News Release

Famed drummer to conduct public workshops Sept. 4

August 12, 2008

Jim Donovan

If you like to whistle in the wind when the cat turns blue and you wouldn’t want to be living in a world of ecstasy or if the words “ombe seyo ombe tell you to run bobodey see bobodeyam” mean anything to you, then you will likely enjoy the upcoming event with Jim Donovan at Penn State Harrisburg.

Donovan, who sang the above lyrics and is a founding member of the award-winning musical group Rusted Root, will visit Penn State Harrisburg Thursday, Sept. 4 to host two free, public interactive drumming sessions. The program, called Rhythmic Motivation, is aimed to teach students how to gain personal confidence while collaborating to create a musical symphony of drums. Penn State Harrisburg has opened the drum lessons to the public in the Community Center from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. and 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. For additional questions, contact the Student Activities Office at 717-948-6273.

This will mark Donovan’s second visit to the campus. “His workshops are interactive, transformational drumming experiences, and they enable participants to explore rhythms, songs, chants, and concepts from West Africa, Central America, the Caribbean, and more. They also focus on helping build one’s connection to others, deepen their listening skills and explore ways to enhance creativity,” said Maida Muslic-Kovar, assistant coordinator of student activities and intercultural affairs.

Last year’s performance received such positive responses from students that the Multicultural Academic Excellence Program invited him to return for the campus’ Welcome Week. “We expect our students to increase their appreciation of cultural diversity, further develop their aesthetic sensibility, and discover appreciation for the value of cooperative effort,” said Muslic-Kovar.

Donovan began playing with Rusted Root in 1990 and the group became multi-platinum during its 15 years. The band sold more than three million records worldwide, traveling with such artists as Jimmy Page and Robert Plant from Led Zeppelin, Sting, The Grateful Dean, and the Dave Mathews Band. Today, Donovan has established himself as an accomplished solo artist, releasing five highly acclaimed solo discs, four instructional drumming CDs, and an instructional African American drumming DVD.

His “Rhythmic Motivation” workshop is one of a series of programs he teaches at universities, corporations, festivals, schools, and other venues throughout the United States. Donovan also shares his passion for rhythm as a full-time instructor of music at St. Francis University in Loretto, Pa. and as director of the university’s World Drumming Ensemble.