A Belizean born artists, rooted in the Garifuna and Creole Culture…has performed, presented and through out Central America, southern USA at festivals, retreats, resorts and schools!

Performing and collaborating with various artists, Mark brings traditional ceremonial Garifuna arrangements and performs the popular blended “Punta” rhythms and songs!

Mark also perform solo shows as a drummer and singer both original piece and remixed sets from the strong “Niabingi” beats of the elders to the high energy rhythms of the “Punta”!

He performances are high energy, captivating and engaging… as he weave tales of his people journey through the each rhythm and songs…rooted in Africa the Garifuna people travel through the rhythms and drums of the Caribbean!

Mark brings these tales to life through his interactive show, where in the relations of drummer and dancer are present…audience members are encourage…to get up and dance, sharing the stage bring energy to rhythms! Mark breathes positive vibes into each performance!

Rhythm Workshop

Mark, share his talents, passion and artistry with dedication and attention…
He offer interactive rhythm and drum making workshop for all ages…

“Positive Vibes” rhythms workshops, experience the power of the drum and rhythms…

It’s the Garifuna drum workshop where the spiritual connection described by Copeman becomes obvious. A soulful man from Belize, Mark Welch, is sharing his tropical rhythms.

His deep voice penetrates. “The first beat is the heart…Listen to your heart” he urges “ it has rhythm. Whenever you grab a drum, find the bass as it fits to your beat. The bass hits you and the music penetrates your heart.”

The circle joins in with his funky beats and Welch sings out, “Free those fingers. Let it send you away – what your body hears your spirit goes”

Yvonne Turgeon
Okanagan Life Magazine
November/December 2010

Mark Welch kicked off the 1st Annual Okanagan Rhythm Fest '09 performance with a rousing display of traditional Garifuna drumming and song from Belize! Marks opening segment energized the crowd and allowed ORF '09 to begin with a truly inspirational performance. 

Mark's drum making portion of his workshop provided participants with a clear understanding of how to make a traditional drum from Belize. His inviting style of teaching and sharing made participants feel at ease and eager to take part, as he welcomed everyone to become hands on. Mark's gift for playing and teaching was evident as he shared his knowledge and demonstrated his mastery of the drum. The drumming workshop was filled with funky beats to play and allowed everyone to feel successful.

Executive Director

Okanagan Rhythm Festival Society

www.okanaganrhythmfest.ca

Garifuna Drum Making
He hosts family programs, in which parent and children assemble a drum followed by a drum circle! 

Mark captivates audience members of all ages… with his genuine presence and enchanting stories! He brings these programs to schools, community centers, local market and festivals through out Central America and southern USA....

In BC Canada for the first time he toured fall 2009…leaving a path of songs rhythms and drums in various communities!

The families that participated in the drum making workshop were very pleased they had the opportunity to learn about the Garifuna drums as they were making them.  The children loved the fact that they could take the drum they made home.  They definitely were inspired because they continue to  bring out the drums during free play and "jam" together.

 Marks workshop was filled with lots of energy, positive drum vibrations and materials right from Belize, it was an authentic experience

Testimonial By Parents

His attention and skill will engage you as he takes you through a journey of creating your own drum…through the stories, songs and rhythms of his people!

Mark connects with people…sharing “positive vibes” in each performance, demonstration and drum!

He begins is story with “If everyone had a drum art from the heart beat as one!”

He returns summer 2010, and tours through out BC, at festivals, local markets and art events
Join him at one of his many events or contact Mark to book your own event!

Check out our upcoming events

Mark attention to details and energy goes into each drum that manifest into a unique functional art piece! Mark also host drum making demonstration in various settings from schools, festival to retreat events…an amazing experience to be present Mark, master drum maker create a drum while he weaves organic tales of his people and the journey and honor of creating a drum that bring positive vibrations into our lives.  He begins with…If everyone had a drum art from the heart beat as one…”  

The founder of Expression Performing artists and Educator showcased on CBC radio/TV, CHBCTV. Angela has studied African Drum & Dance for several years, performing with the West African, Togo based drum & percussion ensemble“Gamalie”.

Dedicated to the arts and education and has studied various dance and percussion styles; Afro-Cuban, African, Garifuna, Indian, first nations… Angela collaborates with artists…co-founded the Images modern dance co. she performed and choreographed works are know for their cultural fusion and dance production to live voice & percussion ensemble.
  
Recipient, of the Prime Minister Award for Excellence, Angela work closely with community dedication and vitality brining her passion to children and families…“you’ll walk away feeling energized & inspired!  Recording with co-artist on the “Tambour Moving Art Project”, she is featured in the “West Coast Visionary Book, artist educator with Learning through the Art of royal conservatory, and studied the Orf Music, released her “unity child” CD in July 2009.

After traveling throughout Central America, experiencing the vibrant rhythmic and storytelling culture of the Garifuna people, Playing the Primero and Segunda drum and making her own! Captivated by the unique sound and rhythms…appreciating the fresh, organic and natural creation of these drums……

Angela and Mark embarked on an adventured and decided to take this to Canada… Fall 2009 toured BC, bringing together talents and a fusion of drums and rhythms! Angela of “Expression” and Mark of “Mc Caribbean drums” have co-created “Art from the Heart” ! summer 2010 tour throughout BC hosting venders, drum making booths and co-performing/presenting… blending voice, drums & rhythms…

“About the collective experience of rhythm… one aspect of sound we all have in common…the exploration is interactive, learn by doing, process… experience is engaging and positive we maintain the experience. Drum and rhythm breath wellness and a collective community exchange or all people.” Angela Roy