Black Bear Moon Rhythm Ensemble

“Dazzling renditions of traditional Mandinka music, from Guinea, West Africa, performed on djembe, tambin (African flute), balafon, dunun drums, bolon, and more.”

BBM Rhythm Ensemble Performance Schedule

Bookings/Press Info:

The Black Bear Moon Rhythm Ensemble is a talented and energetic group of performers combining their skills to present and perform a unique and compelling selection of traditional West African rhythms and songs.

The Ensemble’s performances feature the tight rhythm work and earthy traditional West African grooves for which they are becoming known throughout the northeast. The group’s uplifting performances combine a timeless sense of spirit and musical adventure with a deep respect and understanding for the musical form and the tradition from which it comes.

Having studied with masters in Guinea and Ghana, West Africa, the Ensemble skillfully works instruments like the djembe, sangban, dununba, and kenkeni drums, as well as the tambin (an African flute, also known as the Fula flute), the krin (log drum), and more — weaving together an evening of music that audience members talk about long after the show.

Contact us about booking the Ensemble for your next event.

Black Bear Moon Discography

Wading into the River Djoliba is the BBM Rhythm Ensemble’s first release, which features dazzling renditions of traditional Mandinka music, from Guinea, West Africa — performed on djembe, tambin (African flute), balafon, dunun drums, bolon, and more.

Wading into the River Djoliba now available for purchase online here, as well as at all BBM events.

About the Black Bear Moon Team

Dave Kobrenski

Director, Ensemble Member
Dave Kobrenski is an accomplished musician, artist, and educator who travels yearly to Guinea, West Africa,…more about Dave

Kerri Biller

PR, Dance Instructor, Ensemble Member
Dancer and teacher Kerri Biller brings her enthusiastic and supportive approach to teaching together with…more about Kerri

Doug Santaniello

Ensemble Member
Doug spent much of his life banging on tables until blues-singer friend Claire put a cookie tin and brushes…more about Doug

Audrey Garretson

Ensemble Member
Audrey Garretson has been studying West African Drumming for nine years and is one of the original members…more about Audrey

Keith Doran

Ensemble Member
Keith is very mysterious, and not much is known about him. He comes and goes very quietly, and sometimes…more about Keith

Alexis Eynon

Ensemble Member
Alexis Eynon has been involved in music for as long as she can remember. As a child she studied piano and…more about Alexis

Loa Bersen

Ensemble Member
Loa’s first introduction to African drumming was during a cultural exchange trip to Cuba where she…more about Loa

Frank Anderson

Dance Instructor
Musician and dancer Frank Anderson began studying the music of West Africa in 1986. He has studied dance…more about Frank