Batala Washington

Hi All,

Just wanted to add a couple extra observations about our DC Trip...

Monday the 19th:
We had gone to the Dupont Circle area and came across a ritual purification of the White House (obviously the Secret Service wouldn't be especially keen on this event occurring on-site). A couple people were exhorting the crowd with a vigor reminiscent of old-time preachers, leading everyone in various call-and-response chants and such. There must have been the equivalent of fifty pounds of sage that was smoldering as the event drew to a close. A couple of other drummers started playing, so we chimed in (no pun intended?) with our own equipment, and cobbled together a decent groove.

The more-or-less lead drummer informed us there was going to be a performance by a female Brazilian percussion group later that evening, & gave us the general location - it would be outdoors, so we figured to just follow the sound of the drums.

When we arrived, there was a large group of drummers laying down some very serious grooves; they all wore their drums slung mid- to - low on the hips. Their choreography didn't have some of the big, sweeping features of some styles of Taiko drumming; nonetheless the members played through the rhythms with fluid arm movements, and overall a remarkable blend of grace and power, non-stop, over the course of their lengthy performance. The nearly 50-member group was very together-sounding, and could stop-and-restart with a different rhythm pattern on a dime. Most impressive.

http://www.batalawashington.com/

The group also has a Facebook page - if you're on Facebook, become a fan so you can receive updates, etc.

Wednesday the 21st:
The big drive back to Boston.
Thanks to Google Maps, we are equipped with a different route, which skirts NYC and thus is quicker. We effortlessly get through Maryland & Delaware....

then....

we miss a redirection to get on 295 in New Jersey.

Fie on Google Maps!!!

Our involuntary detour took us into Pennsylvania and we soon became ensnared in the early stages of Philadelphia's rush hour. Everyone not driving consulted the Atlas and GPS Nav System to try and figure out how & where to transition back on course. We eventually figured it out, and after a roundabout, three-up, four-down, five-to-go series of exits, connecting roads and a toll gate or two, we got back on track and from there it was smooth sailing.

Well, driving. ; )