Cliff Berrien, Director

Cliff has been the Director of Batucaxé since the group's inception over seven years ago. He brings more than thirty years of experience as a musician and dedicated student of African Diaspora music, having studied music, percussion and culture around the world.

In addition to Batucaxé, Cliff has used that knowledge as a world music DJ, drum circle facilitator, drummer for "Worldbeat Aerobics" classes, assistant director of the Tucson High Brazilian Drumming ensemble, and other novel ways to explore and extend wellness through music. He has collaborated with Alyrio Lima, Todd Hammes, Joan Halifax, Ashana LaBodie, Drum Café, Mike Vercelli and many others.

Yarrow King, Assistant Director, Dance

Yarrow Has studied, taught and performed West African, Brazilian, and Caribbean dance with local and regional ensembles for over 15 years.  She choreographs performance pieces combining traditional and contemporary forms of dance and is the primary instructor for our weekly dance classes. Yarrow's teaching style welcomes students into an experience of fun, safety, and creativity,encouraging participants to explore their own self-expression and emotional, mental and physical well-being.

Mike Zecchino, Assistant Director, Band

Mike has been performing and recording a wide range of music styles for over 25 years, including ten years as Director of the a cappella group Catacoustic Groove. He is the proprietor of The Nail Recording Studio and recently released his second solo CD.

Jeff Simpson, Assistant Director, Band