What in the world is a Kola Nut?
Definition #1: According to www.wikipedia.org, "The Kola Nut has a bitter flavor and contains caffeine. It is chewed in many West African cultures, individually or in a group setting. It is often used ceremonially, presented to tribal chiefs or presented to guests . . . Kola was used to make cola soft drinks, though today most of these mass-produced beverages use artificial flavourings."
Definition #2: The Kola Nuts are a funky little group of percussionists from the Salem, Oregon area, who love to create rhythms on hand drums and other toys. Just like the above mentioned kola nuts of West Africa, we most enjoy playing in a group setting, and are always eager to present our rhythms to other guests, friends and the rest of the community!
Who we are . . .
The KOLA NUTS percussion ensemble is comprised of a group of hand-drummers from the Salem, Oregon area. The group has grown from a local hand drum class taught by Mark Powers. Mark began weekly classes in November 2006 at Riverfront Wellness (now at 2399 12th St SE), where they still continue on Wednesday evenings. The foundation of a Kola Nuts performance (consisting of ensemble rhythms from around the globe) is made solid by the core members performing on djembes, bell and rattles, while a rotation of additional players brings a fresh perspective to each show!
Percussionist/educator Mark Powers has performed and studied drumming throughout the United States, China, Thailand and Ghana, West Africa. He shares his passion for rhythm through private lessons and his workshops for schools, businesses, correctional institutions and community events. Mark's diverse performance experience includes work with Rick Nielsen of Cheap Trick, and America's Polka King- the late Frankie Yankovic. He has published numerous articles and percussion solo/ensemble compositions and is former co-holder of the Guinness World Record for Longest Drum Roll by a Group.
Current Kola Nut members:
Mark Powers
Rick Maurmann
Jan Irving
Ken Smith
Arianna West
and (not pictured, yet):
Mike Fahy
Jason Lafontaine
Paula Vawter
. . . plus a rotating roster
of additional performers!
For more information on scheduling
The Kola Nuts for your event,
call 920-410-0465 or email:
mark@powerspercussion.com
photo by Cherie Renae
Upcoming Performances:
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Music for Peace event- McMinnville
Sunday, September 5, 2010 (5:00-5:30pm)
on the Village Stage @ Oregon State Fair- Salem
opening for Led Zeppelin World Tour
(and if you believe that, we also have a bridge in Brooklyn and some cute little winged pigs to sell you!)
Past Performances:
March 13, 2010
Oregon Peaceworks "MyPeace" kickoff event @ Coffee House Cafe
October 23, 2009
Zambia Night fundraiser @ Blue Pepper
August 5, 2009
outdoor performance @ Cafe Noir, for Salem "First Wednesday" community event
June 20, 2009
accompanying Hot Vinyasa Yoga @ Indigo Wellness Center
May 2, 2009
performance @ Cafe Noir
March 10, 2009
"Purim in Africa" celebration- presented by the Chabad Jewish Center of Salem
October 11, 2008
local real estate agent talent show event @ Elsinore Theatre
August 6, 2008
Salem "First Wednesday" community event
downtown Salem, at the corner of Court & Commercial
July 2, 2008
appearance with the Willamette Valley Saxophone Quartet @ Grand Vines