The returning group, Inanna, left smiles on the faces approximately 250 attendees of their performance on Friday, April 11.

Inanna is an all woman percussion and vocal group who perform original works invoking ancient traditions of the drum. The group is from Portland, Maine and was last here at UMPI in 2004. Inanna consists of six women, but only four were able to travel and perform. The four women that were able to make it are: Shirsten Lundblad, Anne-Marie D'Amico, Annegret Baier and Tori Morrill, who is also a founding member of Inanna. The group was formed 19 years ago and has lost and gained members along the way.

The original members of Inanna were taught by a musical group, Mama Tongue, from Africa who were visiting Whitefield, Maine. After learning from Mama Tongue, new members were taught by older members, or had learned from other teachers. All the instruments the women use are from Africa. Some of the instruments they use are: the djembe, bass drums called doundounba, sangba, kenkeni and a balafon, which is an African xylophone.

Inanna sang songs they have learned from African groups and teachers as well as songs they have written themselves. A few songs they sang were "Cosmic Beat" and "Rainbow People." One of the last songs they sang was called "Within, Without" written by Lundblad. Two of the CD's that were available were "Beyond Tradition" and "Skin and Bone."

Baier, who is originally from Germany and has been with the group for 14 years now, told an entertaining story of their trip up here. "It's been 3 or 4 years since we were last here. On our way here, we went the wrong way and crossed the boarder by accident, so we were pulled over, and I was driving. I'm a German citizen and I forgot to bring my green card. Twenty minutes later we were on the road in the right direction."

Carol Ayoob, director of Cultural Affairs & Arts Administration, mentioned that this event was co-sponsored with Trio-Upward Bound.

"We've had many events this year that had dismal attendance due to timing and weather. Today it is a wonderful outside, and many people have come out to this event to celebrate the arrival of spring," Ayoob said.

Inanna is holding a global warming presentation workshop and dance concert titled "Heart Beat of the Earth" at the First Parish Church in Portland, ME on April 26. Sara Lovitz from the Natural Resources Council of Maine, is presenting on Global Warming. The doors will open at 7 a.m, and door admission is $15 for adults, $10 for seniors and students and free for children under 12. The workshop is from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m, and costs $75.