THE OFFICIAL SITE OF BATALA NEW YORK
Batalá New York is the premier all-women, Black-led, percussion ensemble, activating partnerships, community building, and cultural awareness, bringing high-energy performances to the people of New York City through an engaging blend of cultural education and joyous entertainment.
We are an all-volunteer, non-profit, 501c3 organization.
Batalá New York is one of approximately four Batalá groups that are all women and women-led. Our music, instruments and costumes are primarily from Salvador da Bahia in the northeast of Brazil.
Upcoming events
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Batalá Drum Class at Cumbé
Every Sunday, 2:00pm-3:30pm
Learn to drum some Brazilian beats with Batalá. This group class will break down the music you've heard Batalá play, step by step. Students will be guided in proper stick technique, body positioning, performance strategies, and dynamics for playing any of 4 different drums and other percussion instruments. Play the big surdo to bring in that deep base, the repique to send up that clave, or the agogo bell to resonate and inspire. The class will also include light choreography and Afro-Brazilian movement technique utilizing the drum as an extension of the body. Every class will feature different rhythms, including Samba Reggae, Samba Duro, Samba Mambo, and Samba Afro. All levels and genders are welcome. Instruments provided and no prior musical experience necessary.
Click here to register.
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Power Through Percussion Workshop (aka the Ancestors Have Given)
Thursday, April 25 2:45pm-4:15pm
Face to Face is a multi-day conference or arts educators.
"Through a wide variety of panels, workshops, reports, and other presentations, the Face to Face conference gives arts in education practitioners the opportunity to think deeply and learn more about arts in education. The conference offers something for everyone: arts administrators, teaching artists, school personnel, parents, and representatives of community-based organizations. An array of exciting presenters share best practices; discuss local, state, national, and international policies; and address enduring issues such as quality, assessment, sustainability, professional development, equity and inclusion, and art and social justice.
Click here to register.
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Block Party for Printed Matter's NY Art Book Fair
Saturday, Apil 27 4:00pm-5:00pm
Block Party!
Printed Matter is a non-profit grant-supported bookstore, artist organization, and arts space which publishes and distributes artists' books. It was started in 1976. The NY Art Book Fair is slated for April 25–28 in a venue on 22nd St. in Chelsea, around the corner from the bookstore on 11th Ave. The Fair is very much a community-centered event and a nonprofit production,
The Fair showcases artists and publishers across print and other media.
548 West 2nd St, New York, NY.
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Workers Unite for Palestine
May 1, 4:00pm-6:00pm
Batalá New York has been invited to march for the Workers Unite for Palestine rally at Union Square.
Please come and join us at 4:00pm in Union Square.
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Brooklyn Botanical Garden: Weekends in Bloom
Saturday, May 4 12:30pm-1:00pm
Please come join us for a roaming performance starting at Oak Circle for Weekends In Bloom at the Brooklyn Botanical Garden,
Get your tickets here!
Location: Brooklyn Botanical Gardens
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Hope against Hope Gathering with CARA
Saturday, May 4th 2:45pm-3:45pm
Hope Against Hope is a weekend of community and song.
Batalá New York is truly excited about participating in the parade with New York City AIDS Memorial along with other great artists..
Free to attend, please rsvp here.
Location: 225 West 13th Street, New York, NY
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Monthly Samba Reggae Sundays Workshop with Open Rehearsal
Sunday, May 5, 2:00pm-6:50pm
Learn to drum some Brazilian beats with Batalá. For the summer, we are at Cumbe for a monthly workshop, and everyone is invited to spend the afternoon with us, Batalá New York. The first part of the workshop will be group instruction from 2 to 3:30, modeled after the weekly series of Batalá drum lessons at Cumbe. The second part will be an open rehearsal where students can fold in and play with the band.The monthly event will be held inside in the big main floor studio in Restoration Plaza.
The teaching technique will be learning by doing, with coaching on technique, body positioning, etc. The first half will be focused on rhythms; the second (rehearsal) will be focused on repertoire and swing. So this should be good for both Batalá members and non-members, friends, family, fans and all genders. Please join us!
Click here to register.
Location: Cumbé. Center for African and Diaspora Dance, Restoration Plaza.
OUR EVENTS
FAQs
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We offer two New Member Workshops throughout the year. Sign-up on our email list for updates.
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Our membership is open to all who identify as women regardless of race, religion, or sexual orientation.
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To be in Batalá, previous musical, dance, or performing arts experience is helpful, but not required.
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Yes, we do. We offer an in-person Batalá class every Sunday at Cumbe.
This group class will break down the music you've heard Batalá play, step by step.
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We perform at a variety of events. We perform on stages, street festivals, galas, special events, special locations, parades and rallies.
We are also available to teach special workshops.
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We are an all-volunteer, non-profit, 501c3 organization, you can support us with a donation, becoming a patron through Patreon for exclusive Batalá New York content and/or by purchasing our merchandise.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
Learn more about how your contributions help through the links below. You may simply give, or you may receive behind-the-scenes footage, unique access to performances, and other exclusive content by becoming a patron through Patreon.