Young Women Lift their Hands and Voices in "Empowering the Souls of Today"

WHO: The Young Women's Drumming Empowerment Project

WHAT: 3rd Annual Final Performances: "Empowering the Souls of Today"

WHERE: Patricia M. Sitar Center for the Arts

WHEN: Sept. 22 7 p.m.; Sept. 29 7 p.m.; Sept. 30 3 p.m.

Directions/Other www.sitarcenter.org


The Young Women's Drumming Empowerment Project, a community-based organization that uses drumming, spoken word poetry, song, movement and performance to empower young women, is excited to announce its 3rd Annual Final Performances.

The performances, entitled "Empowering the Souls of Today," will be held at the Patricia M. Sitar Center for the Arts, at 1700 Kalorama Rd NW, on Saturday Sept. 22 at 7 p.m.; Saturday Sept. 29 at 7 p.m.; and Sunday Sept. 30 at 3 p.m.

YWDEP is thrilled to announce the graduation of four young women, who will be performing alongside graduates from both of YWDEP's previous summer programs as the “Sway2Beat Rhythm Prophets.”

"This summer we faced great challenges and learned the power of trust and commitment," said Kristen Arant, Project Founder and Director. "I have seen these young women grow in leaps and bounds, and couldn't be prouder to share the stage with them."

The performance includes a total of 11 young women ages 13-18 performing African, Afro-Cuban and Go-Go beats on hand drums and percussion, along with their own poetry, movement and songs. Their voices illuminate their perspectives and experience, projecting wisdom, righteousness, disillusionment and hope.

YWDEP has hosted workshops every Wednesday and Saturday since mid-June, and received a total of 40 young women participants throughout the summer. The girls worked on poetry and spoken word with award-winning artists including Michelle Sewell, Regie Cabico and Sage Xaxua Morgan-Hubbard. They discovered the power of movement with Binahkaye Joy, and took rhythm and drumming classes with Kristen Arant, Holley Meyers and Abasi Johnson. They learned songs from Elise Bryant, and built their performance repertoire and technique with The Princess of Controversy, Anu Yadav and Patrick Crowley. In addition, they engaged in team building, improved their leadership and communication skills, and formed lasting bonds with one another.

Now, they bring an immense feeling of hope and joy to audiences who witness their incredible talent and courage. Please join us!

Admission: $10/$7 for valid student ID
DISCOUNT GROUP RATES AVAILABLE by calling 202-213-7810/email info@youngwomendrum.org
For more information, or to purchase tickets in advance: www.youngwomendrum.org