month when the Empress Menen Dancers and the Mandela Freedom Drummers present a special show entitled `Soul to Soul Cultural Connection Part II'.

Fifteen dancers and six drummers will combine their talents in a performance that will also include African chanting and poetry, most of it reflecting the cultural heritage of West Africa.

Colourful, authentic costumes, all of which specifically relate to the dances that are being performed, will be worn. The drums, which include the round, lead jembe drum, and the sheko and jumjum bass drums, will be led by veteran musician Keith (Yambu) McCoy. He has been playing with the group since it was formed some 12 years ago, but has been playing drums since he was 19 years old.

The show, which will open with a libation chant from Nigeria, will include special guest artists.

"Zoa Israel, who came here from New Orleans last year, is a storyteller, drummer and stilt-walker. He is re-introducing what he did before, but fine-tuned, in full costume and in a stage setting,'' says director Ms Kathy (Essa) Smith. As one of the founders of the group in 1982, she not only choreographs and dances but is also one of two women who play the drums.

Also appearing will be Rhonda (Milenka) Guthrie from New Orleans, who heads her three-member dance team and has also visited Bermuda before.

Last, but never least, is Bermuda's own Shine Hayward who will be performing a special solo selection.

Dance group inspires youngsters to learn about their cultural roots From Page 17 Ms Smith explains that the group evolved from the church.

"I go to the Ethiopian Orthodox Church and we used to dance for the festivals of Christmas, New Year's and Easter. Then it gradually spread into the community and now we dance at the hospitals, rest homes and at private functions.'' Ms Smith says the group's dedication to African dance is a continuous, ongoing effort: "All African dances reflect folk-lore and a lot of them consist of material we already have. But we've spent the last three months rehearsing specific items for this programme''.

The group, which rehearses at PLP headquarters at Alaska Hall, formed a children's section last August. They are called the Abyssinian Dance Troupe of Bermuda and will be performing two numbers in the City Hall show.

Spokeswoman of the group, Ms Sadie Cameron believes that the entire inspiration for the show is the direct result of a visit that three of them made, last year, to the African American Appalachian Arts Kuumba Festival in Knoxville, Tennessee.

"We are hoping that all of the dancers, and the children, will be able to go this year, and part proceeds from the show will go toward taking them on the trip and part will go to Agape House.'' Soul to Soul, under the patronage of Miss Jennifer Smith MP and Mr. Nelson Bascome MP, will be presented at City Hall on Tuesday and Wednesday, March 15 and 16. At Patron Night, on the Tuesday evening, black tie or ethnic dress will be worn. Tickets are $40 (patrons), $20, or for children under 12 and senior citizens, $10. Available from members or from 27th Century Boutique and Zig Zag on Court Street.

DRUMMING IT UP -- The Mandela Freedom Drummers, led by veteran musician Keith (Yambu) McCoy -- second from left -- drum up the African beat with instruments, including the round, lead jembe drum, and the sheko and jumjum bass drums. Pictured, from left, are Calvin Tucker, McCoy, Wolde Selassie and Derek Thompson. Selassie.

BACK TO ROOTS -- The Empress Menen Dancers. Pictured, from left at back, Mrs.

Vallee Simmons, Mrs. Shona Henry, public relations officer Ms Sadie Cameron, Ms Marionette DeShields, choreographer Ms Kathy Smith. Front, from left, are Jacqueline Wade, Mrs. Dawn Broodbelt, and Mrs. Leslie Bean. Missing is Miss Zina Edwards.