Casino Connection Atlantic City

A Different Drummer

Marina supervisor entertains children

by Dave Bontempo

Steven Tolbert masters the contrasts of life.

For at least 40 hours each week, the Galloway Township resident serves as a dual-rate supervisor at Trump Marina. Tolbert has worked 20 of his 24 gaming years at the Marina, after opening at the Playboy and Tropicana. He is steady, prompt and reliable. He grasps the idiosyncrasies of the craft, from poker to blackjack and roulette, but there’s a flip side.

Tolbert heeds the sound of a different drum. It’s the one he’s playing. Say hello to Kalif the Magical Talking Drum. Tolbert’s other life involves a school play he created around a trio of congas for a much younger audience. Kalif is the main character in a production that involves a seven-foot drum with moveable eyes and a number of props.

Tolbert brings them to area classrooms, primarily kindergarten through fifth grade. A 45-minute mix of dialogue, drum-playing, chanting and motivational speaking comprises his performance. He has put a new twist on learning.

“It’s important to have culture and character development,” Tolbert says. “This is a concept going back to the school system, given the lack of self-esteem and integrity some kids have. I do positive speaking, and reinforce that kids should respect their teachers, take care of their neighborhoods and love themselves.

“When a kid has a high self esteem, his math scores improve, his science improves. The biggest kick you get is when the kids come up on stage and play. Seeing that glow is the biggest thrill in my life. In a way, the classroom becomes a little orchestra.”

Tolbert, a history teacher in his pre-casino life, lends insight into African culture. He also energizes children on several levels. Tolbert’s performance incorporates different educational elements—repetition to underscore math, the faint-versus-loud sound to emphasize science or the drumbeat’s elevation of spirit.

“Music is hypnotic,” Tolbert says. “It hits a certain tone or vibration in your body. We are all a vibe. It puts you in a certain mood. Playing a soothing tone, hitting a level of meditation, it’s all good for your self-confidence. Take that self-confidence when it comes time to prepare for a test.”

Tolbert has geared up for the holidays. The first of several shows occurs December 12 at the Martin Luther King School. Tolbert booked similar appearances for the New York Avenue School and Uptown Complex in December.

The shows touch his roots. Tolbert grew up in Atlantic City and performed his first “gig” for his children’s classes several years ago. Those children grew up, and so has his idea. Tolbert may even add elements to make the play appropriate for high school students.

“You see a lot of camaraderie with the kids playing together,” he says. “It helps you understand a different culture other than European culture. Understanding the cultures of other people makes this a better world. It’s not about tolerance; I don’t like that word. It’s about understanding. The best way to know somebody is through their music, food, dance and language.”

The instructional element fills a void for Tolbert. The Cheyney State (Pennsylvania) graduate left the teaching profession and its $12,000 annual salary for casino life nearly three decades ago. Gaming provided both financial stability and the scheduling flexibility to create a play. Now he hears from two crowds—the screams of customers and the glee of children.