SWPS 2022 Artist listiNg

"Alapadma" is an Indian classical dance school offering classes in Bharatanatyam and Mohiniyattam in the greater Seattle area since April 2013. The school was started by dancer Anuradha Samrat. Anu began her dance training at the age of 6 in Madras, now called Chennai, in India. Alongside Bharatanatyam classes from Kalasagara, (run by sisters Mrs.Malathy Thotadri and Mrs.Usha Raghavan, themselves disciples of Shri Adyar Lakshmanan), Anu also attended music classes with Mrs.Mayuravalli Srinivasan. Later, she continued her music lessons with Mrs.Savitri Satyamoorthy. While doing her Masters at Edwardsville, Illinois, Anu came across Mohiniyattam dancer Ms.Smitha Rajan and started learning from her. Being a trained dancer and a musician, Anu brings with her the ability to compose music for the pieces she choreographs. Classes are offered during the school year at Redmond, Renton and Bellevue. For class related inquiries/questions, please email: alapadma.office@gmail.com

The founder of Naad Arts Centre Amarjeet Singh started learning Tabla from Guru Shri Thakur Kishan Singh Ji of Benaras Gharana. A Cultural Ambassador Mr Singh taught & performed worldwide and accompanied a myriad of leading musicians and dancers. A former employee of Faculty of Music & Fine Arts Uni of Delhi, was Award list- Sangeet Bhushan, Heritage Defender, Innovation in the Arts and Leadership Circle.

Amarjeet Singh, the founder of Naad Arts Centre, has a Masters degree in Music and many years’ experience, performing tabla solos as well as accompanying a myriad of leading Indian and Western musicians and dancers at international music and dance festivals. He started learning the tabla from his elder brother, Mr. Deedar Singh, followed by Guru Shri Thakur Kishan Singh ji of Benaras Gharana. Amarjeet was appointed a Cultural Ambassador by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations, New Delhi, to teach and perform tabla in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Later on he served as a staff artist at the Faculty of Music and Fine Arts, University of Delhi. A scholarship winner from the Music and Drama Academy of Rajasthan, Amarjeet Singh has also won many laurels, such as: Sangeet Bhushan – the Rajasthan Education Department, the Leadership Circle Award – Canadian Red Cross, Heritage Defender Award – Darpan Magazine, and Innovation in the Arts – Drishti Magazine. In 2017. In 2019 Singh was a nominee for the Mayor’s Arts Award from the City of Surrey.

Anokye Agofomma is a Ghanian Royal Court traditional music group founded by Master Drummer Yaw Amponsah in Seattle, Washington. Anokye's mission is to continue the Royal Court legacy of the traditional drumming and dance of the Asante people. Over the years, Anokye has expanded its repertoire by drawing inspiration from and including other west African drumming and dance traditions. Operating with respect, versatility and pure musicianship, Anokye is a multi-cultural and multi-generational group dedicated to promoting world music at its best. The group has performed in the Seattle area on many festive occasions such as Folklife, Spirit of Africa and World Rhythm Festival as well as many events in the broader community.

"Alapadma" is an Indian classical dance school offering classes in Bharatanatyam and Mohiniyattam in the greater Seattle area since April 2013. The school was started by dancer Anuradha Samrat. Anu began her dance training at the age of 6 in Madras, now called Chennai, in India. Alongside Bharatanatyam classes from Kalasagara, (run by sisters Mrs.Malathy Thotadri and Mrs.Usha Raghavan, themselves disciples of Shri Adyar Lakshmanan), Anu also attended music classes with Mrs.Mayuravalli Srinivasan. Later, she continued her music lessons with Mrs.Savitri Satyamoorthy. While doing her Masters at Edwardsville, Illinois, Anu came across Mohiniyattam dancer Ms.Smitha Rajan and started learning from her. Being a trained dancer and a musician, Anu brings with her the ability to compose music for the pieces she choreographs. Classes are offered during the school year at Redmond, Renton and Bellevue. For class related inquiries/questions, please email: alapadma.office@gmail.com

