In-Person, Outdoor Class
In Advance: $18/$30 for 2 consecutive classes
Drop In: $23/$40 for 2 consecutive classes

Power Through Percussion is a 75 minute introduction to the samba reggae tradition through a close-up, interactive lecture demonstration that includes history, dance, and elementary music and cultural basics such as call and response. Participants will be shown how to capture the rhythm using their body and how to wear and move with drums. The class will culminate in learning--step by step--a song from the Batala repertoire. All genders are welcome. Instruments will be provided. No prior musical experience necessary.

The experience will be visceral, creative, joyous, and loud. No prior musical experience necessary.

Batalá New York is an all-female percussion ensemble playing Afro-Brazilian music, primarily Samba Reggae — a genre originating in the state of Bahia in northeast Brazil. As its name suggests, Samba Reggae is world music that incorporates Brazilian samba and Caribbean reggae. Like Samba Afro and Axe, Samba Reggae incorporates African rhythms preserved and honored through Afro-Brazilian religions such as Candomblé. All 3 genres have influenced Batalá's repertoire. During Carnaval every year, Samba Reggae is performed in the streets of Salvador, the capital of Bahia, by musical blocos with percussion sections numbering in the hundreds of drummers moving together. In homage to that tradition, Batalá New York’s performances are percussive, energetic and highly dynamic with colorful costumes and lively choreography. Learn more at www.batalanewyork.love.