Sort of like peanut-butter and chocolate, the joined forces of international dance festival Folk Moot and downtown Asheville street festival Bele Chere has been a long time coming. Here’s the sure-to-be delicious end result: Batimbo, a drummers ensemble from Burundi in East Africa, will stop by the drum circle held on Friday evening, July 29, at 8 p.m.
According to a press release from Folkmoot USA executive director Karen Babcock, “Their performance has elicited standing ovations throughout Western North Carolina. The drummers sing and play drums carved from tree trunks carried on top of their heads, each weighing up to 70 kilos (about 150 pounds). They are simply amazing.” The downtown Asheville drum circle appearance is “meant to be a surprise for local drummers, who will get a chance to perform with these talented African drummers.”
Batimbo traveled 7,000 miles to be part of Folkmoot, now in its 28th year. The international festival, which includes groups from Finland, China, Italy, Trinidad, Guadeloupe, Croatia and the U.S.A., culminates on Sunday, July 31 with a candlelight closing at Lake Junaluska’s Stuart Auditorium. 7 p.m., Reserved seating $30, $25; General Admission $20; Children (12 & under) 1/2 price.
Watch Batimbo perform at Folkmoot earlier this week:
I fear these drummers may be disappointed at the amateur and incapable fumblings of those at the regular drum circle.