Percussion Things

Percussion Things programs for children and families bring the excitement of stories from all over the globe to libraries, classrooms, festivals, community centers-- and even shopping malls-- throughout the state. Percussion Things tailors each performance to the age or grade level of the audience, engaging kids and adults alike with stories, high-energy percussion and family focused sketch comedy. Their programs, "Stories Grandma Told Me: Tales from West Africa and the Caribbean" and "Crystal Stair: Black Artists and Innovators" are targeted for lower grade audiences, first through fifth. In celebration of our country's 250th anniversary, Percussion Things introduces a new series called "JazzStories," for middle grades and high schoolers. Showcasing children's and YA literature with jazz underscoring, the program introduces young audiences to America's quintessential art form in a fun, interactive way-- in 2026 and beyond. Percussion Things' performances are a fun, fast-paced exploration of cultures around the world through words, sounds, music and movement. Storyteller Catherine Whiteman and Percussionist Len Barnett have a combined forty years of experience working in classrooms and libraries around the state and focus on sharing their love of culture and rhythm to bring joy to audiences of all ages. Photo by Tamytha Cameron Photography.