Baltimore International Rhythm Festival Promotes Cultural Diversity Through Percussive Music

     The Baltimore International Rhythm Festival hosted by the Baltimore International Rhythm and Drumming Society (BIRDS) featured percussionists from around the globe in an all day event at St. John's Church located at 27th and St. Paul in Baltimore City. Among the percussive traditions represented were Latin American, West African, Afro-Cuban, Middle Eastern, Native American, and Irish. Performances by groups and individuals from these and other cultures were featured throughout the day. Artists performed on stage and in the open space where they were surrounded by the drum circle, a tradition in which drummers play collectively and spontaneously and percussionists alternate in setting and leading the rhythm. 

     In sponsoring this event, BIRDS sought to perpetuate its goal of "bringing people together to appreciate the diversity and power of rhythm and drumming from around the globe." 

Morgan State University Professor and Producer, Keith Mehlinger

 setting up equipment to record the day's festivities (above and below).

Percussionist, Baile McKnight demonstrates how to play the Balafon, 

the forerunner of the Xylophone, to a young festival participant.

Djembe drums from West Africa.

Percussionist Conrad Kubiak  surrounded by his merchandise, Djembe drums 

from West Africa, Shakeres (beaded gourds), and other small percussive instruments.

                                        Percussionist Conrad Kubiak plays the Djembe.

Shakeres (beaded gourds), percussive instruments from West Africa.

Percussionist Ken Crampton (center) facilitating a workshop.

Students participate in Crampton's percussion workshop.

Ghanaian Drums 

Kwame Ansah-Brew (Center) and members of his company, 

the Fritete African Dance and Drum Ensemble

Percussionist Kwame Ansah-Brew (left) playing the West African drum, 

the Tama with an accompanist playing the Dundun. 

Above and below, percussionist Kwame Ansah-Brew and his accompanist playing Ghanaian drums.

Kwame Ansah-Brew leads the drum circle while playing the Djeme (a West African drum).

Members of Fritete African Dance and Drum Ensemble.

Percussionists play the Darbouka, Middle Eastern instruments.

Afro-Cuban Rhythms.

Performers prepare to present Irish rhythms and dance.

 A Baltimore percussionist leads the Drum Circle.

The Drum Circle

Children participate in the Drum Circle.

The Drum Circle

     The Rhythm Festival also featured dancers from various traditions who performed while Drum Circle participants provided various rhythms.

Photos by Titilayo Akanke