"Their music and instruments had us spellbound!"
Jerry Johnson, Librarian
Fitchburg Public Library
Fitchburg, MA

"Steve and Jays' positive, centered approach to music and children left everyone delighted and wanting more."
Alli Lubin, Music Teacher
The Grammar School
Putney, VT

African Rhythms & World Music

Learn more about African Rhythms & World Music

"African Rhythms and World Music" is multi-instrumentalists Jay Cook and Steve Leicach, who take their audiences on a musical journey through Africa, Brazil, and the Caribbean. They bring a spiritual, joyful approach to world music, and their rhythms, compositions, and improvisations are inspirational for all ages.

With a large variety of instruments, including balafon (African xylophone), talking drum, congas, guitar, and harmonica, their shows include audience participation with singing, chanting the language of the drum and hand-clap patterns.

During school residencies and adult workshops, Jay and Steve bring a large assortment of African and African-style instruments. In their workshops, they teach technique, cultural contexts of the instruments, traditional and composed rhythms, dance and improvisation.

Often a residency will culminate in a community-wide performance, with students jamming on stage with Jay and Steve! Learn more about these workshops.

Jay and Steve have been creating music together for ten years, presenting and teaching throughout New England at schools, libraries, camps and music festivals.