Drum ensembles are often led by a master drummer who plays solos against the overlapping patterns. The master drummer also works with dancers to coordinate the dances and tempos. On Saturday, the Iowa City community will again have the opportunity to participate in an African Drum and Dance workshop led by master West African drummer Madou Dembele at Arts a la Carte, 20 E. Market St.

"The goal of the workshop and performance is to continue our promotion of movement and to spread peace, love, and joy by teaching people to drum and dance," said Carol Johnk, the co-executive director of Arts a la Carte. "Madou Dembele is simply an amazing performer and teacher."

The drum workshop will be held from 12:30-2 p.m. and will feature the trained and in-demand drum group Super Yankadi, whose members hail from Des Moines and Fairfield, Iowa. West Music of Iowa City is one of the sponsors of the event, and it will provide drums for the workshop participants.

"The dance workshop will take place from 2:30-4 p.m. with the goal of getting more of the Iowa City community involved," Johnk said. She added that fundamentals for both the drumming and dance workshops will be covered. "In response to Madou Dembele's last workshop/performance here at Arts a la Carte, we're expecting 12 or more drummers to participate and 20-plus dancers. The workshops are high energy and loads of fun."

At 8 p.m., Dembele will perform a traditional West African repertoire, which customarily invites audience members on stage.

"His performance is a visual delight with his costuming and variety of movement patterns centered on the West African dance and drumming technique," Johnk said. "The performance culminates to a participatory event for our audience."

Arts a la Carte attempts to help local artists form a community in which they can rehearse and perform. In addition, it's a forum for community members to be exposed to artistic endeavors throughout the year.