Bakra Batá Steel Band

The six member Bakra Batá Steel Band began performing in the Seattle area in 1984, under the leadership of Michael Shantz. They have created a highly original and distinctly American style of music and performance that draws primarily from the root traditions of trans-Atlantic cultures as they have developed in the Americas.

The principal instrument featured is the steel drum (also known as the "pan"), played in combination with a fascinating variety of other percussion instruments. The unusual instrumentation is a visual and aural delight for audiences, and the repertoire, rich with original material emphasizing rhythmic modes and dance beats, creates and upbeat joyous ambience.

Bakra Batá has appeared at theaters, universities, children's events, and over 200 art fairs and indoor and outdoor festivals across the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Brazil. Attendance at these events has ranged from 10,000 to over a million. Wherever they play, there is a spontaneous connection with the audience that creates an exiting atmosphere perfectly suited to high density indoor and outdoor events.

The group has a long association with professional dancers, and is thus able to present full or abbreviated programs of music, theater, masquerade, and dance utilizing up to six dancers. The dance repertoire consists of traditional and contemporary works and, of special relevance to open air events, processional pieces featuring colorful costumes, beautiful masks, and enchanting instruments. With such an extensive repertoire, event organizers can select different combinations of programs to suit their specific scheduling requirements.

"During my tenure as Vice President of Performing Arts at the Houston International Festival, an annual art and cultural celebration that attracts an audience of more than one million, I presented Bakra Batá for two consecutive years, 1991 and 1992. Not only is the group comprised of talented artists, but also they are very adept at working in a variety of settings. They are able to arouse an audience with spontaneous street performance or to play a formal music set, as they did when I asked them to open for Brazilian musician and vocalist Milton Nascimento."
-- Ms. Baraka Sele, Performing Arts Consultant, Brooklyn Center for the Arts

"Bakra Batá was a hit with the festival patrons! Even our Artist Market artists, who are normally leery of large music groups because of their potentially loud volume, were pleased with Bakra Batá. Your consideration in working with the artists in order to complement, but not overpower them, was noted and appreciated."
-- Ardath L. Pendergast, Arts Manager, Art Festival of Atlanta

"The sheer artistry and exuberance of the group, coupled with its exacting professionalism, created and evening of theatre that held our audience entranced within the first five minutes, kept them there, and earned a prolonged standing ovation."
-- Virginia Pulis, Executive Director, Columbia Basin Allied Arts

"It is a rare treat to have a performance by a group that works so energetically and as skillfully as Bakra Batá Their enthusiasm for their music is contagious."
-- Serni Solidarios, Director of College Activities, University of the Puget Sound

Listen to an MP3 sample:

Sample Clip - 5.3 MB

To book this group call (206) 923-0774
or email the Booking Questionaire to us at Booking@bluejaylivemusic.com

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