From lilting bossa nova to explosive batucada, “The Rhythm of Axé ” celebrates the infectious rhythms, movement, and art of Brazil and Cuba, in both their ancestral African roots forms and contemporary fusion expressions.  Enjoy an evening of West African, Afro-Brazilian and Afro-Cuban percussion, music, dance, multimedia art and transformational ritual in a passionate celebration of Axé---A Yoruban ritual salutation honoring “the creative life force” and “good vibration” that permeates all things.

The evening presents a kaleidoscope of master artists including: The Shaman’s Dream World Groove Ensemble, directed by world-beat percussionist Craig Kohland and dancer Micheline Berry; West African percussion ensemble Djelia Kadi directed by Dramane from Burkina Faso; Afro-Cuban percussion and dance Ensemble Malaika; Afro-Brazilian Batucada & Caipoeira ensemble Mestre Amen & The Batuqueiros; “Sarava” a dance performance honoring the elemental forces, the Orixa by Swing Brazil Dance Company, directed by Vida Vierra and Dani Lunn; also featuring DJ Drez spinning World beats and enlightening hoop dance ecstasy with Rayna McInturf & Hoopnotica Dance Company. Multimedia art, photo and video installations by Jorge Vismara, Alejandro Gedeon, Franklin London, Antoine Bonsorte and Wendell Wiggins.