The Baltimore Rhythm Festival returns to Greenmount West on Saturday, Sept. 26, offering a free, family‑friendly day of music, dance, cultural traditions and hands‑on learning. The event runs from noon to 6 p.m. behind the Baltimore Montessori Public Charter School at 1600 Guilford Ave., just blocks from Penn Station in the Greenmount West/Station North Arts District.
Opening Ceremonies and Featured Performers
The festival opens with a Homa Fire Ceremony led by Baltimore‑based actor and storyteller Maria Broom, known for her recurring roles on “The Wire” and “The Corner.” Broom, a recipient of the Eubie Blake Award, the Governor’s Arts Award for Individual Artist, and Young Audiences of Maryland’s Artist of the Year (2007), will set a celebratory tone for the day.
Following the ceremony, yoga instructor Michele Blu will guide a Sound Bath. Blu, who opened Baltimore’s first Black‑owned yoga studio in 2008, now focuses on Kemetic yoga, an African/Egyptian practice.
Music stages include the Street Stage, featuring Bumbada, Soroché, headliner Mahiri “Spicy Khasso” Fainké A.R.T., and the FoReign DestinÉtion Arkestra. The Grove Stage will showcase Park Vibe, Goucher Dancers and the Moziah Saleem Group.
Workshops and Community Participation
True to its mission of making audiences full participants, the festival offers a range of workshops. Jason Baker will lead a community drum circle, while movement workshops feature Ana Temple, Mahiri “Spicy Khasso” Fainké, Adjetey Kluufo, BB Penda and Serges Essombo Ewane. Music and rhythm sessions include Baba Abu, a women’s Samba group, Steve Bloom, Yu or Amadou and Baile McKnight, who will teach a Shekere workshop.
No prior experience is required for any activity, ensuring everyone can join in.
Children’s Area and Family Fun
The Children’s Area, facilitated by Jessica Smith, offers youth‑focused activities presented by the Living Classrooms Foundation, followed by a puppet show starring Joshua Smith.
Local vendors will line the marketplace with art, clothing, jewelry, handcrafted goods and a variety of food options, providing families with plenty of choices for meals and souvenirs.
Closing Dance Hour
At 5 p.m., the community is invited to move together during a Dance Hour featuring DJ Talbolt Johnson and performer Shawna Divine, wrapping up the day’s celebrations.
All performances, workshops and activities are free and open to the public, rain or shine. A full schedule is available on the festival’s website and social‑media channels.
Original reporting: Baltimore Fishbowl — read the source article.
