THE DAILYCOLLE:6II4,I\
Group dances to beat of different drum
By Amanda Bricker
FOR THE COLLEGIAN
Though only 14 voices, the
room suddenly fills with the
sound of their song.
Then the drums come in with a
rhythmic pulse, as they invite the
dancers to begin their dance.
With music, dance, theatrical
performances and a whole lot of
spirit, the NOMMO Performing
Arts Company brings a bit of
African culture to Penn State.
President Christina Martinez
said the word "nommo" trans
lates loosely into the idea of a
seed. NOMMO hopes to use this
idea to plant an appreciation for
black culture in Central Pennsyl
vania.
"It's just a creative way to say
it," she said.
Creative is an understatement.
NOMMO is not your typical dance
group.
"Each dance has a different
meaning of something that hap
pened years ago in Africa," Mar
tinez said.
Every part of the performance
is essential in telling a story, she
added.
The rhythm section and
dancers unite as one to tell that
story
"Drums and rhythm have a
conversation with the dancers,"
said head drummer Jeff Martin.
"When things are going well,
it's a beautiful conversation," he
added.
The performance is dramatic,
yet focused.
The dancers' arms fly above
their heads then sweep the
ground while the sound of their
bare feet pounding the hardwood
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The group NOMMO performs its routine in the White Building
floor is almost as distinct as the
rhythm of the drums.
All motion is carried out with a
near effortless power as the
bright greens, reds, golds and
purples of their wrap-around
skirts flash brilliantly.
"When you are playing, it's like
your ancestors are speaking
through the drums," Martin said.
"So you dance out of respect for
them. That's why you give all
your energy"
One of NOMMO's more popu
lar dances, called Mendiani, is an
upbeat dance.
Martinez said it represents a
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
young woman's initiation into a
group. The young woman is
accepted by how well she dances.
Nesha Christian-Hendrickson,
former NOMMO president,
danced with the group for four
years before graduating last
spring.
Often in the middle of a dance,
she would yell out in what is
known as an African call.
Christian-Hendrickson said
such calls are used for inspiration
and to encourage the dancers. No
one can really teach you how to
call. "Whatever you feel just
comes out," she said.
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Originally, all of the NOMMO
members were of African-Ameri
can decent, Christian-Hendrick
son added, but now they have
diversified to include anyone with
a love for African dance and
rhythm.
As a non-audition group,
NOMMO welcomes new mem
bers.
Rehearsals are 6 to 8 p.m. Mon
day and Wednesday in 132 White
Building and 10 am. to 2 p.m. Sat
urday in 113 White Building.
"It is a family atmosphere,"
said Martinez. "Just come to a
practice."
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Allen Street Grill, 100 W. College Ave., will feature Bill Filer and
Magic Hat beer. Specials include $1 Miller Lite drafts and happy
hour from 10 p.m. to midnight with half-priced well liquor (231-
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Bar Bleu, 114 S. Garner St., will feature Karaoke with Jackie 0.
Specials include happy hour from 9 to 11 p.m. and $5 Yuengling
Lager pitchers until midnight (237-0374).
Cafd 210 West, 210 W. College Ave., will feature J.R. & Katie at
7 p.m. and Maxwell Strait at 10 p.m. Specials include $2 10 oz.
Captain and Cokes and $5 32 oz. liquor pitchers from 11 a.m.
to midnight, a Coors Light draft feature and happy hour starting
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Crowbar, 420 E. College Ave., will feature Velveeta at 10:30
p.m. Specials include nickel well drinks and nickel drafts from
10 p.m. to midnight and $3.95 Miller Lite pitchers from 8 p.m.
to midnight (237-0426).
Lion's Den, 118 S. Garner St., will feature Renaissance
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pitchers from 8 p.m. to close, $1 iced teas from 10 p.m. to mid
night, and $1 Captain and Cola from 8 p.m. to midnight (237-
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The All American Rathskeller, 108 S. Pugh St., will feature
Brian Lubrecht at 10:30 p.m. Specials include $2 any flavor
Bacardi and mixers and happy hour from 10 p.m. to midnight
(237-3858).
The Arena, 1521 Martin St., will feature $2 frozen margaritas
until midnight and happy hour from 8 to 10 p.m. (237-8833).
The Darkhorse Tavern, 128 E. College Ave. will feature half
priced happies from 10 p.m. to midnight and $3.75 Labatt Blue
pitchers from 5 p.m. to midnight (237-0490).
The Gingerbread Man, 130 Hiester St., will feature Scott
Mangene at 10:30 p.m. Specials include $3 Vodka and Red
Bulls, $2.50 Michelob Light pitchers, $4 Samac Lager, Michelob
Ultra and Bud Light pitchers, $2.75 Sam Adams and Sierra
Nevada pints, $2 Dr. McGillicuddy's Mentholmints, $2.50 Cherry
Busters and Smirnoff Cocktails, $5.50 32 oz. Bacardi
Hurricanes and happies from 10 p.m. to midnight (237-0361).
Zeno's, 100 W. College Ave., will feature Kid Bismark at 10 p.m.
Specials include liquor deals 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., half-priced drafts
from 10 p.m. to midnight and a Heineken special all day (237-
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To have an arts and entertainment event listed here, e-mail Arts
Editor Ann Doyle at aedlss@psu.edu two days in advance of the
event
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