ONE of Bermuda's newest Gombey troupes is looking for a handful of talented drummers. Roots Gombeys was formed about six months ago by Andre Parsons, who is currently the island's youngest Gombey captain.

A 15-year veteran member of the New Generation Gombeys - in which both his grandfather and father performed - the 26 year old broke away to form his own group.

"It's a tradition and a family thing with troupes passed down from father to son," he explained, adding that when his nephew took over New Generation Gombeys after his father died, he decided it was time to move on and start something for a new generation.

Roots Gombey's consists of 22 members of which the youngest is only four, and the oldest is 30.

While the majority of members are from Pembroke, one member travels all the way from Somerset to practice once a week at the Devonshire Recreational Club.

"We practice about an hour-and-a-half once a week in the winter because the youngsters are in school, but in the summer we hope to practice at least four times a week," he said.

The largest Gombey troupe in Bermuda consists of 36 dancers and seven drummers, while the Roots Gombeys only has three drummers - which is why Mr. Parsons is advertising for talented young drummers.

While there is no age restriction, Mr. Parsons said it was important for potential applicants to realise they would be both teachers and students who needed to be committed.

"The more hours we put in the more we learn, but it's going to be hard work and will take dedication," he warned. "I'm looking for young men who can hold their own."

So far the group has performed at birthday parties and May 24th will be their first major public performance alongside the island's ten other Gombey troupes.

The long-established Gombey tradition dates back to at least the 18th century. Slaves, who were allowed to gather on holidays, especially Christmas, started Gombey dancing. In 1761 they were banned from gathering for fear of revolt.

This ban did not last and the tradition of dancing was continued. A written account of such dancing appears in Suzette Lloyd's Sketches of Bermuda which was published circa 1829.