A Celebration of Rhythm & Beats at Let’s Drum Palo

The quiet section of Ipoh Old Town known as Tin Alley was awoken by the beats of multiple drums on Saturday evening, in an inaugural event called “Let’s Drum Palo”. Organised by the Ipoh Drum Academy, led by its coach, Cayson Chong, it was a feast for the ears for almost three hours in a celebration that brought culture and percussion together. JS Group was the main sponsor.

VVIP guests (L-R): Chief WHIP Ipoh City Councillor Wong Kar Keat; Deputy Speaker Perak State Legislative Assembly YB Jenny Choy; Perak State ExCo for Tourism, Industry, Investment & Corridor Development YB Loh Sze Yee; Minister of Local Government Development (KPKT) YB Nga Kor Ming; State Assemblyperson for Tronoh YB Steven Tiw & Ipoh City Councillor for Canning Zone Deric Lee

Setting the tone for the evening was JB Drums, a group that came all the way from the southern state of Johor. Established in 2006, this was the professional drummers’ first performance in Ipoh. Weaving martial arts into their 24 Festive Drums, the group presented two classic songs, “Blossom” and “Soaring.”

Next on stage was Kelab Kesenian Kompang dan Gamelan Noreasy Ipoh, mesmerising the 2000-strong audience with their upbeat kompang performance that had the crowd clapping and tapping their feet along with the music.

For good measure to showcase Malaysia’s theme of unity in diversity through this cultural drum street concert, Ipoh Bhangra Group further stirred fans with their Dhol drums and dance.

Minister of Local Government Development (KPKT) YB Nga Kor Ming (2nd L) poses for a photo with Let's Drum Palo organisers — Minister of Local Government Development (KPKT) YB Nga Kor Ming (2nd L) poses for a photo with Let’s Drum Palo organisers

Pei Yuan High School’s 24 Festive Drums was the fourth performance, which brought along a different flavour of percussions, compared to the first presentation by JB Drums.

Colin Wong on the pipa backed by the Ipoh Drum Academy

In an unexpected twist, “Let’s Drum Palo” was no longer just about drums and beats, when Ipoh Drum Academy provided the background music for professional pipa musician, Colin Wong, followed by handpan artist Thong Yong How. Last but not least, Steven Tan with his gigantic camera for a wet plate photography performance.

handpan artist Thong Yong How backed by the Ipoh Drum Academy

RM10,000 was raised for Persatuan Sukan Dan Kebudayaan Ma Ching Ipoh

Let’s Drum Palo managed to raise RM10,000 which was donated to Persatuan Sukan Dan Kebudayaan Ma Ching Ipoh. View the full photo album of Let’s Drum Palo 2023 on our official Facebook Page by clicking HERE.