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

  • November 22

    Saturday

    Family Friendly, Free Events, Kids in the Rotunda, Music Ken Lonnquist

    Rotunda Stage

    Enjoy a delightful performance by Ken Lonnquist, who writes and sings humorous, literate and thoughtful songs about nature, the environment and current issues.

    Multiple Showtimes
  • November 28

    Friday

    Family Friendly, Free Events, Kids in the Rotunda, Music Cash Box Kings

    Rotunda Stage

    The Cash Box Kings bring the classic Chicago blues era to life, tailored to teach children about this timeless genre. This be-bopping blues party promises to get everyone on their feet and grooving!

    Multiple Showtimes
  • November 29

    Saturday

    Family Friendly, Free Events, Kids in the Rotunda, Music Yid Vicious

    Rotunda Stage

    Yid Vicious brings klezmer for all ages to the Rotunda Stage. Get ready to dance as we celebrate the wonders of the season with Yiddish dance beats, special guests and shenanigans galore.

    Multiple Showtimes
  • December 6

    Saturday

    Family Friendly, Free Events, Kids in the Rotunda, Music Stuart Stotts

    Rotunda Stage

    Stuart Stotts is an energetic singer and storyteller who loves engaging audiences. In a family-friendly setting, you'll find yourself singing, moving, sharing ideas and laughing together.

    Multiple Showtimes
  • December 13

    Saturday

    Family Friendly, Free Events, Kids in the Rotunda, Music The Handphibians

    Rotunda Stage

    The Handphibians will bring the vibrant sounds of Rio de Janeiro, Salvador and Recife, Brazil, to life with their songs and traditional drumming rhythms.

    Multiple Showtimes
  • December 20

    Saturday

    Family Friendly, Free Events, Kids in the Rotunda, Music Fox & Branch's Will Branch

    Rotunda Stage

    Get ready to sing, dance and laugh with Fox & Branch's Will Branch! This lively duo brings families together with a high-energy mix of traditional and original songs played on guitar, fiddle, banjo and washboard.

    Multiple Showtimes
  • January 10

    Saturday

    Family Friendly, Free Events, Kids in the Rotunda, Music David Landau

    Rotunda Stage

    David’s personal appearances are upbeat musical programs that keep children engaged and constantly thinking. The kids sing some, move some, dance some, shout just a little bit and laugh a bunch.

    Multiple Showtimes
  • January 17

    Saturday

    Family Friendly, Free Events, Kids in the Rotunda, Music Panchromatic Steel

    Rotunda Stage

    Panchromatic Steel fuses island styles with pop hits, rock and jazz into a high-energy blend that's easy to love. At the heart of their sound is the steelpan, an instrument from Trinidad and Tobago, adding vibrant Caribbean flair.

    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.