MONTICELLO, NY — Master drummer and musician Bernard Woma will perform a world premiere entitled, “Tome Na” at the Eugene D. Nesin Theatre on St. John Street on Sunday, December 7 at 3 p.m. “Tome Na” is translated as “our work, our profession.” It says that if it is our work or profession to be farmers, teachers, or musicians, we should be sure to do it well. Woma will be joined by the Saakumu Dance Troupe along with over 90 local Nesin Cultural Arts students as they perform songs and dances from Africa.

Bernard Woma is a world renowned musician who began playing the African xylophone when he was just two years old. Today, he is a respected music educator who has performed for Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton, as well as Queen Elizabeth II. Woma has also shared the stage with the late American poet and performer Maya Angelou and French and American cellist Yo-Yo Ma. Mr. Woma is the cultural ambassador of his native country Ghana, West Africa.

This project is made possible in part with funding from a Sullivan County Arts & Heritage Grant funded by the Sullivan County Legislature and administered by the Delaware Valley Arts Alliance. Nesin Cultural Arts will present a hands-on multi-generational workshop exploring the culture of Ghana at 1:30, preceding the 3 p.m. performance. Participants will join Bernard on stage for the final piece. The fee for the workshop and concert is $25 and space is limited. To register visit www.nesinculturalarts.org/educational-programs/african-drumming-and-dance-festival/registration.

Tickets are available at nesinculturalarts.org or by calling 845/794-6013. The suggested donation is $15, $12 if purchased online. Students with an ID and children are always admitted free.