Upcoming NAFDA events

NAFDA North 3 - Vermont Frame Drum Festival -

Oct. 15-16, 2010 in Brattleboro, Vermont, USA.

http://www.nafda1.com/nafdanorth.php

Featuring 5 workshops and concert with Shane Shanahan (kanjira), Mario Monaco (pandeiro), N. Scott Robinson (lap style bodhran), Todd Roach (hybrid tambourine), Tareq Rantisi (riqq), with Ensemble Datura, K. S. Resmi (Carnatic vocal), and Mac Ritchey (oud).

Vendor Booth & Sponsor: Cooperman.

Total cost: $120.00 (when paying in advance) for all! Reservations: nafda1@gmail.com

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NAFDA South - Georgia Frame Drum Festival -

Oct. 23, 2010 - Clarkston, Georgia, USA.

http://www.nafda1.com/nafdasouth.php

Featuring 5 workshops and concert with Layne Redmond (frame drums), River Guerguerian (lap style bodhran), Claudinho Santana (pandeiro), N. Scott Robinson (riqq), B. Michael Williams (tar) with N. P. Stottlemyer (tar), Dave Holland, and Winthrop University Percussion Ensemble (playing frame drum compositions by B. Michael Williams & N. Scott Robinson).

Vendor Booth & Sponsors: Cooperman & Contemporânea.

Total cost: $100.00 (when paying in advance) for all! Reservations: nafda1@gmail.com

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NAFDA West 2 - California Frame Drum Festival -

Feb. 4-5, 2010 - North Hollywood, California, USA - Remo Recreational Music Center.

http://www.nafda1.com/nafdawest.php

2-day event featuring 8 workshops and 2 concerts with Andrea Piccioni (tamburello), Randy Gloss (pandeiro), Pejman Hadadi (daf), N. Scott Robinson (riqq), Brad Dutz (Irish bodhrán), Todd Roach (hybrid tambourine), Patrick Graham (lap style bodhran), Matt Kilmer (kanjira), with Hands On.semble (Randy Gloss, Andrew Grueschow & Austin Wrinkle), The Mast (Haale Gafori & Matt Kilmer), Miranda Rondeau, and Ensemble Datura (Mac Ritchey, K. S. Resmi, Todd Roach & N. Scott Robinson).

Vendor Booths & Sponsors: Remo & Cooperman.

$200.00 (when paying in advance) for all! Reservations: nafda1@gmail.com

RhythmJuJu and Frame Drum Workshop Cancelled

Just a quick note to let everyone know that the RhythmJuJu and Framedrum workshop events scheduled for this weekend in Nevada City and Grass Valley have been cancelled due to unforseen circumstances with one of the performers.

We'll reschedule for later in the year.

You can find the latest events by Sonic Planet Productions here: http://www.sonicplanetproductions.com

Rhythm JuJu with Marla Leigh and friends

Here's a teaser for the upcoming Rhythm JuJu event with Marla Leigh and friends in Nevada City on May 14th.




For more information: www.sonicplanetproductions.com

RHYTHMJUJU: A World Groove Trance Dance Experience with Marla Leigh

Sonic Planet Productions Presents

RHYTHMJUJU: A World Groove Trance Dance Experiencewith Marla Leigh and Friends

"Drum sound rises on the air, its throb, my heart. A voice inside the beat says, I know you're tired, but come. This is the way." – Rumi

Come Dance and Celebrate Your Life In Rhythm! Join us for this powerful, healing, percussive ~ dance ritual, featuring ancient sacred drums from India, the Middle East and Africa, tastefully combined with worldy flutes, Hebrew & Sanskrit chants and other worldly instruments.Dance, meditate, release, reveal, explore to sacred sounds from around the world.

Featuring Marla Leigh and special local musicians Aminah Christi (Fanna Fi Allah),Yinon Darwish, Narayan Light and Mike Oitzman.

WHEN: Friday, May 14, 2010, 8 PM - 10 PM

WHERE: Wild Mountain Yoga, 574 Searls Avenue, Nevada City, CA.

TICKETS: $18 / $20 Door Tickets available at: Briar Patch, Record Connection
Sponsored by Wild Mountain Yoga

Brought to you by Sonic Planet Productions
For more info: www.sonicplanetproductions.com or www.marlaleigh.com

Call 530.432.2716

Tamburi Mundi 2009

Tamburi Mundi - huge international frame drum festival in Freiburg,
in Breisgau, Baden-Württemberg - Germany

Info: info@tamburimundi.de

Web: http://www.tamburimundi.com/circle/index.php? ?
option=com_content&view=section&layout=blog&id=7&Itemid=100026&lang=en

Featuring workshops & concerts by:

• Glen Velez & Lori Cotler
• Ramesh Shotham
• Hakim Ludin
• Andrea Piccioni
• Murat Coºkun
• Todd Roach
• N. Scott Robinson & K. S. Resmi
• David Kuckhermann
• Joss Turnbull
• Michael Metzler
• Gilson de Assis
• Nora Thiele
• Michael Metzler
• Thórralf Schuh
• Bruno Spagna
• Shakir Ertek
• Sattor Fozilov
• and more!
  

