Grace Drums

Founded in 2010, GRACE DRUMS is a music ensemble of spirited women with the singular mission of making joy contagious across all races, ethnicities, religions, gender & sexual orientation, and any and all other social lines. Using time-honored West African percussion
instruments (djembe, djundjun, bells, shakers & frame drums), traditional & western vocals, GRACE DRUMS bridges the traditional to the contemporary, blending influences in R&B, Afro-Caribbean music, with drums and vocal traditions of West Africa & beyond. The result is
original life-affirming music featuring percussion & vocals. Each GRACE DRUMMER is a versatile artist with experience in a variety of performance arts including music, dance, theater, and storytelling. We draw from each other’s strength & creativity to honor our musical roots & influences in the Caribbean (Haiti, Panama, Trinidad), West Africa (Ghana, Guinea), and North America, while exploring what these roots mean to us now as women raised in, living & working in North America. Bridging the traditional with the contemporary, using instruments historically played by men, a GRACE DRUMMER also embodies unlimited possibility and creativity. They drum & sing in the name of women and girls everywhere, in recognition of the gift that each person brings to the table by their very presence, affirming that there is room for everyone.
Gabriella Dennery
Grace Drums founder and artistic director, percussionist, arranger, composer Gabriella believes in the healing joy of rhythm. Gabriella grew up with the grooves of her ancestral land, Haitian kompas and other traditional music, as well as Cu- ban son, West and South African big band music, and 70’s disco. She is also an accomplished violinist which she has played since the age of six.
Arlene Hale
Vocalist, percussionist, and storyteller, Arlene, was born and raised in the Bronx. She attended The Fiorello La Guardia High School of Music and Art, where she first studied voice. Arlene has been a member several distinguished New York City choirs, including The Riverside Church Inspirational Choir and The New York City Sacred Center Choir.
Gena Jefferson
For percussionist, vocalist, dancer, choreographer Gena, music and performance are second nature. Born into a family of musicians from Panama, Gena grew up with the sounds of Latin jazz, West Indian dance music, and Panamanian folk music. While a teen she was encouraged by a beloved high school teacher who saw the musical potential in her, so she followed in the musical footsteps of her family.
Corey Myers-Jones
Percussionist and guitarist Corey was born in Philadelphia and now lives in Brooklyn. At a young age she began playing keyboard and singing in choruses.
Catherine Poku
Percussionist and dancer Catherine is the youngest child of immigrants from the Ashanti region of Ghana, West Africa. Catherine was raised in Canada performing the dances, music, and rhythms of the region. She hails from a family of dancers and choreographers, and has performed for the Montreal-based, award winning Shaka Dancers, and the avant-garde, Acroyoga-inspired Special
Blend Dance.
JoAnna Powell
Dancer, percussionist, vocalist and choreographer JoAnna was born in Harlem to Trinidadian parents. She has been a professional dance artist, choreographer and teacher for over 30 years. Her eclectic style draws from modern, contemporary, jazz, improvisation and multicultural forms, and she has extensive experience in all aspects of theatre crafts. JoAnna’s passion for dance began in
Montreal, Canada while a fine arts student.