The beat goes on all day Saturday at St. John's United Methodist Church in Charles Village, where the Baltimore International Rhythm and Drumming Society (BIRDS) presents its fourth annual shindig.

A parade - bring your own rattle or shaker and join in! - from the "beach" at Johns Hopkins leads off the festival. It's followed by performances on the outdoor stage by Aurora Dance Company; Anansegromma, with music and storytelling from Ghana; and Xaala Mainama, an African cultural arts ensemble. The street around the church will be filled with vendors and open drum circles. Indoors, there are workshops for all ages on a variety of percussive subjects.

The finale is a concert with Fritete, West African drummers; Sandip Burman, a North Indian tabla player; Glen Velez, master of the frame drum; and Rumba Club, a Latin American jazz group. Maria Broom is the mistress of ceremonies. After the concert, a "drum jam for peace" goes on until midnight.

The BIRDS festival runs from 11 a.m. to midnight Saturday at and around St. John's United Methodist Church, St. Paul and 27th streets. Performances on the outdoor stage are free and begin at 1 p.m. The evening concert is at 7 p.m. in the church. Admission is $10 in advance, $12 at the door. Workshops are $5. Call 410-889-2504.

Pub Date: 9/17/98