Vendors - Cooperman, Anklang Musikwelt, and many others!

The Bergamo Project

There will be a special tribute to John Bergamo at PASIC this year. The special evening takes place on Friday night, November 7, 2008. This showcase concert will feature the work of John Bergamo by his colleagues and students. A wide range of Bergamo's percussion compositions will be performed by members of Repercussion Unit, Pandit Swapan Chaudhuri with Hands On'semble and Houman Pourmehdi.

Sponsors: Cooperman Drum, Remo, Marimba One, and OMRadio.com

WHEN: November 7th, 2008, 9:00 pm - 10:30 pm
WHERE: PASIC, Austin, TX.

For more details (and to contribute to the event): http://www.bergamoproject.org/

Upcoming Drumming events on the East Coast

**COOPERMAN FRAME DRUM FESTIVAL IN VERMONT!**
Featuring clinics and performances by:
Todd Roach, N Scott Robinson, David Kuckhermann, Marla Leigh, Patrick Graham
and Yousif Sheronick
+ special guests: KS Resmi, Mac Ritchey, John DeKadt & Rowan Storm

Price is only $75 for all workshops and concerts!!
CONCERT OPEN TO THE PUBLIC on Nov 1 for $12, (reservations recommended)!

MORE INFORMATION : http://www.nafda1.com/nafdanorth.php

***********************************

**Workshops in Rochester & Woodstock NY:**
YOGA OF DRUMMING AND RHYTHM:

Workshop includes experiencing:
DRUMMING:
*Drumming styles & rhythms from India, Africa & Middle East
*South Indian rhythmic exercises for the voice (³Solkattu²)
*Introduction to Tabla language & Indian time cycles
*How to easily improvise in even/odd meters
*Fun group pieces based of West African/Moroccan Drumming Music

PLUS:
*Gentle yoga stretches for Drummers
*Movement meditation & Pranayama to live music by Marla
Please bring a drum, all levels welcome!

October 26th- 2:00pm- 4:00pm $15 pre/$20 door
Sage Center For Healing Arts, Woodstock, NY
MORE INFO/REGISTRATION: http://www.sagehealingarts.com

November 15 @ 1pm, $15 member, $20 general
Rochester Jewish Community Center, Rochester, NY
MORE INFO/REGISTRATION : http://www.jccrochester.org
***********************************

**ADVANCED FRAME DRUM WORKSHOP IN NYC!**

In this special workshop, we will learn a variety of techniques that will
truly deepen your knowledge of the frame drum!
Some of the topics covered will include:

*Split Hand Playing Technique
*Snapping and Rolls
*Free Hand Style Playing
*Fancy ³Moroccan² Twirls
*Italian Techniques
*Double Frame Drum Playing
*Solkattu (South Indian Vocal Percussion) reciting while drumming
+ Instructional Handouts for you to take home

Intermediate -Advanced levels. Beginners also welcome, just know we will not
be covering ³the basics² (ie. how to hold drum/play basic strokes etc)
Please bring a frame drum (some will be provided)

Date: November 23
Time: 2-5pm
Location: 20 min outside NYC, from trainline Metro North (w/ free pickup
from train station)
Fee: $40 pre reg, $50 at door

MORE INFO/REGISTRATION:
http://www.marlaleigh.com/AdvancedFrameDrumWkshop.htm

***********************************

**LIVE MUSIC FOR ANANDA RITAM YOGA EVENTS with Saul David Raye**
Blissful yoga & music adventures in paradise, please join us! Private
drumming Lessons will be avail @ all retreats.

*Ananda Ritam Yoga class in NYC!!!
Exhale, 980 Madison, NYC
Oct 16, 630-845pm

*Thai Yoga Massage Retreat at Kripalu, MA
(Oct 17-19)

*Ananda Ritam Retreat at Kripalu, MA
(Oct 20-24)

*Thanksgiving Celebration & Retreat in Ojai, CA
(November 28-30)

MORE INFO : http://www.thaiyoga.com

Summit Fire Benefit Concert for Sulyman

A Musician of Many Talents: Sulyman El Coyote lost all of his life's work in the Summit Fire. A Benefit concert for Sulyman will be held on Sunday July 6th.

