The Seattle World Percussion Society (SWPS) celebrates and supports Seattle’s vibrant web of world rhythm and dance teachers, performers, and activities.
We generate discovery and participation in these accessible arts by helping to link students to teachers, and by sponsoring participatory rhythm and dance events.
Through experiencing the infectious rhythms of Africa, Latin America, the Middle East, India, Asia, and Native America, people of all ages and cultures discover the pulse of creativity we share across all cultures.
Highlights of SWPS activities:
World Rhythm Festival (WRF): SWPS produces this annual event at Seattle Center. Drawing regional, national and international world music artists and participants, the WRF is one of largest events of its kind in the world. Over 100 performances and participatory workshops highlight rhythm and dance traditions from around the planet, including one day of special programming for kids and families.
Community Rhythm & Dance Events: SWPS organizes the Rhythm Tent at the NW Folklife Festival, and support other events produced by independent groups. This type of outreach gives thousands more people a chance to discover the musician in them, and appreciate world music and culture.
Community Drum Kit: We make over 300 drums and rhythm instruments available for teachers and facilitators of drum workshops and rhythm events in schools, community events, health & wellness settings, to name a few. SWPS drums have given thousands of people their first or pivotal experience with drumming, the power of rhythm, and the uplift of group music-making.
Resource Directory: The SWPS website is includes links to area teachers, performers, and events where people of all ages, interest areas and experience levels can pursue their learning about world music culture.
On our website you can find out about local teachers, and drum circles. For what’s going on in the Seattle scene, we recommend you subscribe to the Seattle Drum Jams Mailing List. And if you’re not yet a Member yet, please join us!
