Knock On Wood ~ Toco Madera

"Knock on Wood ~ Toco Madera" is an inspiring documentary about the transformative power of music, community, and cultural exchange. The film follows Paul Meehan and his dedicated group of young marimba students from Bainbridge Island, Washington, on an extraordinary journey of learning, teaching, and connection. Beginning with fifth graders in Paul’s marimba program at Odyssey School, students build their own marimbas, master traditional Shona music from Zimbabwe, and grow into a group named Ushamwari—meaning "Lifelong Friendship." Their musical path leads them to Isla de Ometepe, Bainbridge’s sister island in Nicaragua, where they share their skills and passion. There, they teach local youth to build marimbas, supporting the project Ometepetlel, a vibrant group that preserves Nicaraguan folkloric music and dance. Shot over three years, this heartfelt film pays tribute to Zimbabwean musician Abraham Dumisani Maraire and the founders of the Bainbridge Ometepe Sister Islands Associati