Women of the Calabash

Women of the Calabash was an American, Afro-Cuban vocal, percussion trio, led and directed by composer, arranger, vocalist, percussionist Madeleine Yayodele Nelson and featured vocalists,percussionists Marsha Perry Starkes and Mayra Casales. Named for the calabash, one of the gourds that the group uses as an instrument. Nelson made many of the group's instruments, which are crafted from bamboo, wood, and dried gourds. The Women of the Calabash have been touring and performing together for over 20 years