Anzanga Marimba Ensemble performs traditional and contemporary marimba of Zimbabwe. The music is joyful to listen to and very conducive for dancing. Zambuko has been performing for over 10 years throughout the Northwest. Sheree Seretse studied the world of Zimbabwean Music and dance through Dr. Dumisani Maraire. Sheree was instrumental in developing several performing ensembles through the Langston Hughes Cultural Arts Center. Seretse has also taught at multiple schools in the Northwest, Northeast and Canada. Sheree is the music director of both the Zambuko and Anzanga Marimba Ensembles.

An accomplished musician, author, teacher, and DJ, Arturo has performed worldwide, sharing the stage with such music legends as Tito Puente, Dave Valentin, Paul Horn, Pete Escovedo, Brandi Carlile, Crosby, Stills and Nash, and many more. Never one to stand still for very long, Arturo is both a familiar face and a powerful force on the local Seattle music scene. While moving through the musical boundaries of Afro Cuban jazz, funk, pop, rock, and even folk music, Arturo has an amazing talent for bringing people together in a musical setting.

An accomplished musician, author, teacher, and DJ, Arturo has performed worldwide, sharing the stage with such music legends as Tito Puente, Dave Valentin, Paul Horn, Pete Escovedo, Brandi Carlile, Crosby, Stills and Nash, and many more. Never one to stand still for very long, Arturo is both a familiar face and a powerful force on the local Seattle music scene. While moving through the musical boundaries of Afro Cuban jazz, funk, pop, rock, and even folk music, Arturo has an amazing talent for bringing people together in a musical setting. Arturo will be joined by Roberto Bonaccorso, on vocals, Venezuelan cuatro, and percussion, Victor Martin Puentes on Trumpet, Dani Medina on Puerto Rican Tres, vocals and percussion, Denny Stern on Percussion and Vocals, Ted Bohn on Trombone and percussion.

Boka Kouyate was born into a Griot tradition in Conakry, Guinea. His father was guitarist, ballaphonist and traditional storyteller Djely Nounke Kouyate. His mother is the popular Djely singer Djon Dioubate is also a Djely popular singer in Guinea. Boka was strapped to his mother's back as a child, traveling with her from ceremony to ceremony every day. Soon he began singing with her. His music education with his father teaching him the Balaphone and stories within their tradition. Later, Boka began writing his own songs during his years in French School. In 2008, Boka gained citywide recognition as the General Director of the national performance company called Gnankoumandou. As a young Djely in tradition, Boka graduated from the University of Kankan with a degree in Microbiology degree in 2010. As a singer and djembe player, Boka toured with many famous Guinean artists from 2000 to 2014 throughout West Africa. When he moved to the Seattle in early 2014, Boka co-founded Kouyate Arts, an inter-active performance company of drummers, dancers and singers. He is also the Lead vocalist and composer for Boka Kouyate & The Djeliyah Band, sharing a unique fusion of popular African and traditional Djely music with the world.

Crow Drummers from Olympia, Wa as of 2015 play original rhythms in the Hamana style of NW Guinea. Formed as a marching band for the "Procession of the Species" in Olympia the Crow Drummers have consistently performed in local festivals and the World Rhythm Festival for many years.

Dave has years of experience playing West African inspired music in the Seattle area.

David Casteal

Frank Anderson has been a student of African Rhythm and Dance since 1986. His teachers are the great dancers and musicians of the African Diaspora and the Continent of Africa: Afua Kouyate, Ama Anang, Aminata Doumbia, Famoudou Konate, Fanta Diawara, Kofi Anang, Lora Chiora, Mabiba Baegne, Makeda Ebube, Mamady Keita, Nakani Kouyate, Naomi Diouf, Thione Diop, Won Ldy Paye. Frank has had the good fortune to be able to learn from these great artists both in West Africa and in the U.S.A. He taught dunun rhythms from Guinea for several years, and taught dance and rhythms from Guinea and Mali.

