Instruments of the Caribbean will be featured in a holiday concert Dec. 10 in Richland.
The Tri-Cities Steel Band Association will hold its Christmas concert in the auditorium at Chief Joseph Middle School at 6:30 p.m.
The concert features Christmas favorites and popular songs played on steel drums and marimbas.
Performers include Ben Leggett leading the Bram Brata and OK2Botay steel drum bands, and Walt Hampton directing the Bahuru marimba band.
The steel drum is thought to have originated in Trinidad and Tobago in the early 20th century. It's a percussion instrument usually made from 55-gallon drums that are skillfully hammered and tuned by hand to produce musical tones often associated with Caribbean beats.
The marimba, African in origin, is similar to a xylophone only it's made from wood with large pipes below the wood keys that create a unique sound.
A donation of canned food will get you into the door. The steel drum association also will hold a bake sale and silent auction in the lobby at the concert to raise money for its nonprofit operation.
The association promotes world music in the region through music education and concerts. It conducts classes on steel drums and marimbas year round, including summer classes for students of all skill levels.
-- On the net: Tri-Cities Steel Band Association, http://TCSBA.org
* Dori O'Neal: 582-1514; doneal@tricityherald.com
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