s top museums to engage young people during their visits to the Smithsonian and foster scholarship (and fun!) Each program introduces themes and topics in a 20-30 minute Discovery Theater performance in a theater or space within a museum. The main event is the gallery visit to see objects, artifacts, or artwork on that theme; all in a one hour format. Students have more opportunities to apply critical thinking skills such as extended focus and interpretation by experiencing the museums on a smaller, more focused scale (more time in the galleries is always an option as well).We have planned a very special day for you and your children: plan to attend them all!