WHEN : Sunday July 6th, 2008
TIME : 6:30 pm (doors open 6:00pm)
WHERE : at the Vets Hall 846 Front Street in Santa Cruz, CA
COST : $15 donation

DETAILS : Featuring world music by Sulyman, Sirocco and Orient¢al with belly dancers Delilah from Seattle and local favorites Sahar, Crystal, Mashuqa, many other amazing performers and a silent auction.

Arabic music at the Cayuga Vault

Don't miss this wonderful weekend of Arabic music at the Cayuga Vault in Santa Cruz July 12 & 13:

Intensive Weekend Seminar in Arabic Music with composer Elias Lammam of Beirut, Lebanon
When: Sat & Sun July 12th - 13th
Date: 1:00pm - 5:30pm each day
A rare opportunity for musicians trained in western, classical, jazz, or other musical traditions to obtain a comprehensive introduction to Arabic music and learn several classic songs in just two days, with Elias Lammam, one of the most knowledgeable and talented Arabic musicians in the U.S.

Presented by Mediterraneo Productions To register please call 831-227-9514

Early registration deadline for the music seminar is June 30.
Take one or more classes for $40 each, or take the entire workshop plus concert ticket for $175 by 6/30 (after 6/30: $50 per class or $200 for entire workshop plus concert ticket)
Four 2-hour classes:
Saturday: Maqams/Arabic Music Theory and Arabic Rhythms
Sunday: Vocals (co-taught by Georges Lammam) and Ensemble class
For details or to download printable registration form please see:
http://members.cruzio.com/~zsuzsii/new_events.html

And an Evening Concert by:

The Georges Lammam Ensemble featuring Elias Lammam
Saturday July 12th - 8pm
tix $18/$22 adv. tix available at Gateways Books & Gifts (831) 429-9600

Mediterraneo Productions presents an evening of exquisite Arabic music with Elias Lammam, master of microtonal accordion, and his brothers: violin virtuoso Georges Lammam, and Antoine Lammam, master of Arabic percussion (tabla, riq), presenting classical and popular Arabic music as well as original compositions.

At the Cayuga Vault 1100 Soquel Ave Santa Cruz, CA 95062 www.cayugavault.com
"Supporting Original Music, Emerging Art, and Diverse Culture"

A Weekend of Arabic Music with Elias Lammam

Mediterraneo Productions proudly presents:

A Weekend of Arabic Music with Elias Lammam
July 12-13, 2008 at the Cayuga Vault
1100 Soquel Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA
www.cayugavault.com

Master of microtonal accordion, renowned vocalist and composer from Beirut, Lebanon, Elias Lammam has been a featured musician on worldwide concert tours with famed Iraqi singer KASEM AL SAHER, including concerts at Carnegie Hall in New York, and toured with other notable singers Rageb Alame, George Wasouf, Ghassan Saliba, Joseph Noumnom. He has also toured with superstar Oriental dancer AMANI of Lebanon and dancer SAMARA, and has composed for Egyptian dancer DINA and many others. He is currently a core member of the Georges Lammam Ensemble, introducing Americans to the remarkable Oriental Accordion. He plays annually to standing ovations at the Cotati Accordion Festival in Cotati, CA. He currently instructs two music ensemble classes in northern California and offers private instruction in accordion, voice, percussion, oud, and other instruments. Elias makes a rare stop in Santa Cruz, CA to offer an intensive 2-day seminar in Arabic music, and he and his virtuoso brothers, Georges and Antoine, as the Georges Lammam Ensemble, will play an evening concert featuring classical and popular Arabic music, original works, and favorite tunes for open floor dancing.

Two-day Intensive Music Seminar: Introduction to Arabic Music
July 12 & 13, 1:00 pm - 5:30pm each day (Sat & Sun)
Four classes, 2 hours each:
Maqams, Rhythms, Vocal Techniques, and Ensemble Class
An intensive introduction to Arabic music for instrumentalists and vocalists trained in Western classical, jazz, or other musical traditions, and beginning- to intermediate-level students of Arabic music.

Dancers without formal musical backgrounds, but with experience on zils or percussion may wish to try out the rhythms class, and if you enjoy singing, the vocals class. You may also be interested in the Maqams class, which will cover Arabic music theory (musical modes & scales, cultural & historic background). If you don't have/can't play a melodic instrument you may enroll & just listen or sing the notes. Georges Lammam will assist in teaching the vocals class.

