Kids in the Rotunda

Black Star Drum Line

Young adults in orange shirts playing marching snare drums.

Saturday, October 5

9:30am, 11am & 1 pm

Rotunda Stage

Free

Age Recommendation

All Ages

Runtime

45 minutes

Discover the excitement of being in a drum line! This program introduces kids to the dynamic world of drum lines, explaining the different battery sections and the unique role each drummer plays. Kids will have the chance to join in and play alongside the drum line during the performance, which will include the group's signature cadences that will get everyone dancing for a super funky good time!

The 1pm performance will be American Sign Language interpreted. Please email kidsintherotunda@overture.org at least one hour ahead to be seated within sight of the interpreter for live performances.

A livestream option will be available once a month. Dates for the season are Oct. 30, Nov. 29, Dec. 14, Jan. 11, Feb. 22, Mar. 22 and Apr. 26. Visit the Kids in the Rotunda web page for updates.

Learn More

Meet the Artist

A line of black and red marching bass drums on a wooden stage. Marching snare drums are on stands in the background

Black Star Drum Line

Performing for 15 seasons, Black Star Drum Line was created and founded in 2008 by two-time Grammy-nominated drummer and educator Joey B. Banks to give kids in the Madison community an opportunity for creative expression through the percussive arts. As director, Banks incorporates diversity, respect for self and others, unity and mastery as the core elements of the youth development model he established while working as a local youth development professional for more than 30 years. Black Star Drum LIne has performed over 1,000 times across Wisconsin for thousands of drum line fans, including Kids in the Rotunda. This performance marks their 12th time at Overture Center!

Upcoming Kids in the Rotunda Events

  • February 7

    Saturday

    Family Friendly, Free Events, Kids in the Rotunda, Music Drum Power

    Rotunda Stage

    The Drum Power advanced performing group features local youth ages 12-16, showcasing drumming and dance from Guinea, Senegal and Mali in West Africa and Salvador Bahia and Rio, Brazil.

    Multiple Showtimes
  • February 14

    Saturday

    Family Friendly, Free Events, Jazz, Kids in the Rotunda, Music NOLA Tribute

    Rotunda Stage

    Get ready for a musical journey with the New Orleans Tribute! This talented group, featuring members from Mama Digdown's Brass Band and Madison's top jazz musicians, brings the vibrant sounds of New Orleans Jazz and Secondline music to you—no plane ticket needed.

    Multiple Showtimes
  • February 21

    Saturday

    Family Friendly, Free Events, Kids in the Rotunda, Music L.E.X

    Rotunda Stage

    L.E.X delivers original kid-friendly hip-hop music with positive themes like regulating emotions, being kind, chasing dreams and navigating childhood experiences.

    Multiple Showtimes
  • February 28

    Saturday

    Family Friendly, Free Events, Fringe Festival, Kids in the Rotunda, Variety Mark Hayward

    Rotunda Stage

    Mark Hayward's performance is a delightful mix of comedy and object manipulation. Using props like yo-yos, tops, juggling equipment and even a mousetrap, he creates a fun and witty show that everyone can enjoy.

    Multiple Showtimes
  • March 14

    Saturday

    Dance, Family Friendly, Free Events, Kids in the Rotunda Kalaanjali Indian Dance Company

    Rotunda Stage

    Experience breathtaking stories of the East through the graceful postures, percussive feet, vibrant costumes and dynamic expressions of the Kalaanjali dancers.

    Multiple Showtimes
  • March 21

    Saturday

    Family Friendly, Free Events, Kids in the Rotunda, Music Tom Pease

    Rotunda Stage

    One of the series’ most popular performers, Tom Pease engages children with imaginative songs, humor and full audience participation. Pease’s show leaves audiences with a renewed appreciation for their own sense of place and community.

    Multiple Showtimes
  • March 28

    Saturday

    Dance, Family Friendly, Free Events, Kids in the Rotunda Madison Ballet

    Rotunda Stage

    Don’t miss this unique opportunity to experience the Madison Ballet like never before! Audience members will have an up-close experience of a ballet class warm up, barre practice, center floor work and choreography rehearsal.

    Multiple Showtimes

Thank you to our Kids in the Rotunda Sponsors

Funding provided by Madison Gas & Electric, American Girl's Fund for Children, the Evjue Foundation – the charitable arm of the Capital Times, UnityPoint Health-Meriter and Au Pair in America with additional funding from Ian’s Pizza, Exact Sciences Corporation, Nelnet and contributions from Overture Center for the Arts.