Like Water Drum & Dance Like Water Drum & Dance is a Washtenaw County, Michigan-based percussion and dance troupe, showcasing traditional West African drumming and dancing and original compositions. Like Water Drum & Dance delivers explosive performances of incredible dance and captivating West African rhythms. Athletic performers, hand-made instruments, beautiful costumes and high-energy unity combine to impress, enlighten and exhilarate audiences. The shows are not only a musical and visual spectacle, but also inspirational, as the group raises African and World cultural awareness, social consciousness, as well as the ideals of unity and community. Like Water Drum & Dance was founded in September of 2000 by Ryan Edwards, in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The group is an ensemble of musicians and dancers intrigued and inspired by West African drumming and dancing and the unique sense of community they create. Like Water Drum & Dance has performed throughout the Midwestern United States at music festivals, concert and club dates, parties, as well as in schools and universities. Like Water combines their performance platform with school and community drum and dance classes, drum-making workshops, trips to West Africa, and more. Take note of this at once traditional and truly unique ensemble as they continue on their mission of music and dance, unity and community. In praise of Like Water performances: “…..Like Water packed the Blind Pig (concert space, Ann Arbor, MI)….the audience clapped (with the music), danced and watched wide-eyed as the group’s dancers used …dance moves to intensify the drum rhythms.” Katherine Lowrie Ann Arbor News "I really felt the enthusiasm in the music.... it was spectacular, all the different sounds were amazing." 8th grader – Saginaw, MI "That music made you want to get up and dance. And those dancers were awesome!" A 6th grader Sault St. Marie, MI “I thought it was awesome. I liked all the beats and the music. They were all real good.” Kimberly Phiebis 12 years old Howard City, Michigan In praise of To the Roots; “With To the Roots…. I could appreciate the fascinating intricacies laced through each track and the actual journey of rhythm I take as I listen.” Bill Hohnke Chelsea Standard Chelsea, MI “This CD rocks.” Sarah Daher Crazy Wisdom Community Journal, Ann Arbor, MI Named “top 10 album picks of 2004” by Rod Russell for the program “Africa Beyond". Broadcast on WNMC 90.7 fm Traverse City, MI. “…the musicians are technically sound, consistently mounting complex layers of rhythm.” Jenn McKee The Ann Arbor News Ann Arbor, MI To The Roots Nominated for a 2005 National “Jammie” Award by WYCE Radio in Grand Rapids, MI