Registration:
Take one or more classes for $40 each (by June 30) or $50 each (after June 30).
Or register for entire weekend: $175 for all 4 classes plus 1 concert ticket (by June 30).
After June 30: $200 for entire weekend.

Further details and registration form available at:
http://members.cruzio.com/~zsuzsii/new_events.html

AND

Evening Concert
WHEN: Saturday, July 12, 8:00pm
The Georges Lammam Ensemble, featuring Elias Lammam
Classical & popular Arabic music and original works by the renowned Lammam brothers.
$18 Adv/$22 at the door
Advance tickets available at Gateways Books & Gifts
1126 Soquel Avenue, Santa Cruz www.gatewaysbooks.com
Order by phone at: 831-429-9600

Both events will be held at the Cayuga Vault in Santa Cruz

For more information about these events and other upcoming Arabic music & dance events in the San Francisco Bay Area, please see:
http://members.cruzio.com/~zsuzsii/new_events.html

For lodging and other Santa Cruz visitor info: www.santacruzca.org

World of Drumming II, Grass Valley CA

WORLD OF DRUMMING II is a Percussion Extravaganza featuring Drumming from Around the World. This fundraising event strives to help St. Joseph's Cultural Center in Grass Valley raise additional funds to pay for yearly insurance costs.

WHEN: Saturday, June 21, 2008 7:00 PM
WHERE: St. Joseph’s Cultural Center, 410 South Church Street, Grass Valley
WHO: Grass Valley Taiko, the Earth Rhythms Dancers and Drummers, Capoeira Em Movimento Grass Valley, Joe Fajen and friends, the Feather River Singers, the Blue Lotus Percussion Ensemble, Grupo Omo Ache, Samba Louco with Jeff Wax, and other special guests. Rarely are so many talented percussionists assembled in one venue.
ADMISSION: $20.00 in advance and $25.00 at the door Advance Ticket Purchase is Highly Recommended.

Tickets available at the BriarPatch Co-op in Grass Valley, After the Gold Rush Records in Nevada City and at the office of St. Joseph's Cultural Center

Information: Joseph Guida at St. Joseph's Cultural Center 530-272-4725
www.saintjosephsculturalcenter.org
Email: stjcc@nccn.net


A WORLD OF DRUMMING II

Join us as we honor the traditions of the drum and celebrate its power to unify humanity.
Man has been beating on drums from as far back as history records. Among numerous other artifacts found through the years, hollowed out logs were excavated that were believed to be communication devices in primitive times. Drums would later take a more prominent role in tribal ceremonial gatherings where they accompanied ritual dancing and celebration

The concept of drums is as old as mankind. A drum is called a membranophone, or an instrument that creates sound by striking a stretched membrane with some type of object, usually a rounded stick. Drums consist of a hollowed-out piece (called the body), a membrane stretched over the end of the drum, and tuning keys or pegs which tighten or loosen the membrane to achieve different tones. While most may think that the body of the drum produces the sound, it is in fact actually the membrane and its vibration that creates the sound when struck.
Drums first appeared as far back as 6000 BC. Mesopotamian excavations unearthed small cylindrical drums dated 3000 BC. Several wall markings found in caves in Peru show drums used in various aspects of societal life. The American Indians used gourd and wooden constructed drums for their rituals and ceremonies. Drums have always been used for more than merely creating music. In Africa, where music is simply an interpretation of everyday life in sound, drums were used as speech. Simply a pattern of beats played in a certain way could communicate vast amounts of information. Today, drums can be made of everything from plastic to basic metal, and some even exist in iron, bronze and steel.
The Performers

Grass Valley Taiko was founded in 2000 from modest beginnings as a basic Taiko workshop conducted in Grass Valley. Taiko, a Japanese style of drumming has a long and rich history, It was used to call the Gods to alter existing conditions such as warding off pestilence, bringing rain, blessing a harvest or inviting the ancestors to join in celebration of the family. Villages used the drums to communicate; soldiers were sent to war and fisherman called in from the sea. In 2004 founder Mitzi Garnett took lead of the group's direction and today the group has over 50 members ranging in ages from 7 – 70 and makes Taiko Dojo home in historic Saint Joseph's Cultural Center in Grass Valley. Grass Valley Taiko conducts classes 4-6 times per week and actively participates in many community and educational events, among these events are the Nevada County Fair, school assemblies, parades, wedding receptions, picnics, grand openings, and dedications. Mitzi Garnett combines her creative interpretations of traditional pieces with those created by Grass Valley Taiko to present a cornucopia of styles and rhythms which intrigues and delights audiences of all ages. Visit the dojo online at
www.grassvalleytaiko.com

