"I felt so euphoric after this concert for several reasons. It's a true gift when you find a sense of home among a group of individuals. Over the years, I've sweat, I've laughed and I've cried with these men and women. Many have become good friends and others I'm just getting the chance to know.
On Friday, March 25th I had the unique opportunity to both perform with the Djun Djun Mamas as well as photograph the whole event. I've been involved whether as spectator, supporter, or performer with Panzumo for the past 10+ years and this, by far, was their most amazing performance to date."
Read the entire blog and view Rachel's beautiful photos HERE.
In Santa Barbara, California, there are multiple co-ed drum groups that play African and African-Brazilian drums and rhythms. One of these ensembles is Panzumo, lead by Lisa Beck and Budhi Harlow. I initially met Beck and Harlow in 2004 while taking a Brazilian dance class that they played for each Sunday. Their live drumming was infectious and made the class more lively than any other dance class I had taken up to that point. I was taken with the two of them because they were a couple, romantically and professionally, and until then I did not know any male-female percussionist couples who had an egalitarian relationship based on mutual respect and cooperation. Read the rest of the article here.
The day began cloudy and cool but had become rather warm by the time the parade was in full swing. A group of hula hoopers looke tired but still managed to pull off their tricks. A large West African dance group showed no signs of wear. Led by Lisa Beck, an instructor at Santa Barbara Dance Center, their ten weeks of rehearsals had clearly paid off.
'We wanted to do something explosive and fun,' she told the News-Press prior to the parade. 'We're doing two celebratory dances from West Africa. It's all about spreading joy through the music.'
Your concert was unbelievably beautiful. It was all a remarkable putting together of local talent for a kind of universal message - the beauty and warmth of music. But when Budhi said that it was good to see his adherents en masse, it reminded me that I have never said how wonderful his drumming is. From the first hit on the instrument, the audience feels at home in the world. It is amazing that Budhi is a kind of direct conduit to the soul of Africa, and that Lisa has the same propensity. At the first sight of her, we understand what she is talking about - magic, and we love love love love it.
Dee Volz - dancer, teacher (May 19, 2009)
Panzumo and their energy is "Na ka oi"! The chemistry and exchange in their music and heart expands in the heart & soul of many, as it does mine. Thank you for making beautiful music Panzumo and singing, playing song from your hearts and soul!
Dee LaBorte (Sep 5, 2007)
Budhi has so much patience for a teacher. His encouraging attitude keeps you coming back for more. His drumming inspires you to take it to the next level. He definitely brings out the best in his students. His energy lights up a room and its been an honor to study with him.
Love,
Jeanne Tolosko (drummer, world traveler)
Jeanne Tolosko (Oct 23, 2007)
Budhi Harlow brings the art of dance and drumming into a light that is rarely felt, heard or seen.
~Asia (masseuse, esthetician, dancer)
Asia Warren (Oct 23, 2007)
Budhi is a force of nature...his command of the drum is a combination of years of study and a natural talent and passion for this music that comes from a soul-deep place. As a teacher, he's unparralled; patience, humor, and ability. I've been studying with him for 7 years, and there's still so much more to come.
-Cindy Anderson (drummer, dancer, yogi)
Cindy Anderson (Oct 23, 2007)
Because of his indepth knowledge of the West African culture, his skilled musicianship and his passion for the art, Budhi can eloquently shapeshift between being a compassionate teacher, a fierce leader and an exceptional performer. I highly recommend his classes and private sessions to anyone who is interested in learning how to drum. ~Kristen Hoye (dancer, healer, teacher)
Kristen Hoye (Oct 31, 2007)
Since falling in love with the “playfulness and sensuality” of Bollywood dance, Lisa Beck of Santa Barbara has launched a class in Ventura that combines classical Indian, hip-hop, African and other dance styles.
Read more: http://www.vcstar.com/news/2010/nov/16/bollywood-dance-is-workout-way-to-find-playful/#ixzz1770Kqhhz
Lisa's natural grace, beauty and rhythm are truly inspiring, and the combination of dance and voice with the thunder of the djun djuns is a truly liberating experience! She provides a nurturing space for women of all ages and backgrounds to explore the the depths of their sensuality, power, and artistic ability.
Vienna Collins (Mar 29, 2009)
Your beautiful dancing inspires us all, Lisa, to work harder and do better.
Dee Volz - dancer, teacher (May 19, 2009)
Lisa Beck creates and offers such an incredible sanctuary to learn the stories of West African music and dance. This is a wonderful class for any person interested in African dance, whether you are a beginner or have been dancing for years!
-Asia Warren (Masseuse, Esthetician, Healer, Dancer)
Asia Warren (Oct 19, 2007)