Photo: The Batala Drum Corp tore shit up on Ellsworth Drive during Saturday's Spirit of Silver Spring event. Credit: J. Deseo/SSP.
Saturday night’s hardcore partying on Ellsworth Drive started with a bang — or more like a boom. Lots of boom. Like boom shaka-laka-laka boom!
The District-based Batala drum corp busted hard Brazilian-inspired beats as its members shimmied their way through the Downtown Silver Spring shopping center’s core. By the time they reached a sun-soaked Silver Plaza, the groove had infected hundreds of awaiting spectators.
The performance, and a few salsa lessons before that, introduced the third annual Spirit of Silver Spring event. The party, thrown by the nonprofit group Impact Silver Spring, encouraged neighbors to get down with other neighbors. It also honored businesses and individuals who have made Silver Spring a cool place to be.
Photo: The lead singer of this 1980s cover band thinks I'm old. Credit: R. Pace/SSP.
After a few laudatory remarks (which were not witnessed by this Penguin), a 1980s cover band rolled out joints “just like your mamma played on the radio when you were little”, one of two female lead singers announced. The band then busted into Chaka Kahn’s “Ain’t Nobody”.
No injurious Molly Ringwald dance moves were reported.
Video photography by R. Pace/SSP.
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Great event – hope they repeat it often
The event was absolutely great, and the women from Batala band were amazing!
We need more free Salsa lessons in Silver Spring