Stuhr Fire Rhythm Group — Drumming with Ms rObi K
WEST AFRICAN DRUM ENSEMBLE
Where the fire meets the rhythm.
The Stuhr Fire Rhythm Group gathers around the djembe, the dunum and the doumbek — guided by the spirit of Ms rObi K.
7 Drummers
1 Bass player
12+ Years strong
DJEMBE • DUNUN • DOUMBEK • CONGA • BASS • CALL & RESPONSE • POLYRHYTHM
watch & listen
The Group in Motion
Faces of the fire
Drummers, singers, bass — moments from the circle.
Featuring vocalist, Ms rŌbi K
our story
Eight hands, one heartbeat.
Born in back rooms, basements, and community centers, the group found its way to the Stuhr Center, a place where all ages come to learn, share, and be moved by music.
Today, they meet weekly to play, teach, and keep the tradition alive — not as a performance, but as a practice of presence and joy.
We play together because rhythm makes a room feel like family.
Traditional
Ceremonial
Communal
The circle
Roots in tradition. Growing in community.
REHEARSAL — 12/8
TIME SIGNATURE OF THE SOUL
Come drum with us
on stage
RESER CENTER
the brotherhood
The men behind the rhythm.
From left to right — the circle at the Reser Center for the Arts in Beaverton, Oregon. The Stuhr Fire Rhythm Group with Ms rObi K.
Dennis Kruger
Bruce Rash
Austin Bennett
Bob Krisher
Jim Mattila
Tom Roick
Mike Flanigan
Jeff Kirsch
· R.I.P. ·
His rhythm still echoes in every performance.
in loving memory
Lee Brodinsky, founder
Lee Brodinsky · Founding Member · R.I.P.
A good friend and dedicated drummer — one of the founding members of the Stuhr Fire Rhythm Group.
sings & leads with us
MS rObi K
GRAMMY-NOMINATED VOCALIST & AUTHOR
Robbi Hall Kumalo — known on stage as MS rŌbi K — is a Grammy-nominated vocalist, author, storyteller and ceremonial leader based in Portland, Oregon.
Her work spans concert stages, sacred spaces, classrooms and farmer's markets — from Black History Month celebrations to multi-day drum festivals.
Married to a Rockstar — a memoir of music, love, and transformation.
Grammy-Nominated Vocalist
Author
Storyteller
Educator
Visit robbikumalo.com
Ms rObi K leading a rhythm circle
Recent performances
Where the circle has played — songs, stories & rhythm across Portland and beyond.
Beaverton Night Market — Beaverton, Oregon
August 8, 2026 — The full ensemble on the City Hall Plaza stage for the city's summer night market.
African Fashion Show — Vancouver, Washington
April 18, 2026 — The group's rhythms behind a celebration of style and culture.
Elsie Stuhr Center — Beaverton, Oregon
September 11, 2026 — An afternoon of music and connection, at the group's home ground.
Hollywood Farmer's Market — Portland, Oregon
August 15, 2026 — Rhythm, song, and celebration in the heart of the market.
Healthy Aging Resource Fair — Center for Positive Aging, Portland, Oregon
June 27, 2026 — A lively morning of music, movement, and wellness.
June 19, 2026 — A joyful gathering to honour freedom, history, and community.
Bahá'í Anniversary Celebration — Bahá'í Center, Portland, Oregon
May 21, 2026 — Celebrating unity, devotion, and the joy of coming together.
Global Earth Repair Convergence (GERC) — Fort Worden, Port Townsend, Washington
May 7, 2026 — The opening day of the celebrated Global Earth Repair Convergence at Fort Worden.
Come to a performance. Join the circle.
No experience needed. All ages welcome. Whether you're curious or you want a seat in the circle with the Stuhr Fire Rhythm Group, there's a place for you.
GET CIRCLE UPDATES
One email a month. Show dates, open circles, and the occasional rhythm to practice.
QUESTIONS
A few quick answers
Do I need experience to join?
No experience necessary. Come as you are — we welcome curious first-timers and seasoned players alike.
What happens at the circle?
We gather, listen, and play together. Ms rObi K leads grooves rooted in West African and diasporic traditions, and everyone is invited to find their own rhythm.
Should I bring anything?
Just yourself and an open spirit. If you have your own drum, you're welcome to bring it.
STUHR FIRE RHYTHM GROUP
A community drumming ensemble led by Ms rObi K.
CONTACT
keep the rhythm
© 2026 Stuhr Fire Rhythm Group
Made with heartbeats
Book the Stuhr Fire Rhythm Group
Bring the circle to your stage. The Stuhr Fire Rhythm Group is a West African drum ensemble — seven drummers, bass, and vocalist Ms rŌbi K — based in Beaverton and Portland, Oregon.
WHAT WE OFFER
Festival & Stage Concerts — Full-ensemble sets of West African and diasporic rhythm, song, and call-and-response, from 30 to 60 minutes.
Community Drum Circles — Open circles where the audience becomes the band. All ages, no experience needed; Ms rŌbi K leads, and everyone finds their rhythm.
Celebrations & Cultural Programs — Kwanzaa, Juneteenth, Black History Month, heritage and unity celebrations — music built for the meaning of the day.
Schools, Libraries & Senior Centers — Interactive programs of rhythm and story, shaped for the room — children, families, and elders alike.
AVAILABILITY
Now booking for the 2026–2027 season. The group performs across the Portland–Beaverton metro area and beyond, year-round — summer festivals and markets, holiday celebrations, and everything in between.
TO BOOK THE GROUP
Email: info@robbikumalo.com
Performance fees vary with the program, the venue, and travel — write for a quote for your date. Stage plot and tech information for your sound team are in the For Presenters section below.
For Presenters
Presenters booking the Stuhr Fire Rhythm Group can download the group's stage plot and tech information below.