Frank Anderson has been a student of African Rhythm and Dance since 1986. His teachers are the great dancers and musicians of the African Diaspora and the Continent of Africa: Afua Kouyate, Ama Anang, Aminata Doumbia, Famoudou Konate, Fanta Diawara, Kofi Anang, Lora Chiora, Mabiba Baegne, Makeda Ebube, Mamady Keita, Nakani Kouyate, Naomi Diouf, Thione Diop, Won Ldy Paye. Frank has had the good fortune to be able to learn from these great artists both in West Africa and in the U.S.A. He taught dunun rhythms from Guinea for several years, and taught dance and rhythms from Guinea and Mali.

John Hayden is an adventure traveler with artisan friends around the world that create rhythm instruments for his company Jamtown. Since 1995 (~25 years!) he facilitates in-the-moment, hands-on rhythm for youth, community and business. He is a Global Certified Trainer of Village Music Circles. He writes & performs kids music with ukulele and Jamtown props - The Howdy Band! He has produced the Northwest Folklife Rhythm Tent Stage since 2004 and teaches hand drum classes weekly. Jamtown award-winning, fair trade products for sale at www.JamtownLive.com Follow JamtownLive rhythm events and travel adventures at Instagram/JamtownLive, FB/JamtownLive.

John Hayden is an adventure traveler with artisan friends around the world that create rhythm instruments for his company Jamtown. Since 1995 (~25 years!) he facilitates in-the-moment, hands-on rhythm for youth, community and business. He is a Global Certified Trainer of Village Music Circles. He writes & performs kids music with ukulele and Jamtown props - The Howdy Band! He has produced the Northwest Folklife Rhythm Tent Stage since 2004 and teaches hand drum classes weekly. Jamtown award-winning, fair trade products for sale at www.JamtownLive.com Follow JamtownLive rhythm events and travel adventures at Instagram/JamtownLive, FB/JamtownLive.

John Hayden is an adventure traveler with artisan friends around the world that create rhythm instruments for his company Jamtown. Since 1995 (~25 years!) he facilitates in-the-moment, hands-on rhythm for youth, community and business. He is a Global Certified Trainer of Village Music Circles. He writes & performs kids music with ukulele and Jamtown props - The Howdy Band! He has produced the Northwest Folklife Rhythm Tent Stage since 2004 and teaches hand drum classes weekly. Jamtown award-winning, fair trade products for sale at www.JamtownLive.com Follow JamtownLive rhythm events and travel adventures at Instagram/JamtownLive, FB/JamtownLive.

Khmer Amarak Performing Arts is a youth-focused, traditional Khmer music and dance program of the Khmer Community of Seattle King County. We use traditional Khmer performing arts to (re)connect Khmer youth to their heritage and culture while also sharing the richness of Khmer arts with the larger community of Seattle and King County.

A native of Atlanta GA., Larry Vincent Jones has toured the world several times as a professional musician. He performed on four continents with popular R & B Group The Platters. A Seattle resident since 1990, he is a current mainstay in leading clubs and festivals. Known for his spirited, propulsive drumming, Larry is also a talented composer, arranger, and bandleader. Larry has studied with percussionists Michael Carvin, Keith Copeland, Joe Chambers, and Charlie Persip. Throughout his career, Larry has performed artists such as Kenny Barron Quintet, Joe Henderson, Eddie Harris and Les McCann, Ramsey Lewis, Mose Allison, Charlie Byrd, Larry Ridley, Steve Nelson, Frank Lacey, Jessica Williams and Peggy Stern. In addition to performing, Larry has been teaching since 1992.

