Karim Koumbassa, Master Drummer, Dancer, Choreographer, Director and Instrument Maker from Guinea West Africa, has worked extensively with some of the best and most renowned artists from his country such as Famadou Konate, Mamady Keita, and Youssouf Koumbassa. Karim was the Artistic Director and Choreographer of the performance company Oiseaux Blanc in Guinea. He has performed with many other professional ballets in Guinea, namely Les Merveilles de Guinee, Ballets Taille, Wassa So, and Kounkouri. In America Karim has performed with many incredible African Artists such as Balaphonist Naby Camara, Djembefolas Karamba Diabate, Bolokada Conde, Muhamed Camara and Guitarist and Vocalist Alpha Yaya Diallo. Karim has also performed with the Seattle Symphony Orchestra and The Northwest Girls Choir. Karim performs with and teaches many of the traditional instruments of West Africa: Djembe, Bolon, Gongoma, N’goni; his passion lies with the bass Dundun Drums. Karim's profound passion for music make him an incredible musician, inspiring teacher, and infectious performer.

Krishnaraj Iyengar is an Indian classical percussionist specializing in the Tabla. He has received intensive training and repertoire in musicology in the traditional system in 5 different 'Gharanas' or traditions. He has been performing the world over conducting lecture-demonstrations, workshops, solos and has experimented with musical forms from many parts of the world. He has also performed for the Indian Royalty and the Consular Corps, various dignitaries from around the world, musicians, students of ethnomusicoligy and other forms. Being a composer in Tabla and also melody, he has been composing background music scores and other compositions which are examples of chemistry between various musical forms and traditions from around the world. Krishna is fulent in almost 11 languages and passionately studies cultures and theology.This is a striking advantage due to which he relates to audiences of varied nationalities and teach students of different cultural and linguistic backgrounds.

Originally from Ghana, Juliana holds a B.A. Degree in Dance Studies and Sociology and a Masters of Philosophy in Dance Analysis and Criticism. After studying dance,drumming and percussion for 10 years, she is an accomplished choreographer, dancer, drummer, performer, project director, and a teacher by profession with many years of experience. With a highly innovative approach to her traditional heritage, she has taught dance, drumming and instrumental classes and workshops in schools, festivals and events, both in Africa and abroad. She is ready to surprise you and share with you the love of the God's given gift that is hidden in you. Her zeal for life is highly contagious, so get ready for an unforgettable experience of joy and laughter!

Skin Deep Dance is a professional American Tribal Style Belly Dance Company directed by Katrina McCoy. We are a diverse group of women presenting improvisational style belly dance from the Romany Trail. Our steps come from India and North Africa, our arms come from Spain and our hearts are connected to the dancers all over the world that are dedicated to this dance. Classes are offered at Skin Deep Dance Studio in Beacon Hill, Seattle WA. Katrina McCoy is Certified by Carolena Nericcio of FatChanceBellyDance.

Kerfala "Fana" Bangoura was named “Master Drummer” by the Guinean Ministry of Culture in 2008. He has been featured as a soloist for two national groups of Guinea, Percussions de Guinee and Les Ballets Africains, for over 8 years. He has also served as Percussion Director for Ballet Fareta, and his own ensemble, Sekha-Kan Kolon, has toured and performed throughout Guinea. Fana has been teaching and performing in the United States since the spring of 2009. His powerful, dynamic performances and friendly teaching style have won accolades from audiences and students, leading to high-profile engagements such as an appearance on the nationally syndicated Mo'Nique Show.

Known for his enthusiasm, skills & ability to teach, Kerry is an engaging, entertaining & dynamic facilitator teaching workshops or hosting drum circles at many events including Rhythm Fest, Bumbershoot & Folklife. His inspiration came from George Jinda, followed by camp in Hawaii w/ Arthur Hull. He's studied and played with Babatunde Olatunji, Paulo Mattioli, Cameron Tummel, Dibo & Ryan Camara, Kalani, & more and has many compositions to his credit. Kerry teaches percussion, hosts drum circles & distributes percussion instruments. He's a trusted resource for facilitators, stores, museums, pro players & others for 15 years. He offers community drum circles, group classes, 1-on-1 drum classes, corporate drum circles & drum parties. Shakerman@gmail.com

Salif Koné was born into a Djeli (Griot) family and given the name Malima, which means "the way it is", by his grandfather. He began studying traditional music when he was two years old. When he was eight years old he joined the national group of young musicians in Burkina Faso, Maison des Jeunes du Burkina, traveling throughout Africa. At 14, he became the youngest musician ever to join the National Ballet of Burkina Faso. He traveled throughout Europe and Africa as a percussion soloist with the National Ballet. He has performed all over the United States and taught workshops in universities throughout the country. Since 2005, he has been hosting tours to Africa so that students can participate in drum and dance workshops and learn more about his family culture.