Perth Voice Interactive

SCORES of Ringo Starrs will play in a Perth drumathon to raise money for the WA cancer council this Sunday.

The event is part of the global fundraiser Drumstrong, which will see drummers from across the globe unite to fight cancer.

Perth participants will be able to play along with overseas drummers via a Skype video link-up.

Countries signed up include Kenya, Ukraine, Japan, England and the United States.

It is the first time Drumstrong has had an Australian leg and Perth is the only Aussie city participating.

Event organiser Simon Faulkner says drummers of any ability are welcome to head down and have a bash.

“We will have all types of drums there—congas, djembes and tambourines—so anyone will be able to play,” he says.

“We’re hoping to attract around 70 drummers and hopefully we can raise at least $1000 for the WA cancer council.”

The Perth battery will play continuously for five hours, with some US groups playing for up to two days without a break.

Joining the Perth bash will be drum tutor Moses Nii Odartei, who is originally from Ghana.

Now based in Perth, Odartei offers masterclasses on west African drumming.

His international career includes playing for the Queen when she visited Ghana.

People can sponsors drummers at an hourly rate or make a fixed donation at http://www.drumstrong.com.

The drumathon will be held at Royal Park Hall, North Perth, on Sunday May 19 from 1–6pm.

by STEPHEN POLLOCK