Catedra Baila, Toca y Canta Afrovenezolano

Experience the soul-stirring pulse of Afro‑Venezuelan tradition at the Cátedra Baila, Toca y Canta Afrovenezolano, a masterclass in tambor, canto y danza led by the legendary Betsayda Machado and her ensemble, La Parranda El Clavo. Taking place Saturday, August 16 at CoFitness, this immersive workshop, presented by Organización San Juan USA and hosted by Grace Salamanca and Antonio Laya, invites participants to explore the rhythmic heart and cultural depth of Barlovento’s musical traditions through hands-on learning.

Raised in the coastal town of El Clavo, Betsayda Machado, known as "The Voice of Barlovento " began singing with La Parranda El Clavo in the late 1980s. The group has shared its spirit‑shaking tambor music—drums, call‑and‑response vocals, and movement—for nearly thirty years at local festivities, funerals and community celebrations. Described by the New York Times as “vital, accomplished, local, unplugged, deeply rooted,” their performances blend circular rhythms, vocal harmonies and powerful percussion using instruments like cumaco, furruco and quitiplás.