Total Rhythm: Oakland World Percussion Festival 2010

WHAT: Total Rhythm, Oakland World Percussion Festival 2010
WHEN: Saturday, May 8, 2010, 9am - 6pm
WHERE: Merritt College, 12500 Campus Drive Oakland, CA 94610

"Northern California's Largest One-Day Percussion Event!"

• Dive into the rhythms and colors of Brazil!


• Learn dynamic and energizing West African and Congolese arrangements!


• Feel the power of Middle Eastern percussion, and study the beautiful, folkloric Afro-Cuban Rhythms Makuta and Iyesa.

World Percussion Workshops taught by All-Star Instructors with OVER 100 YEARS of performance, recording and teaching experience.

The Award-winning OWPF 2010 staff has performed and/or recorded with musical legends Ella Fitzgerald - McCoy Tyner - Cachao - David Byrne - Margareth Menezes - Fua Dia Congo - Gilberto Gil - Carlos Santana - Bonnie Riatt - Changuito - Joan Baez - David Rudder - Bobby McFerrin - Starlift Steel Orchestra - Calypso Rose - Giovanni Hidalgo.

Attend an individual workshop(s) or be one of the first 50 purchasers of a FULL-DAY Pass for $50! (After 50 sales, FULL-DAY pass price rises to $75).

African Marketplace * Drum, Percussion & Craft Vendors * Free Parking * Children Under 12 are free * Drums provided, or bring your own!

Oakland World Percussion Festival 2010 At-A-Glance:
8:30 am: Doors Open
9:00 am: Introductory/Welcoming Remarks/All Student JAM
9:30-11:00am: "Colors of Brazil" Workshop with Robert Wallace
11:00am-12:30pm: "Insights into West African Rhythms" Workshop with Ben Isaacs and Gabe Harris
12:30pm-1:30pm: LUNCH BREAK
12:45pm-1:30pm: James and the Hands On Fire Band will be performing
1:30pm-3:00pm: "Middle Eastern Percussion" with Susu Pampanin
3:00pm-4:30pm: "Afro-Cuban Makuta and Iyesa" with Michael Spiro
4:30pm-6:00pm: "Congolese Roots" with Kiazi Malonga
9:00pm-2:00am: Official OWPF 2010 After-Party

Full Festival Day Pass: $75 (For first 50 people: $50)
Includes FREE ADMISSION to Festival After-Party, 9pm-1am
Location in Oakland, CA to be announced.

Flyer Link: http://totalrhythm.com/owpf.pdf
For more information: http://totalrhythm.com/percussion_festival.html

INTRODUCTION TO BALKAN and MIDDLE EASTERN FRAME DRUMS

with Rowan Storm
http://www.rowanstorm.com

Saturday 27 February
1:00 - 5:00 pm
$30
Zambaleta World Music and Dance School
2929 19th Street
San Francisco, CA 94110
415.341.1333

http://www.zambaleta.org/courses/206

~ for beginners and intermediate players

~ no previous experience necessary

In this introductory workshop for Middle Eastern Frame Drums, you will learn:
1. Essential elements for playing a variety of Frame Drums, including tambourine, dayereh and daf
2. Whole-brain, whole-body technique
3. Deep rhythmic coordination through movement, voice, and the Frame Drum

Please bring with you if possible:
* Your own Frame Drum, shaker, and recording device
* Notebook and pencil
* A variety of Frame Drums and shakers will be provided for use and purchase, including Rowan Storm's signature Frame Drum: the Rowan Storm Dayereh by Cooperman Drum Company.

Zambaleta World Music and Dance School
2929 19th Street
San Francisco, CA 94110
415.341.1333

for more information and registration:
http://www.zambaleta.org/courses/206

The Rhythm Alliance

I just stumbled on this organization: The Rhythm Alliance
Their mission is: "to raise the level and awareness of drumming as well as support for drummers through education and cooperation."

