Baba Roots

Bobby Bovenzi | Master Drum Circle Facilitator

Join us for an unforgettable 25th Anniversary Celebration of rhythm, culture, and community!

For 25 years, Bobby Bovenzi, also known as Baba Roots, has been sharing the heartbeat of West African drumming across the Okanagan, the USA, Bali, and Japan. This special milestone event brings Bobby, his family, and fellow drummers together for an afternoon filled with music, connection, and joy.

More than a performance, this is an interactive experience.  Audience members will be invited to drum, dance, and sing on stage, creating a true celebration of community spirit.

Proceeds support Penticton Discovery House Recovery for Men, including funding drums for the treatment centre, offering residents a powerful tool for healing, recovery, and connection.

Bring your family, your friends, and your love of rhythm.  Experience the power of the drum as it unites generations and communities across the valley.

Event presented by Jam Camp Society.


TICKET BY DONATION $5-$25

Buy Your Tickets Now!

We’re looking for event sponsors!

Be Part of 25 Years of Rhythm with Bobby Bovenzi!

Your sponsorship will make a difference by supporting:

  • Penticton Discovery House Recovery for Men through $1,000 worth of new drums providing residents with a powerful tool for healing and recovery.

  • Affordable community access - with your support, ticket prices are reduced to $25 and $15 (instead of $45 and $25).

We offer sponsorship packages with benefits such as logo placement on promotional materials (including local media outlets), stage acknowledgements, and complimentary tickets for your team and guests. 

For more details, email babaroots.ca@gmail.com or angela@lighthousemanagement.com

Thank you for considering this opportunity to give back to the community.

  • "We've hired Nankama Drum & Dance with Drum Circle 10 times over the past 15 years. Our audience absolutely loves the troupe performance and participate enthusiastically in the interactive drum circle!

    ~ Penelope Johnson

    Oliver BC Music in The Park

  • "There is no bond in the world like an artistic one, and Bobby provides quick, easy, and fun access to that."

    -Ed Propst, Music Educator

  • "I had several teachers say the ending student performances was the best assembly we've ever had. Thanks again!"

    -Ginger Rogers

    SD 23 Music Teacher

Who is Baba Roots?

Bobby Majxe’ William Bovenzi has been a student of ethnic percussion and dance since 1994. He holds a BS in African & Afro-American Studies and an MS in Elementary Education from SUNY Brockport. Bringing music and dance into classrooms and communities is his life’s work.

What can Baba Roots do?

Classes

Learn drumming techniques and traditional West African Rhythms on Djembe and Dunun stick drums. Drop-ins welcome! Drums available for use free of charge.

School Assemblies

Guide your school through a rhythmic journey in which every person present has an active role. Groups will learn & perform poly rhythms on drums to enforce geography, unity and cultural acceptance. (45min-90min)

Performances

Looking for an incredible addition to your next festival, concert, or showcase? Look no further than Baba Roots and the Nankama Drum & Dance Troupe!

In-School Residencies

Bobby’s teaching mastery will ignite your school for up to a week full of rhythm games, cultural appreciation, teamwork and Jam Camp-style fun! Allow even the shyest child the opportunity to be showcased with confidence.

Private Events

Make your next work retreat, sorority event, or private party one to remember! We’ll supply the instruments; you supply the participants!

Pro-D Days

Baba Roots offers a unique training opportunity that assists music teachers and dance teachers in developing a professional quality traveling cultural ensemble that will delight and engage the entire community!

Upcoming Events

Septemeber

  • Saturday 13th 10-11:15am Summerland Fall Faire, Nankama Drum & Dance with Baba Roots Drum Circle

  • Tuesday 23rd 1-2pm Valley of Friends, Baba Roots Drum Circle

  • Friday 26th 10:30-11:30am Good Samaritan Kelowna Baba Roots Drum Circle

October

  • Thursday 16th 10:30-11:30am Central Schools Kekuli Meeting, Baba Roots Dreum Circle

  • Sunday 19th 2-3pm Penticton Discovery House, Baba Roots Drum Circle

Weekly Classes

  • Thursdays, 6:30-8:30pm $20: Weekly Nankama Drum & Dance rehearsal classes @ Concordia Lutheran Gym, 2800 S Main, Penticton

  • October 2, 9, 16, 23, 30

  • November 6, 13, 20, 27

  • December 4, 11, 18

Check out Instagram and Facebook for more information and announcements about upcoming classes, performances, & events.

Want to jam with Baba Roots?