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The six member Bakra Bata Steel Drums Band began providing entertainment services in the Seattle area in 1984, under the leadership of Michael Shantz. They have created a highly original and distinctly American style entertainment that draws primarily from the root traditions of trans-Atlantic cultures as they have developed in Caribbean music.
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The principal instruments featured are the steel drums (also known as "steel pan drums"), played in combination with a fascinating variety of other Caribbean musical 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.
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Bakra Bata 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.
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The group has a long association with professional dancers, and is thus able to present full or abbreviated entertainment programs of Caribbean 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, steel drums, and other enchanting instruments. With such an extensive repertoire, event organizers can select different combinations of programs to suit their specific entertainment needs.
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Copyright © 2001 Bakra Bata, all rights reserved.
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