Here's an excerpt from their recent press release (1/15/2010):

"After supporting many of the world’s most popular and influential musicians with their spectacular time-keeping and impeccable musicianship in the studio and on the road, a group of today’s top drummers have joined together in an effort to support their fellow drummers. The organization is called the “Rhythm Alliance” and its principals, Gorden Campbell, Teddy Campbell, Gerald Heyward, Marvin McQuitty, Aaron Spears and Nisan Stewart, are all worldclass drum artists who have performed and collaborated with a host of world-class entertainers from Earth, Wind & Fire, Whitney Houston, Stevie Wonder, Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, Chris Brown, Beyoncé, Mary J. Blige and Michael Jackson to Fred Hammond, The Winans, Usher, Backstreet Boys, Jesse McCartney, Timbaland, P-Diddy and Jay-Z plus the American Idol show on TV and on tour.
The Alliance’s mission is to raise the level and awareness of drumming along with support for the drumming community through educational materials such as magazine articles, flyers, posters, books and videos as well as appearances at educational events including drum shows, festivals and conventions. As the first step towards fulfilling its mission, the Rhythm Alliance will perform at the 2010 International Drummers for Jesus Celebration, March 26 - 27, 2010 in Dallas, Texas. Drummers For Jesus (drummersforjesus.com) is dedicated to creating a worldwide network of drummers and percussionists who use their drumming to spread the positive message of Jesus Christ and past DFJ events have featured Sheila E, Vinnie Colaiuta, Gregg Bissonette, Zoro, Tommy Aldridge, Louie Bellson, Danny Seraphine, Luis Conte, Chris Coleman, Russ Miller, John Blackwell Jr., Will Kennedy, Derico Watson, Paul Leim and many others. Plans for additional Rhythm Alliance activities will be announced as they are confirmed.
The Alliance drummers are also committed to working with the companies whose products they endorse to develop and promote instruments and accessories that will bring fresh sounds to a wide range of contemporary styles and increased access to a diversity of players. These companies currently include Drum Workshop, Modern Drummer, Pro-Mark, Remo, Roland, Shure, Vater, Vic Firth, Yamaha and Zildjian. As the Alliance continues to grow, its members intend to contribute a portion of their income from event fees and product sales back to the drumming community in the form of scholarships and donations to music education programs."

So while it appears that initially this organization initially consists of a group of well known commercial kits drummers and percussionists, I would encourage some of you to reach out to this fledgeling organization and see what you can contribute to it's growth, success and inclusion of world drumming.

Links: http://www.drummersforjesus.com/html/dfj_celebration.php

Women Frame Drumming Channel on Youtube

Layne Redmond has a new Women Frame Drumming channel on YouTube:

Here's the link: http://www.youtube.com/user/WomenFrameDrumming

DRUMS OF ILLUMINATION

DRUMS OF ILLUMINATION
Women and Frame Drums from Around the World

with
ALESSANDRA BELLONI, JUDY PIAZZA, MIRANDA RONDEAU, DANA MAMAN

Workshops and concert honoring the feminine and healing power of the drum
Saturday & Sunday, November 7 & 8, 2009

For women and men; no previous experience necessary

Workshops:
Saturday, November 7th
1:00 - 3:00 Miranda Rondeau - Introduction to Frame Drums
3:30 - 6:00 Dana Maman- Brazilian Pandeiro
Concert – Saturday – 7:30 (Concert fee $15) ... Also featuring special dancers

Sunday, November 8th
1:00 - 3:00 Judy Piazza - Egyptian Riqq (Tambourine)
3:30 – 6:00 Alessandra Belloni – Southern Italian Tambourine and trance dances

Fees: Two days, including 4 workshops & concert, $ 125
One day, $75 (includes concert)

Payment at the door: accepted by cash or check
For pre-registration: Mail Check / MO to Judy Piazza, PoBox 1825,Ojai CA 93024,
( 248) 563-0049; judypiazza@gmail.com

LOCATION:
REMO Recreational Music Center
7308 Coldwater Canyon Ave. North Hollywood, CA 91605
(818) 982-0461 ~ contact Mike or Jerry
www.remo.com

Alessandra Belloni - artistic director, internationally renowned
tambourine virtuoso, singer, dancer, actress, author - REMO artist -
www.alessandrabelloni.com – www.youtube.com/alessandrabelloni

Judy Piazza, internationally known and recognized for her
extraordinary talents, skilled teaching, and generous spirit.
www.resonanceandrhythms.com / www.myspace.com/judypiazza

Miranda Rondeau, Devotional singer frame drum artist, and teacher
passionate creator of online Women Frame Drumming about WDF
www.myspace.com/womenframedrumming / www.myspace.com/mirandarondeau

Dana Maman – Musician involved with capoeira and Afro-Brazilian
drumming for over 10 years, studying primarily under Mestre Amen Santo
www.danamaman.com.

