We embrace all things percussion here at Drummer Talk and that includes news of the upcoming Marimba 2010 marimba convention in Minneapolis this Spring.  From April 28-May 1, you can get your mallet on in the first marimba convention of its kind!

The Marimba 2010 International Festival and Conference will be a once-in-a-lifetime event held April 28-May 1, 2010, that will bring together the most innovative marimba artists worldwide and the most distinguished musical organizations in the Twin Cities for the common purpose of celebrating the marimba around the globe. Marimba 2010 will provide an opportunity for the leading personalities of this instrument to join forces with each other and the local community to engage in an unprecedented event comprised of performance, education and celebration

The festival will present approximately 21 recitals and 3 round-table discussions at the Ted Mann Concert Hall, 8 concerts with the artistic partners at various locations in the Twin Cities including Orchestra Hall, SPCO Center, Southern Theater, Weisman Art Museum, Landmark Center, and St. Paul Cathedral, as well as several master classes in schools, community centers and/or churches that will reach a variety of students throughout the larger metropolitan area. At the core of Marimba 2010 will be the bringing together of diverse musical environments, cultures, and creative minds; the celebration of each of the partnering organizations involved in the festival; and the learning opportunities available to those in attendance from around the globe.  This event will create a unique forum for the mix of cultural influences that will merge dynamic art forms and foster cross-cultural understanding between participants, provide future benefits for each of the countries involved, and ultimately celebrate the marimba in a grand way!

For registration and more details head on over to www.marimba2010.org.  Check out this good public radio story on the event.