Jacob and Karen Kalama started the troupe more than 20 years ago. The group mixes story telling, with dancing and a variety of stunts, including fire ring jumping, a human pyramid, magic and contortionists. The acrobats use their bodies to launch each other in the air, fly through rings or climb to the top of a chair ladder.

The group also encourages audience participation, and will organize parades with traditional costumes, dancing or drumming.

According to a biography on the group, the performers spent their childhood learning acrobatics on the beach. The acrobats perform with a Benga beat in the background and pause to teach audience members Swahili phrases.

All of the performances will be on the Health Plan of San Joaquin Stage. Here are the days and times:

• 5:00, 6:30 & 8:30 p.m. Thursday

• 4:30, 6:30 & 8:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday

• 3:00, 5:00, 6:30 & 8:00 p.m. Sunday

Contact reporter Maggie Creamer at maggiec@lodinews.com. Read her blog at www.lodinews.com/blogs/citybuzz.