--
Event coordinated by:
Judy Piazza
Resonance & Rhythms
248-563-0049
www.resonanceandrhythms.com
www.myspace.com/judypiazza

Christopher Hardy Cooperman Drum

Check out this beauty, designed for Christopher Hardy by Cooperman Drums. Christopher describes it as a cross between a Bendir and a Riq. WOW - I want one..
You won't find it on the Cooperman website, looks like you'll need to call and custom order it.

N.Scott Robinson appearing at the International Native American Flute Association Convention

For those who haven't heard the news, N. Scott Robinson will be the in-house world percussionist for the 2008 INAFA convention. Scott will be appearing on stage with a variety of Native American Flute players. The performances which will be held each evening of the convention. Scott is no newcomer to the Native American Flute, as he has appeared on several recordings, most notably with Mark Holland and Autumns Child.

When: July 9-13, 2008

Where: University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire

Details: http://www.inafa.org/2008convention.htm

2008 LP catalog now available

I noticed that LP has released their 2008 catalog. You can download your copy here: http://www.lpmusic.com/Product_Showcase/pdf_catalogs2.html

New for 2008:

They have a new angled Cajon out this year. Look's very cool. (I know that this isn't a frame drum, but I thought that my regular readers would appreciate the style of this new percussion instrument...))

Also new this year is a new rainstick, which LP is marketing as the "longest rainshower on the market". Pretty cool looking design

Join 8,000 Drums on March 21, 2008

I encourage you to be a part of this worldwide drumming event. To help spread peace and heal mother earth.

"According to a Sacred Prophecy revealed at the Otomi Ceremonial Center by the Otomi Elder Sages as a Vision of our Venerable Ancestors, the day when the sounds of 8,000 Sacred Drums join together will be the beginning of the healing of Mother Earth"

WHEN: March 21, 2008

TIME: 10 AM - 12 PM (CST) / 8 AM - 10 AM (PST)

WHAT: Play your drums prayfully. Send your prayers for understanding, tolerance, healing and happiness to those around you.

For more information: http://www.indigenousuniversity.org/sacred_drums.htm

Raquy and the Cavemen coming to California in May 2008

Here's a listing of their tour dates:

Tuesday, May 6 - Eureka CAMore Details Soon

Thursday May 8 - Sacramento CAwith UnmataMore Details Soon

Friday, May 9, 8pm - SHOW in Santa Cruz CAPresented by Rhythm Fusion$10 CoverCayuga Vault, 1100 Soquel Avenue, Santa Cruz CA 831 421 9471

Saturday, May 10, 11:30am - WORKSHOP in Santa Cruz CAPresented by Rhythm FusionAll-Levels Dumbek Workshop - Bring your own drumCayuga Vault, 1100 Soquel Avenue, Santa Cruz CA 831 421 9471

May 16-18 - Tribalfest, Sebastopol CA


More info here: http://www.raquy.com/upcoming.shtml

Art of Hand Drumming with Marla Leigh, March 2008

ART OF HAND DRUMMING MARCH SESSION

Dates/Location:

Venice, CA:: March 2, 9, 16, 23 @ 3pm - 5:15pm

Topanga, CA:: March 1, 8, 15, 22 @ 11 - 1:15pm:

In this special percussive intensive, you will learn:

• Traditional drumming styles from around the world (Middle East, North and West Africa, India
• Traditional Middle Eastern Rhythms
• The art of improvising
• Techniques to play in solid time
• Basic music theory and hand drum notation
• How to play various polyrhythms based off of Ghanaian and Moroccan music
• Solkattu, (traditional South Indian rhythmic vocalizations and exercises
• Gentle yoga stretches and pranayama to prepare the body for drumming
  

Frame Drums and some African drums provided, please bring a drum if you have one, no yoga mats needed. All levels welcome
Please reserve your space today as there are limited spaces available.

