Batucada Yemanja
is the Brazilian word for the driving rhythms of the samba and the groups that play them. Made world famous by the huge “samba schools” that parade during Carnival season, samba is played year round by smaller groups called batucadas. Seattle’s Batucada Yemanjá performs Brazil's two dominant forms of indoor and outdoor samba; Samba Batucada and Partido Alto, both styles are totally danceable and engaging.
America's oldest Batucada - "A Velha Guarda do Oeste" Batucada Yemanjá has been performing since 1978 at Northwest events such as Bumbershoot, the Northwest Folklife Festival, Brasilfest and on stage with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra. After 30 years of playing together, Batucada Yemanjá has expanded on the Brazilian model by including many other folkloric styles in its repertoire. From club dates, wedding receptions or performances before thousands at concerts and festivals, Batucada Yemanjá has recreated the rhythmic magic of Latin America and the Caribbean in a Northwest setting.
Batucada is a six piece group comprised of some very special and dedicated individuals; Tim McCormack, Ken Harris, Janet Yoder, Joe Horsak, Wayne Clark and Gary Harding. The group also serves as a non-profit organization dedicated to the fostering of Brazilian music and culture. In this role, Batucada supports two wonderful children in Brazil and Zimbabwe through World Vision [Visão Mundial], an international relief organization.
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