BUCKFIELD – Inanna, Sisters in Rhythm – a percussion and vocal ensemble that explores the heritage and rhythms of West Africa – will perform Saturday, Feb. 17, at The Oddfellow Theater.

Inanna was originally created by participants of a drum class in Alna, Maine, almost 16 years ago. Since that time, Inanna has recorded and released four, full-length albums and has performed at numerous percussion festivals and community events.

The ensemble plays African percussion instruments such as the djembe, kpanlogo, doundounba, kenkeni and sangba, and other hand-crafted percussion instruments such as the balafon (an African xylophone), rainsticks, kalimba (thumb piano), shekeres and a variety of bells and other small instruments. The ensemble recently added frame drums, the ancient instrument of women drummers.

As a group, Inanna members have studied percussion with Karamo Sabally of Gambia, West Africa; John McDowell of the Afro-jazz fusion group Mamma Tongue; Yaya Diallo, master drummer from Mali and the author of “The Healing Drum;” Layne Redmond, author of “When the Drummers Were Women;” and Famoudou Konaté, one of the world’s best known and recognized djembe players.

Inanna takes its name from an ancient Sumerian goddess, who reigned more than 4,000 years ago during a period when it is believed drummers and dancers were predominantly women. The ensemble chose the name of this ancient goddess to express its ties with earlier traditions.

Inanna is deeply dedicated to the education and cultivation of peace and sharing among cultures through the power of music.

The show will begin at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and $6 for children 12 and younger. For tickets, call 336-3306. The theater is on Route 117. For more information, visit www.oddfellow.com.