The last couple of Saturdays we have been heading down to the balneario (public swimming beach) in Rincón to jam with some local congueros. They have been meeting up for some time, but we didn’t realize it was a planned and open event! The first time we saw them we had stopped by the balneario one morning and were enjoying the beach scene of diving pelicans, funny little grackle birds, boats, swimmers and parasailers but slowly kept getting drawn closer and closer to the drummers and the trance-like beats. As I admired the beautiful congas and djembes, they encouraged us to grab some percussion instruments and join the group. Soon we were enveloped into the fold.

I played the cajon and an interesting gourd with a mesh of seeds

As we talked and got to know each other, they said we should come back each Saturday and join them as it is open to everyone. They were convinced I had to be a Latina and specifically from Colombia because of the way I speak Spanish. Britton, they could tell was still “aprendiendo” but he has improved a lot as well! Every day we fit in more and more here! Come down to the balneario some Saturday morning and join us!