Batala Washington, performing earlier this year in the Cherry Blossom ParadeYou’ve probably seen them around, either practicing, performing at a community event, on local television, or marching down the street in a parade. They are hard to miss, after all. An infectious percussion ensemble comprised of a couple dozen or so colorfully dressed women isn’t something one sees everyday. Of course, we’re talking about Batala Washington, the all-women’s drum corps that has brought smiles…

Grateful Dead drummer Mickey Hart wrote in his excellent book, Drumming at the Edge of Magic, that “[w]ords are so inadequate at capturing the spirit of percussion.” One need only go to Malcolm X Park on any given Sunday to see the indescribable and spiritual effect drumming and rhythm can have on the receptive listener. Unfortunately, access to this experience is not universal. Any glance at a your average drum circle, high school marching…