Troupe Bannat Tahya "rang" in the new year processing with frame drums, riq, doumbec, finger cymbals, bell and sistra in St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in the middle of Pennsylvania (State College) celebrating that community's First Night festivities, coordinated by the Central PA Festival of the Arts. We presented two programs and both were well-attended (the church was filled to capacity). The audience response was grand; they were attentive to our presentation and when invited, fully participatory! In addition to our percussion processional, we offered Rumi poetry with gesture accompanied on tar by Moe Jerant. We also presented frame drum compositions by Glen Velez and closed the program inviting the audience's participation singing/chanting the words to the 'Fanga' rhythm welcoming the New Year and (asking Heaven above for) Peace ~ Ashe Ashe (So be it!)

Here's what some folks had to say:

"Dear Tahya, Thank you for your wonderful celebration and spirit at First Night in State College, PA ... (it) was fantastic! "

- Dave Tukey