So, you just stepped off the DC Metro and are exiting into Farragut Square, where across the street in the patch of a park comes the rising wall of sound pounded out in rhythmic form from a group of about 50 or so ladies armed with drumsticks.  You wonder, “Is today a Brazilian holiday I forgot about?” or “Wow, whatever is going on here, I’m sure my boss won’t mind if I show up an hour late.”  You are witnessing the rehearsal of DC’s all-female percussion group Batala,  and yeah, I’m sure those papers you need to push can wait a while longer, so plop a seat on the grass amigão . 

DC’s Batala began in 2007 through an international wave started in Paris by Giba Goncalves in 1997.  The Batala family as a whole has gone global with members residing in France, Belgium, Spain, UK, and of course Brazil- the musical culture of which Batala is founded on.  And the instruments on which the Afro-beat meets Samba are played on, are actually made in Salvador, where the band has a program set up, providing jobs for mucho families.

Speaking of drums, if you are a Batala lady hopeful of at least 21 years of age, you got your pick from a variety of 4: the surdo, the dobra, the repique, or the snare.  Dobras are great for dancers who like to be in front, (just so you know!)  And when the ladies are clad in matching uniforms (another Salvador made attribute) they’ve been known to grace every corner of DC including halftime at RFK for DC United, the Cherry Blossom Festival, an Obama Inaugural Ball, the Black Cat (holler!), the Brazil Embassy, and more.

And don’t forget, Batala is a volunteer based band. So, femmes, next time you step off the train platform, and you happen to be wielding a snare drum, cross that road and join the drum brigade.  It’s almost that easy.  Find out more on their website.

Batala will performing at Fort Reno on Monday June 29, a summer festival in itself worth checking out!

 


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