BIRDS Executive Director: Daveed Korup

Daveed has taken over the daunting task of organizing the Rhythm festival this year. He, along with a group of committed participants, are dedicated to resurrecting BIRDS and the Rhythm Festival, and to making it an annual happening that will contribute to putting Baltimore on the International Rhythm Map!

Since 1983, Daveed has been on an ever-evolving rhythm journey. Through school programs, residency projects, summer drum camps, festivals and workshops, he shares his knowledge of world percussion through the guise of DrumFest!, a hands-on, multi-cultural drumming experience for people of all ages.

David is a true rhythm evangelist dedicated to the belief that "The world is a giant drum just waiting to be played. SO PLAY IT!!!" He is the percussionist for the Eurasian folk ensemble Turku, and author of TAO TE DRUM - Eastern Drumming for Western Drummers. Daveed is also the creator of The Rhythm Circus: a hands-on, mobile percussion exploratorium under one roof, featuring the Gong Garden (a baker's dozen gongs), the Drumnasium (percussion jungle gym) and The Wall O' Drums.