Joe Fajen became a tabla convert and student of North Indian classical tabla playing in 1989 while living in Davis. Right away he had the happy fortune of taking tabla classes with Zakir Hussain in Berkeley, which continued for a number of years. Joe also studied tabla with Swapan Chaudhuri, Arshad Sayed, and Ty Burhoe. Joe plays tabla for classical Indian instrumentalists whenever he can. He also loves to accompany kirtan and kathak dance. He plays with Ross Kent, Roses, Roses, Jaya Lakshmi, Simrit Kaur & Jai Dev Singh, Angelika and others. He often accompanies and collaborates with kathak dancer Anya Devi and cellist Arthur Gould. He plays trombone in Sabroso, a local Latin jazz band, and studies trombone and music theory with Ludi Hinrichs in Nevada City. Joe teaches drum workshops from time to time and teaches privately. For this night he will be performing with Andrew Gold on cello and Linton Hall on Bansuri flute

Capoeira Raca Em Movimento: Capoeira is a Brazilian cultural art form encompassing elements of martial arts, dance, music, and acrobatics. It was developed by African slaves in Brazil as a fighting technique disguised as a dance. Movement is accompanied by music played on traditional instruments and songs that tell of the history of this ritual combat. Although Capoeira is considered a martial art, it is practiced and "played" with little or no contact. Kicks, strikes, and sweeps are displayed and defended against within a "game" between two players who improvise their movements to the music and song provided by on looking capoeiristas (players) awaiting their turn to play. Professor Joao Marcio Pires comes to us from Sao Paulo, Brazil where he studied Capoeira and graduated with his Professor's cordao (belt) under Mestre Enir at the Capoeira Raca Em Movimento school in the city of Braganca Paulista. In October of 2005 Professor Joao Marcio began teaching classes in Grasss Valley establishing our local Capoeira Raca Em Movimento group. Learning this dynamic art form involves the integration of strength, flexibility, agility, endurance, discipline, rhythm, and more. Classes are currently taught at the Sierra Dance Institute in Grass Valley on Tuesdays at 7:00pm, Thursdays at 7:45pm, and Saturday's at 11:00am and is open to all levels and ages. For more information call (530) 277-9743 or email
joaomarciocapoeira@hotmail.com.
Earth Rhythm Dancers and Drummers are based in Nevada City, CA, is a group of performers that presents dances, drum rhythms and songs from the Congo, West Africa, the Caribbean, Brazil, and North America. Most of the group's performing repertoire are traditional dance and drum pieces from the cultures that some members have apprenticed with, and some pieces are a collective choreography creation by the members of this troupe. Earth Rhythms performances are high energy, energetic presentations that depict the power and love of the life force in the members of the collective and in the cultures from which the dance pieces derive their roots.
Feather River Singers is a Women’s Drum with exciting energy, a soothing beat and original style in Cherokee and English. They are dedicated to preserving their native language through songs. Their debut CD “Daughters of the Earth” features all original materials by group members breaks into new territory in Native music. Prentice Robinson, Cherokee linguist from Tulsa, Oklahoma acted as language consultant for this project. Inspired by The Mankillers, Walela and Ulali, these women bring melody and a Cherokee touch to their songs. Their first recording efforts received national recognition from the 8th Annual Native American Music Awards when their album was nominated for Debut Artist/Group of the Year. The album title, “Daughters of the Earth”, reflects the theme of their CD. The sound studio was in a natural outdoor setting; microphones were placed in trees so bird sounds became part of the recording. Larry Badger and Curt Burrows of Joyful Sound recorded the album on location. Badger later mixed and mastered the final CD in Joyful Sound’s Yuba City studio. The album insert was designed by the singers, and former member LE Honyecutt is credited with the original artwork. The insert depicts the Great Smokey Mountains of the Cherokee homeland, with the seven birds representing the seven Cherokee clans.
www.featherriversingers.com
"We are women, woman singers.We understand that the songs are prayers.And to consent to sing is to serve."-Coyote Woman 2007-Feather River Singers are Jesse Harris, Choctaw, Gwen Cochran, Cherokee/Comanche, Anna Eyre, Cherokee/Choctaw, LE Honeycutt, Cherokee/Choctaw/Blackfoot and Barbara Warren, Cherokee; Front row: Kathleen Shain, Cherokee/Choctaw, Seth Honeycutt, Cherokee/Choctaw/Blackfoot and Pam Ames, Cherokee

Blue Lotus Percussion Ensemble performs the music of Morocco and Middle East on Mizwiz (reed flute), Karakeb (metal clackers), bender (frame drum with snares), and doumbec (clay hand drum).

