Detroit Groove, West African Drums, and Lakeside Jams
Upcoming fall dates bring Detroit funk rhythm sections to Oak Cliff, live West African drum ensembles to the Arts District, and an all-day drum solo marathon to Cypress Waters.
Don Was and The Pan-Detroit Ensemble at The Kessler
Blue Note Records president Don Was brings his nine-piece collective to Oak Cliff for a tour stop highlighting Detroit jazz, funk, and blues. The rhythm section features drummer Jeff Canaday alongside percussionist Mahindi Masai, locked into a heavy pocket and Motown-rooted improvisation. It is a rare chance to hear two veteran Detroit groove specialists working together in an intimate listening room.
Live performances · learn now
October 2, 2026 · The Kessler Theater, Dallas
DanceAfrica 2026 at Moody Performance Hall
Dallas Black Dance Theatre marks the twentieth year of DanceAfrica with a production driven entirely by live African percussion. Guest ensemble Bandan Koro anchors the rhythm section with intricate djembe and dundun polyrhythms backing five performing troupes. The night wraps up with the Bantaba tradition, inviting the audience into the performance space to participate in the collective beat.
Percussion shows · learn now
October 9, 2026 to October 10, 2026 · Moody Performance Hall, Dallas
Drummathon 2026 at Cypress Waters
The twelfth annual Drummathon gathers regional kit drummers, guest artists, and live bands for a day dedicated to the drum kit. Attendees can watch drum solos from touring rock drummers, view student and community soloist slots on stage, and check out drum gear auctions. The festival is free to the public on the lakeside lawn with backing from rock ensemble Rock Candy.
Drum festivals · know the name
October 25, 2026 · The Sound at Cypress Waters, Dallas
White Rock Lake Weekly Drum Circle
Heart Beat Drum Circles facilitates a recurring, free community drum jam on Sunday evenings outside the Bath House Cultural Center. The outdoor gathering is open to hand drummers of all skill levels, with extra djembes and percussion available if you show up without an instrument. It serves as a dependable East Dallas session for working through polyrhythms and improvising in a loose group setting.
Drum circles and community jams · just aware