AshoFem is an East-Bay-based women’s percussion group that supports women’s empowerment through embodied rhythm. Our name is a play on words, taken from the French word échauffement (pronounced esho-feh-mahnt), meaning to “heat it up” or increase the tempo of a rhythm, and the name Asho means “pure of heart” or “beautiful woman” (urban dictionary).
Traditionally in many cultures around the world, women have been discouraged from playing drums, and only recently have we been stepping up to break this perception! We express our feminine musical strength in traditional pieces as well as original work through drums, body percussion, and vocals, while interacting with the crowd and getting them on their feet. Come see us heat things up!
It is with the support of our master teachers that we spread world music to bridge our cultures and communities.
Upcoming Performances
World Percussion Concert
March 7, 2020: 8-10 pm – Doors at 6:30 pm!
Gallery Giuseppe 729 Heinz Ave, #9, Berkeley, CA $25 advanced/$30 day of
Join us for this exciting celebration of rhythm and global collaboration!
The Father Time Trio of drummers, who have collectively played with James Brown, Carlos Santana, Herbie Hancock and Bonnie Riatt, are offering a pan-African celebration of powerful percussion and cultural creativity.
The Father Time Trio features MASSAMBA DIOP, 2019 Oscar and Grammy Award winner for his signature percussion in the Marvel blockbuster film THE BLACK PANTHER. Massamba has been the principal Tama (Talking Drum) player with Senegalese superstar Baaba Maal for over 20 years, and his performing and recording credits include Herbie Hancock, James Brown and Peter Gabriel.
EDGARDO CAMBON is the Congeuro (Conga drummer) and lead singer with CANDELA, the stalwart Bay Area salsa ensemble which has blessed the community with over 20 years of performances, recordings and great times. Edgardo has also performed with Eddie Palmeiri, Carolos Santana and Oakland’s own Rhythm Cafe.
BOBBY WALLACE is the jack-of-all-trades percussionist whose credits include work in Brazil (Margareth Menezes, Amanda Santiago, Airto Moreira), Trinidad (David Rudder, Ray Holman, Starlift Steel Orchestra) and the USA (Bonnie Riatt, Mickey Hart, John Santos). Bobby is also the charismatic leader of Oakland’s renown Rhythm Cafe.
Also featuring members of the All-Women’s percussion ensemble ASHOFEM, fresh off their RAISE THE ROOF collaborative show in February, 2020.Come early and enjoy 12″ wood-fired pizzas for sale! Hot fresh Neapolitan style pizza, fired quickly in a 900 Caldera pizza oven fueled with select almond wood. The homemade dough is fermented for 48 hours for a better chew, crisps up in less than 3 minutes. The specialty floavor is a Margherita. Sausage, peppers, and mushrooms also available. $14 per pizza.
PayPal accepts debit cards, credit cards, or bank payments Your tickets will not be mailed or emailed, we will have a name list at the door