Dover, NH – On Saturday, February 20 at 1 PM, the Children’s Museum of New Hampshire will host a dynamic percussion performance by West African drummer Jordan Messan Benissan, thanks to support from event sponsor Laconia Savings Bank. There is a snow date of Sunday, February 21 for this performance.

Jordan Messan Benissan is a native of Togo, West Africa, and loves to share his knowledge of African culture and drum rhythms that have been used through generations to communicate and celebrate. Accompanied by his students from Colby College, Benissan has planned an interactive performance that will include drumming, chanting, clapping and dancing, as well as native African costumes. The concert is included with regular paid admission to the museum: $8 for adults and children, $7 for seniors, and no charge for museum members and children under age one.

Growing up in West Africa as a member of the Ewe people, Benissan studied with traditional master drummers for more than a decade. Since moving to Maine and joining the music faculty of Colby College, he has played all over New England and gained national recognition. He has recorded four CDs, including a brand new one titled Fame Without Fortune. Throughout his work, Benissan strives to integrate traditional African rhythms and techniques with fresh arrangements and lyrics. More information about Jordan and his music can be found at http://www.jordanbenissan.com/

For more information on this African drumming performance or any upcoming events, please call (603) 742-2002 or visit www.childrens-museum.org.

About the Children’s Museum of New Hampshire

The Children’s Museum of New Hampshire is located at 6 Washington Street in Dover and offers two levels of hands-on, custom-created exhibits for children ages 1-12. Children can explore a wide range of subjects, from dinosaurs, music and aeronautics to world cultures, art and natural history. Open year-round, the museum hosts a variety of live performances, workshops, classes and special events for families. In its first year of operation in Dover, the museum welcomed nearly 130,000 visitors from 48 U.S. states and 11 foreign countries. For more information, please call the museum at (603) 742-2002 or visit www.childrens-museum.org

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