*THERE WILL BE MAKE UP CLASSES OFFERED IF YOU HAVE TO MISS A CLASS

Fee: $120 if register before Feb. 29, $145 thereafter

Registration: Reservations accepted via PayPal or send check to
Marla Leigh, PO box 293, Topanga, CA 90290.....thank you !!

Once you registrar, please send email to Marla (marla@marlaleigh.com) to tell her which workshop you would signed up for.

Special discount:
Bring a friend, and each receive $10 registration fee.

FOR MORE INFO, please visit
http://www.marlaleigh.com/ArtofHanddrumming.htm

World Rhythm Festival in Seattle April 25-27

Play, learn, jam, dance, sing... just go! Over 100 world music workshops and performances — all FREE!

WHEN: Friday, April 25 through Sunday, April 27, 2008.

• Friday: Celebration of Youth Day -- workshops for children and families, and youth group performances
• Friday extended / intensive rhythm workshops for adults
• Friday evening Opening Ceremony
• Workshops and Performances all day Saturday and Sunday
• Drum circles Saturday and Sunday early evening
• Saturday night dance party
• Sunday closing Carnival Procession
• International Marketplace
• Drum Rental and Drum Check

Here is the WRF web site: http://www.swps.org/

ESSENTIAL FRAME DRUM METHOD

Music Community Resources, a nonprofit organization presents:

ESSENTIAL FRAME DRUM METHOD
A Workshop for Traditional Middle Eastern and Balkan Music

the drummer is naturally ambidextrous

with

ROWAN STORM

Saturday 11 am - 5 pm . 19 January 2008
Sunday 12 pm - 5 pm . 20 January 2008
Saturday and Sunday $90 . only Saturday $50
informal gathering Saturday evening with guest musicians

Fellowship Hall . Eagle Harbor Congregational Church
Winslow . Bainbridge Island . Washington

a short walk from the Seattle ferry
close to restaurants . some overnight housing available
please pre-register . for more information:
Forest . ziraat@olympus.net . (360) 385-6114

Beginners Welcome

a method to access both sides of the brain with
Frame Drums of the Middle East and Balkans
bendir * daff * dayereh * tambourine

* rhythms of traditional music and dance
* rhythmic structure of music
* rhythmic development

* bring your own frame drum if you have one,
* preferably with a narrow frame
* some drums available for workshop use and purchase

with kind support from Cooperman Drum Company

.*. . .*. . .*. . .*. . .*. . .*. . .*. . .*. . .*. . .*. . .*.

ROWAN STORM has been studying, performing and teaching a wide
range of Middle Eastern percussion instruments for over 25 years
in many countries, collaborating with some of the greatest masters
of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern music. Since 2000 Rowan has
studied and performed in concert tours with the legendary Master
of Persian Classical music, Mohammad Reza Lotfi.

Living in Greece and Switzerland since 1993, Rowan is a leader in
the current movement within Greek music and culture of embracing
shared Oriental heritage. Recently Rowan traveled alone for three
months throughout Iran, deepening her understanding of Persian
Classical music, the role of women in ancient, sacred percussion
traditions, as well as the deep Eastern roots of Western culture.
For some of her Iran travels, see her weblog,
www.iran-rowanstorm.blogspot.com.

Rowan teaches at the week-long Middle East Music and Dance Camp
during August in the magnificent redwood forest of Mendocino,
California, www.middleeastcamp.com.

New Artist Series Riq on order

I ordered a new Artist Series Riq from Cooperman Drums this week. I sold my other Cooperman Riq to a friend who had gotten bit by the Riq 'bug'. It was the perfect excuse to upgrade to the Artist Series Riq. I configured it with the fish skin, rather than the synthetic head, same as I had on my other riq. The fish skin takes a little more maintenance, I always detuned the drum after playing it so that the Fish Skin head wouldn't become stretched out over time. It means that I can't just pick up the drum and start playing it without first tuning it up. But I feel that the Fish Skin head really gives it a nice tight "Tek". Anyone else have their own experience with the Fish Skin versus synthetic heads on Cooperman drums?

I'll post again, with pictures, once I receive my new drum in the next week.