I have developed a great love of Brazilian culture ever since meeting Jose Lorenzo and other Brazilian artists in 1979. I play many Brazilian percussion instruments, including pandiero, repinique and cuica. I have been involved with Carnaval de San Francisco since it started in 1980 and have paraded and performed with the Bay Area's premier Brazilian dance group, Escola Nova de Samba on many occasions. From 1989 to 1992, I was section leader, song leader, lead drummer and eventually Bateria director for the Escola Nova performing company. I have performed at several Grand Carnaval Balls as a member of the all-star percussion orchestra and have played percussion for several Brazilian bands including San Francisco's "Viva Brazil" and "The Brazilian Beat." I have added Brazilian percussion to albums by Steve Kindler and Michell Sell, among others.

In 1989 I traveled to Brazil and spent 5 weeks visiting temples and spiritual communities with Brazilian healer Antonio Costa e Silva. For 10 years, I was an Ogan (drum/song leader) for the Healing Buddha Foundation, a group under the direction of Lama Shakya Zangpo who has combined Tibetan Buddhism and Brazilian Umbanda.

In 1991 I was fortunate to study intensely with Jorge Alabe, Mestre dos Atabaques, e Mestre de Bateria. Jorge was percussion director of the world class Brazilian Musical "Oba Oba" and is considered one of the most knowledgeable members of the Candomble Community. With knowledge and inspiration from Jorge and Mestre King (renowned Afro Brazilian dance teacher from Salvador, Bahia), Anastasia Fischer and I formed our own Brazilian-inspired dance and drum group. We have performed throughout the North Bay region in parades and theaters and at parties and festivals. Our group, "Carnaval Spirit" was called upon to be the opening act for the world famous Drummers of Burundi and has won several awards.

My current projects include composing and recording original rhythms for the Brazilian Bateria, as well as adapting music from other cultures to it.

More info on Carnaval Spirit

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All materials copyright 1998 PulseWave Percussion and Kim Atkinson.