BATO BATO! consists of a couple dozen high school students, a bunch of marimbas, and a plethora of percussion. Our name is Swahili for "dancing place"—and that's just what we do! Although our style is deeply rooted in Latin rhythms and the Shona music of Zimbabwe, we also love to play marimbafied renditions of our favorite pop, alternative, rock, rap, and soul songs. Due to the nature of high school, we are constantly gaining new members while our seniors graduate at the end of the year and head off to college. Because of this unique dynamic, BATO BATO! is continually turning over, pushing us to always be learning each other's parts, and crafting new songs. 

Since 2009, BATO BATO! has enjoyed playing routinely at venues like Orchestra Hall, The Cedar Cultural Center, the Midtown Global Market, Minnesota Landscape Arboretum and the Minnesota State Fair, opening for international acts like Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Sierra Leone's Refugee All-Stars, and the Bassekou Kouyate & Ngoni ba. However, we also have a deep commitment to helping out and enlivening the Twin Cities. By organizing benefit concerts, volunteering to provide entertainment for charity events, and performing at schools and shelters, BATO BATO! gives back to our community when we can. If you are interested in having BATO BATO! play at your venue, please get in touch at batobato@breckschool.org.