Grupo Omo Ache performs rhythms and chants or praise songs to the Orishas. The Orishas are Yoruban deities that represent the divine force of nature, the universe and all aspects of human life. The hour glass shaped drums known as bata, were originally brought to Cuba from Nigeria by Yoruban slaves. The bta are said to “speak” the ritual language of the Orishas. Gary Greenberg is the Director.

Samba Louco Percussion group Samba Louco brings together Placer and Nevada County lovers of Brazilian rhythms. Beginning with Nevada City's annual Joe Cain and Mardi Gras procession entries, led by Sarah Keller and Kit Bailey, the group has played its danceable grooves for parades, festivals and dance classes from North San Juan all the way to Auburn. Samba Louco ("crazy samba") got its name and a seriously fun upgrade when Jeff Wax of Meadow Vista brought his drumming friends and sparkling arrangements to Deanna Figueira's dance classes at St. Joseph's in 2007


A World of Drumming II is a benefit for St. Joseph's Cultural Center insurance costs.
Last year’s benefit for insurance costs featured Joanna Newsom and Aaron Ross. Last year’s benefit was a huge success.

A World of Drumming I took place in November, 2006 at the Center for the Arts as a benefit for Tibet Tech, which funded a computer lab in a Tibetan Nunnery in southern India. It was a sold out success.

American Frame Drum Gathering this weekend!

American Frame Drum Gathering
When: May 16-18, 2008
Where: Asheville, NC USA
More Info: http://www.guerguerian.com/AFDG2008.pdf
Hosted by River Guerguerian & the FrameDrummer Group

Mission Statement:
An International Event that will feature the incredibly diverse family of the Frame Drum; designed to support and promote its aesthetic value. Workshops and performances will feature traditional and contemporary styles from the Middle East, Europe, Central Asia, South & North America, and India.

The drums include Tar, Kanjira, Tamburello, Ghaval, Riq Tambourine, Pandeiro, Bodhran, etc…

Teachers, professionals, and hobbyists, will come together to share the technical, cultural, and medicinal aspects of this ancient drum.

Featuring:

• David Kuckhermann – Germany -
  http://www.framedrums.de/
• Abbos Kosimov - Uzbekistan -
  http://www.abboskosimov.com/
• Patrick Graham – Montreal, Canada - http://www.patrickgrahampercussion.com
• Rafael Pereira – Atlanta, USA -
  http://www.rafaelpereira.com
• Jon Singer – New York City, USA - myspace.com/jonathansingermusic
• River Guerguerian – Asheville, NC USA - http://www.ShareTheDrum.com
• Chris Sampson – Houston, USA - http://www.omradio.com/ - Media Sponsor
  

Cooperman Drums will be demonstrating and selling
drums
http://www.cooperman.com/handdrums/handdrums.htm

Fees:
$50 – Registration
$100 - $200 sliding scale Teacher Fee
-no one will be refused on the basis of money
For Registration and more info (including lodging):
contact River – river@guerguerian.com tel. –
(828)-301-6605

SCHEDULE: (subject to change)

May 16:
Bobo Gallery, 22 Lexington Ave., Asheville, NC 28801
http://www.bobogallery.com
4:00 pm-6:00 pm - Meet and Greet/Playing,
Registration
6:00 pm-7:00pm – Discussion –
“Historical and Medicinal aspects of the drum”
7:00 pm-8:00 pm – Clinic – Chris Sampson; “Promoting
your music”

May 17:
Workshops - Namaste Yoga Center, 57 Broadway,
Asheville, NC 28801
http://www.namasteasheville.com
tel. 828-253-6985
9:30 am – Registration
9:45 am-10:45 am – “My Favorite Warm-ups” Group
warm-up
with Tips featuring all the teachers
10:45 am– 12:00 pm - Workshop – Jon Singer;
“Kanjira and it’s applications to other Frame Drums”
including a crash
course on Carnatic music
(Jon will also bring his Mrudangam)
12:00 pm-1:00 pm – Workshop – David, River, and
others;
“Middle Eastern Percussion Styles and Demonstrations”
with Tar, Riq,
(and even a little Doumbek)
1:00 pm-2:00 pm – Lunch and group knowledge exchange
2:00-3:30 – “Uzebkistan Doira”
3:30pm-5:00pm – Workshop - Rafael Pereira;
“Pandeiro Styles and Applications”
5:00 pm-6:30pm - Patrick Graham;
“Irish Bodhran Applications and More”
6:30 pm – 9:00 pm - free time
9:00 pm - 12:00 am: Performance Concert @ Bobo
Gallery-$8 cover;
all teachers and other performers, including
Lotus Women’s Frame Drummers Group

