Panzumo Entertainment: Bio
Budhi Harlow
Budhi Harlow is musician, composer, drum teacher, and dynamic performer. He has produced 5 albums ranging from pop rock to electronic to instructional - all based on traditional West African Rhythms. Budhi has studied traditional drumming all over the world; primarily in Senegal, where he lived on and off for 9 years. He offers professional training in the djembe tradition in Santa Barbara and Ventura, CA. His students are trained to perform at private events, dance classes, and public celebrations like Earth Day and the Summer Solstice Parade. His newest performance troupe, "Konkoba", is based out of Ventura, CA. Budhi has been sharing his passion for West African music and dance to children and adults for over 13 years. Please visit Budhi's MySpace page and his blog!
Lisa Beck
Lisa Beck is a singer, drummer, and dancer for Panzumo and Konkoba. Lisa has been performing since a very young age and has immersed herself in West African drumming and various dance traditions for the past 6 years. Her angelic voice can be heard on 3 of Panzumo's recordings, "Enter the Panther", "Speaking in Tongues", and "Audio Ritual". Lisa co-teaches and assists drum classes and workshops with Budhi, and leads dance classes in Santa Barbara and Ventura. Lisa taught preschool and afterschool programs for 4 years, and enjoys co-leading African Drum, Dance, and Song programs for children with Budhi. Visit Lisa's MySpace page and her blog! Contact Lisa at info@panzumo.com
Panzumo and Konkoba Ensembles
Panzumo, based in Santa Barbara, California, was formed in 1998 by Budhi Harlow, and has performed all over Southern California since inception. Steeped in West African drum and dance traditions, Panzumo creates an uplifting and transformational experience for all. Their live performances are unforgettable, and they are known for their collaborations with classical musicians, and dancers and drummers from other world traditions.
Konkoba is a high energy drum and dance performance troupe based out of Pulse Drumming in Ventura. Budhi Harlow, Kimberly Brower, and Lisa Beck formed Konkoba to bring the rich drum and dance traditions of Africa to Ventura County and surrounding areas. Like Panzumo, Konkoba is rooted in djembe but achieves its own musical identity with melodic percussion, creating arrangements for tongue drums, hammered dulcimer, and steel pans. For booking information, please call PULSE DRUMMING at (805) 648-DRUM. Visit Konkoba's information page on the Pulse Drumming website.
Kids and Family Programs
Budhi and Lisa both have years of experience working with children of all ages. They currently offer drum and dance programs for youngsters at Kindermusik with Kathy in Santa Barbara and at Pulse Drumming in Ventura. They have also developed two programs for elementary schools called "Dance of the Forest" and "Lions, Tigers, and Drums", and are currently presenting the program in Santa Barbara and Ventura. The goal is to form partnerships with schools interested in having a continuing drum and dance program. If you would like them to come to your child's school for a free interactive presentation, please inform your child's teacher and principal and have them contact us at (805) 966-4604.
