In honor of Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday, islanders are invited to celebrate unity as the Anzanga Marimba Ensemble returns for its fifth annual appearance at Bainbridge Performing Arts.

The group will perform the lively and beautiful melodies of Southern Africa for one-night-only at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 20.

Anzanga is celebrating 30 years performing throughout the Northwest and globally. The Seattle-based ensemble has brought the electrifying and energizing music of African marimba to the national and international stage with regional appearances at the Northwest Folklife Festival and Bumbershoot, as well as performances in South Africa and China. The troupe’s repertoire is primarily from Zimbabwe, with influences from throughout Africa, in addition to original compositions.

This special public performance is part of BPA’s Cultural Outreach Program.

Anzanga plays using seven marimbas — three sopranos, two tenors, a bariton and a bass — and hoshos, or gourd shakers. The marimbas are hand-crafted xylophones made from various hardwoods. The tuning is based on the tonalities found in Zimbabwean music. Each key sits above a resonator that has a vibrating membrane which amplifies the sound and adds a unique “buzz” to the music.

For additional information visit Anzanga online at www.anzangamarimba.band.

Tickets, $12 for adults and $10 for children (ages 12 and under), may be purchased online at www.bainbridgeperformingarts.org, by phone at 206-842-8569 or in person at BPA (200 Madison Ave. North). BPA box office hours are 1 to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, and one hour prior to each performance.