Batalá: Afro-Brazilian Drumming

Photo credit: Batalá

Enjoy a vibrant outdoor performance by Batalá New York, a premier all-womxn, Black-led, percussion ensemble. All are invited to celebrate and parade alongside Batalá and Sonia Gomes’s exhibition Ó Abre Alas! 

The performance will take place on Museum Hill, nearby a site-specific outdoor installation created by Sonia Gomes. The installation’s title, Ó Abre Alas!, draws inspiration from the spirit of Brazilian Carnival and the abre-alas (Portuguese for “open wings”), the lead float that paves the way for celebration.

• Free with admission, no registration required
• Program location: meet on Museum Hill.

Bio

Batalá New York is the premier all-womxn, Black-led, percussion ensemble activating partnerships, community building, and cultural awareness through high-energy performances of Afro-Brazilian music and dance. We are transforming images of women by presenting a loud, fearless, diverse and resilient community of female drummers. We perform all over the New York region in concert halls, at community centers, parks and gardens, on the streets, at protests, and at renowned cultural institutions.

Batalá New York is one of approximately four Batalá groups that are all women and women-led. Batalá New York is part of a global community of bands playing Afro-Brazilian music under the name of Batalá. The Batalá bands principally play Samba Reggae, a world music that incorporates Brazilian Samba and Caribbean Reggae. We play the compositions and arrangements of Mestre Giba Gonçalves, founder of Batalá, and other mestres on metal drums with polymer skins.

ACCESSIBILITY
Restrooms
The indoor restrooms on Museum Hill are equipped with somewhat accessible stalls. These stalls include grab bars but are too narrow to accommodate the full turning radius of most wheelchairs. ADA portable restroom stalls are located at the base of Museum Hill near the picnic pavilion.

Terrain and Getting Around
Museum Hill can be accessed via paved paths as well as the elevator near the South Fields. The performance will be on mostly level grass and will be a short distance from the paved pathway.

If you have questions or need other accommodations, please email info@stormkingartcenter.org.