Beverly Botsford

Beverly Botsford is a cross-cultural percussionist and educator; blending music, movement, and spoken word in solo and ensemble presentations.  Embracing drumming traditions and inspirations of Africa, Cuba, South America and her native North Carolina, she weaves colorful rhythmic tapestries with her infinite array of collected and homemade instruments.

Beverly celebrates more than 30 years of full-time, professional experience, performing and teaching in an infinite variety of situations.   Highlights include 13 years of touring with Chuck Davis and the African American Dance Ensemble as well as more than a decade on the faculty of the American Dance Festival. Over the years, she has shared her passion for rhythm and culture in hundreds of school and community residencies, workshops and performances, in solo and ensemble presentations.

Since 1998, Beverly has toured internationally with Grammy nominated jazz vocalist, Nnenna Freelon in such venues as the Kennedy Center, the Hollywood Bowl, and the Umbria Jazz Festival.   Television credits include appearances on CBS “Good Morning”, BET Jazz, UNC-TV’s “Our State” and WRAL’s award winning, “Smart Start Kids”.  Recent highlights include performing in Hawaii for the President and First Lady Obama along with 200 Heads of State from around the world.

Beverly offers a variety of solo and ensemble performances as well as workshops and residencies. She tailors presentations to the needs of the presenter, the audience and in educational settings, to the curriculum. She is on the education and touring roster for the NC Arts Council as well as  Alternate ROOTS, www.alternateroots.org, intersecting arts and activism to The language of rhythm is universal. Her goal is empowerment, enlightenment and inspiration for people in all walks of life.