Mar Stevens connected with her inner rhythms as a child drumming on her grade school desk. The Drum has transformed her life and continues to inspire and heal her.  Mar has studied with Master Drummer Afia Walking Tree, and attended the Fore-Fote Drum Camp in Guinea, West Africa.  Mar has performed with Sistahs of the Drum, Sistah Boom, Oakland Rhythm and teaches at the Born to Drum camp in Northern California.

Learn traditional West African Rhythms with Oakland, CA – based percussionist and teacher Mar Stevens.  Experience the Power of the Drum in this welcoming and uplifting class. Brand new drummers welcome!

• All drums provided, or bring your own (Djembe, DjunDjun).
• Learn proper drum technique, rhythms from West Africa, and how to feel comfortable and confident playing hand percussion!

A native of Salvador, Bahia, Abel Damasceno is a professional Brazilian Multi-instrumentalist. Abel is the Batala San Francisco founder, and has played with The Rolling Stones, Amanda Santiago, Carla Visi, Mariene de Castro, Margareth Menezes, Carlinhos Brown, and Tonho Materia.

• All drums provided, or bring your own.
• Learn the cultural background behind the rhythms and how to play in a lively ensemble.
• All levels (including first-timers) are welcome to this supportive and fun class as we explore the beauty of Brazilian rhythm.

Pedro Rosales has been immersed in Afro-Peruvian traditions since 1988. Pedro’s skills as a Cajon player developed under the guidance of his mentors, master Afro-Peruvian percussionists Manuel “Manguey” Vasquez, Eusebio “Sirio” Pititi, Braulio Barrera, and “Lalo” Izquierdo (founder, choreographer, percussionist/dancer of Peru Negro Cultural Association). Currently, Pedro is the music director of Proyecto Lando and the Leader of the Bay Area’s Afro-Peruvian Coalition.