May 18
Workshops - Namaste Yoga Center
11:00 am-12:30 pm – Workshop - David Kuckhermann;
“Persian hand drumming techniques and applications”
12:30 pm-1:30 pm – Lunch and group knowledge sharing
1:30 pm-2:30 pm – Workshop – River Guerguerian;
“Composing, Improvising, and Studio applications
of the modern Frame Drum”
2:30 pm-4:00 pm Workshop - David & River;
“Multiple Frame Drum set-ups”
*all events are in downtown Asheville and are within walking distance*
*more details to be announced as they progress*
http://www.guerguerian.com/AFDG2008.pdf
http://launch.groups.yahoo.com/group/framedrummer/

Ensemble Zarbang Video 4

Ensemble Zarbang starts their US tour this week. Here a video of their performance. Tour details: http://zarbang.com/pages/events.html

Ensemble Zarbang Video 3

Ensemble Zarbang starts their US tour this week. Here a video of their performance.
Tour details: http://zarbang.com/pages/events.html

Ensemble Zarbang Video 2

Ensemble Zarbang starts their US tour this week. Here a video of their performance. Tour details: http://zarbang.com/pages/events.html

I love the Udu in this video:

Ensemble Zarbang Video 1

Ensemble Zarbang starts their US tour this week. Here a video of their performance.
Tour details: http://zarbang.com/pages/events.html

Karim Nagi and Turbo Tabla in Santa Cruz, CA

Karim Nagi and TURBO TABLA Dance Party & Show Egyptian Percussionist, Folk Dancer, International Recording Artist, and DJ. Live Drumming and Dancing by Karim,with Guest Dancers Sahar, Janelle, Adriana and Rebekahand DJ TURBO TABLA spinning Arabic Middle Eastern, Indian House/Electronica, and traditionalDabke and Belly Dance tunes for social dancing

When: Saturday, May 17th, 8PM
Where: The Cayuga Vault, Santa Cruz, CA

Workshops

When: Sunday May 18th @ 1pm - 6pm
Where: at DanceSynergy Studio in Aptos

1. Musicality For Dancers:
Despite any mastery of technique and bodily dexterity, true dance expression requires musicality. The best dancers are those who emulate the music into their own movement. Karim will demystify Arab music for the dancer. Several recurring themes in Arab music will be identified (using recorded examples) and explained in emotive, non musical terms. The class will cover Taksim, Melodic Themes, Vocal vs Instrumental Songs, Rhythms & Rhythmic Changes, Melodic Modulation, Song Structure, Orchestration and Instrumentation. Karim will guide the students through several songs and lead them in dancing to each of these themes. This is a movement class that will help the dancer become the physical personification of the music.

2. Essential Tahteeb & Assaya (Folkloric Dances of Egypt)
Dancing with sticks and canes is a quintessential expression in Egyptian village dance. Most prevelent in Southern Egypt among the "Saidi", Tahteeb (for men) and Raqs Assaya (women) is a bold yet gracefull dance with the cane prop. A unisex style is taught that contains both the male Tahteeb bravado and mock combat, along with the Assaya flirtation and spunk. Karim teaches with the strait cane (any dowel between 3' and 4') and covers all the basic spins, flips and strikes. He stresses ambidexterous technique and utilizes both hands for the entire lesson. Double Cane is also taught, culminating in a short standard "friendly battle" choreography.

Workshop Registration:
May 1 or later: $50 each or $95 for both
To register, send check or money order with appropriate payment and the information below to:
Mediterraneo Productions PO Box 1741 Capitola, CA 95010
1. Your name, phone number and email address
2. Specify which workshop(s) you wish to attend
3. Number of show tickets you would like, if any ($15 each)
Pre-registration is highly encouraged, as workshops may fill up prior to the workshop date!
To confirm space availability, please call or email 7 days prior to the event date:
(831)227-9514 zsuzsii@cruzio.com

More details: http://members.cruzio.com/~zsuzsii/new_events.html

Note: Karim has a whole set of upcoming events in California in the coming months. Check out his calendar online: http://www.karimnagi.com/calendar/

Raquy & The Cavemen Playing in Santa Cruz, CA

Raquy & The Cavemen are playing in Santa Cruz this weekend. If you live in the San Francisco Bay Area, it's a chance to see one of the premier Middle Eastern Music groups, and catch a drumming workshop.

Who: Raquy & The Cavemen
When: Friday, May 9th 8 p.m.
Where: The Cayuga Vault, 1100 Soquel Ave. Santa Cruz, near Gateways
Books and The Crepe Place (a fun area to hand out)
Cost: $10
Tickets: at Rhythm Fusion in downtown Santa Cruz (423-2048) , or at
the door. Limited seating, so consider advance tickets. Plus...
you'll get to spend time at Rhythm Fusion... well worth the time by
itself!



