Word-Beat combines musical energy with messages that inspire people, shape history and challenge us today.

Students get SOL help from Word-Beat during Poetry Month

Schools have jumped at the chance to show students the power of poetry -- and get them moving to its rhythms and natural music.  Live performances let students see, hear and feel poetry as a vital art for people everywhere.

Virginia students get SOL help with Word-Beat's "Harriet Tubman" by Eloise Greenfield.  This hip-hop reading holds kids' attention through every word of Tubman's story.

Charles Williams and Tom gave over twenty performances throughout the state of VA. These were sponsored by VA Young Audiences. Several events were made possible by a grants that supports educational performances in schools which otherwise could not fund them. 

We gladly work with educators to make grants possible.

Word-beat also returned to New York for a performance/lecture at Manhattan College.

Parents, professors, PTA members can contact Word-Beat here to set up performances at your school or college.

H. Allen Williams, Jazzreview

"... delivering ancient wisdom on top of infectious grooves and elevating melodies; a celebration of the human spirit in both song and verse ... The thought provoking subject matter and the world class drumming keep The Soul Dances alive and moving ... all the emotion and inspiration for many journey filled listens".

Srajan Ebaen, sixmoons.com

"The Soul Dances is meant to be danced to and played back loud. Biblical fervor, African juju chants and Tibetan shamans battling demons mix it up with driving grooves, euphonium, didgeridoo, trombone and tenor sax".

Dave Miele, Jazz Improv

"there is a clear message behind this music, and it comes equally from the multitude of percussion instruments Teasley wields and the significance and meaning behind Williams' words. This CD is thought provoking and entertaining."

Scott Allan Stevens, Earball Media

"The sparse arrangements of percussion, voice and horns hit you gut-level, a combination of danceable modern rhythms with roots in ancient chants. Highly recommended."

Carmel DeSoto, Jazz Police

"... the disc is highly digestible by almost anyone with a pulse and ears ... infectious grooves. Teasley's drumming is world class, with a pulse and momentum that is subtle ... something for everyone here ... Excellent!

Geannine Reid, Ejazz news

"The stellar musicianship and the warm baritone voice of Williams combined with Teasley's percussive prowess makes this latest Word-Beat offering a must have for any collection."

Word-Beat will start the fall season with a performance on Sept. 30 for "Celebrate Virginia" day at the historic Alden Theater in McLean, VA. They also begin touring for the Virginia Commission on the Arts in September with concerts in Alberta and Dkye, VA. In October, they return to Washington, DC to do a benefit for Save the Children at Busboys & Poets. This is a benefit for older adoptive children. 

Word-Beat will again be Artists-in-Residence at the Levine School of Music in Washington, DC. They will be presenting a series of concerts in 2007 geared towards younger concertgoers.