Freestyle Candela was founded by Guitarist Leif Totusek and features his compositions based on Soukous guitar, Cuban Rumba and inspirations from Hendrix to Haiti. Leif has played extensively with Soukous Guitar master "Moses Fan Fan" and has performed as a special guest with Tabu Ley Rochereau (Jazz Alley Seattle, Wa.) the godfathers of the soukous form.

Nefi Clark

Saeed Abbas (pronounced Saw-eed Ah bahsz) & the GyeNyame (gin yaw may) Ensemble rock out with spirited West African dance music. Known for his fiery drum solos, Saeed Abbas is the celebrated former master drummer/flutist for Ghana's prestigious Ghana National Dance Theater. He has traveled and performed in many countries. His wish is to share the joyful, healing rhythms of his native lands. Music is Abbas' passion, and his passion is infectious!

Saeed Abbas (pronounced Saw-eed Ah bahsz) & the GyeNyame (gin yaw may) Ensemble rock out with spirited West African dance music. Known for his fiery drum solos, Saeed Abbas is the celebrated former master drummer/flutist for Ghana's prestigious Ghana National Dance Theater. He has traveled and performed in many countries. His wish is to share the joyful, healing rhythms of his native lands. Music is Abbas' passion, and his passion is infectious!

Nathan Collins (Natty) is the founder of Seattle Hand Drummers (est. 2010), a local community organization and drum and rhythm community. Natty has been a rhythm musician since early childhood and has developed his skills and passion, playing a variety of instruments and multitude of genres. Recently, Natty has completed Village Music Circles Drum Circle Facilitator Certification and is excited to expand and grow the Seattle Hand Drummers engagement programs as well as help develop new and upcoming facilitators in our community.

International Capoeira Angola Foundation Seattle is a non profit organization with the mission to promote Capoeira Angola, the African-Brazilian martial art in the Pacific Northwest. We aim to create an inclusive and vibrant community for people express themselves, make connections and build community through the fundamentals of Capoeira Angola, movements, music, history and African philosophy.

Simone La Drumma claims she is "the world's oldest, shortest, deafest, blindest female hand drum teacher." She has been composing and performing on hand drums since 1987, first as a member of several Seattle-based bands and then, from 1992 to 1999, as founder and Director of Ladies Don't Drum, an all-female percussion ensemble who performed and recorded with the Seattle Men's Chorus, Maya Angelou, Holly Near and Bobby McFerrin, among others. Their CD, "Nailin' It" received excellent reviews. In 1991 Simone began teaching drumming "for a loving" with the creation of Drumming & The Holistic Expression of Rhythm, a method of learning to play hand drums that bridges the gap between our ancient tribal heritage and modern life. Since that time she has brought the magic of rhythmic expression to thousands of people across the U.S., Canada and Europe. In Seattle she offers drumming classes on Afro-Cuban congas and African djembes for all levels and genders. Simone also brings her drums to parties, rituals, schools, libraries, prisons, to special populations, and everywhere the Spirit of the Drum leads her.

Starting on conga drums at 16, Tor moved from Seattle to the Bay Area at 18 to study tabla with Zakir Hussain, becoming the youngest member of the legendary Diga Rhythm Band with Hussain and Grateful Dead drummer Mickey Hart one year later. Tor has taught both congas and tabla for more than 45 years.

Tykeida Gore - Professional Dancehall & Caribbean dancer and instructor. 12 time Dancehall Queen champion, East Coast region.

Zambuko Marimba Ensemble performs traditional and contemporary marimba of Zimbabwe. The music is joyful to listen to and very conducive for dancing. Zambuko has been performing for over 10 years throughout the Northwest. Sheree Seretse studied the world of Zimbabwean Music and dance through Dr. Dumisani Maraire. Sheree was instrumental in developing several performing ensembles through the Langston Hughes Cultural Arts Center. Seretse has also taught at multiple schools in the Northwest, Northeast and Canada. Sheree is the music director of both the Zambuko and Anzanga Marimba Ensembles.