Workshop



Middle Eastern Drumming Workshop at Rhythm Fusion on Saturday, May 10 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. Cost: $25

Support Marla Leigh's Rhythms in Peace DVD Fundraising Project

Marla Leigh is producing a Rhythms in Peace project, which is a landmark CD and DVD sacred music series that brings together Grammy-winning musicians and other world class artists with tribal musicians from across the globe. Some proceeds from this project will help aid women's sacred drumming groups in developing countries (Morocco and Egypt).

What: A Fundraising Event
When: Saturday, May 17, 8 PM
Where: Bonsorte Studio, 2410 Lincoln Blvd, Venice CA .
Cost: $20 presale/$25 door
Details: Come DANCE the night away for a good cause, with:
*Marla's world music ensemble, Rhythmjuju*(opening meditation), Saul David Raye*(musical guests), Suzanne Teng & Suzanne Sterling*(dance) Jacqui Lalita, & Debbie Striessinger*organic chocolate & wine, silent auction & more....

About the project:

Rhythms in Peace is a revolutionary, one-of-a kind album of original and traditional healing trance music.

Confirmed artists:
* Glen Velez, 3 time Grammy-Winning Percussionist (USA)
* Houryarites, Women's drumming/vocal group, (MOROCCO)
* Zar women's trance-healing drumming group (EGYPT)
* Brahim Fribgane, Oudist, Music coordinator of Moroccan part of project (MOROCCO).
* Jef Stott, Six Degrees Artist, Producer (USA)
* Greg Hunter, World renowned Programmer (UK)
* Lori Cotler, Vocalist, (USA)
* Randy Gloss, Percussionist, (USA)
* Raquy Danziger, Percussionist, (USA/ISRAEL).
* David Kuckerman, Percussionist, (USA/GERMANY)
* Evan Fraser, Kalimbist, JawHarpist, (USA)
* TBird- Luv, Flautist, (USA)
*more artists tba

DOCUMENTARY FILM:
There will also be an educational, documentary DVD created about the music traditions of Morocco.

VISION BEHIND RHYTHMS IN PEACE:
Music is a sacred art as it serves as one of the oldest forms of healing in the world. Music can be a point of reconnection to ourselves, our families and our global community.

How wide a web can music weave? Accomplished musician-composer Marla Leigh intends to find out through creating a sacred music experience entitled Rhythms in Peace.

From gypsy musicians to Grammy winning artists, Rhythms in Peace seeks to bridge different cultures through music. World music artists from many countries will collaborate on this rich and inspiring project and Marla, with her Rhythms in Peace music and video team, will travel around the globe to record with the various musicians listed above.

TARGET SCHEDULE:

Phase One:
August - September 2008 - Travel to Marrakech and Essouria Morocco, to record with the Houryarites, as well as with various Berber and Gnawa musicians.

Phase Two:
January - February 2009 - Travel to Egypt and Israel to record with the Zar Women's drumming troupe and Bedouin musicians.

Phase Three:
May 2009 - Rhythms in Peace CD and DVD release date and tour starts; CD and DVD to be distributed internationally.

Middle Eastern Treasures Concert, April 20, 2008

Tomorrow, Sunday, April 20th in Oakland there will be an afternoon of Music, Drums and Dance presented by master percussionist Mary Ellen Donald.

Special Note: For the first time in its long history, this event is not a potluck.
Features:

• Nazir Latouf, Syrian born: oud and vocals
• Mary Ellen Donald: doumbec, cymbals, zarb, tambourine and frame drum
• Belly Dance by Brynn Mercedes
• Belly Dance by Michelle Joyce
• Silk Road Caravan: Afghani and Anatolian music Directed by Kevin Cloud
• VARIETY PACK! chorus directed by Lauren Carley ~ Three Percussion Ensembles performing Mary Ellen's originals
• Audience Dancing

WHEN: Sunday, April 20th, 2008
TIME: 2:00 to 5:00pm
LOCATION: Humanist Hall, 390 27th St., near Broadway, Oakland, 94609 (parking lots available for early arrivers) for directions visit www.humanisthall.net
COST: $16.00. . . includes a variety of beverages and light snacks
Children under 12: $8.00 ~ No sales in advance

For details call Mary Ellen at (510)654-DRUM (3786)
Click here for flyer: http://www.maryellendonald.com/pdf%20files/MidEastTreasuresApril20-08.pdf