North Carolina A&T University’s ‘Cold Steel’ Drum Line will perform at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 8 at Coastal Carolina University’s Brooks Stadium. The event, which will also include a performance by Coastal Carolina University’s African Drum and Dance ensemble, is part of the University’s 2010 African American Legacy Series sponsored by the Office of Multicultural Student Services. The event is free and open to the public.

The concert will highlight marching bands and drum ensembles, which constitute a rich tradition of America’s historically Black universities. The percussion section of A&T’s Blue and Gold Marching Band, “Cold Steel,” established in 1985, is a 40-member ensemble directed by Ron Rodgers, A&T’s director of percussion. “Cold Steel” is known for its energy, precision and showmanship. Its members call themselves the ‘bad boyz of drums.’ The performance will showcase the group’s famed precision and drum stunts.

Coastal Carolina University’s African Drum and Dance Ensemble, directed by Kurry Seymour, director of percussion studies and assistant director of bands, was established in 2007 and includes a full set of Ewe drums, two sets of djun djun and 12 djembles, bells and rattles. The ensemble will perform “Ghota” and “Kassa,” traditional African pieces from Ghana.

For more information, contact the Office of Multicultural Student Services at 843-349-2863.