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.

Video: Blogs in Plain English

Are you curious about what blogging is all about?

I found the perfect explanation of how blogging works, if you're curious.

This short video explains it all, in the simplest terms I've found yet. (the video is entertaining by itself...)

http://www.commoncraft.com/blogs

Intermediate / Advanced Doumbek Workshop, May 25, 2008

Middle Eastern master percussionist, Faisal Zedan, will be conducting an intermediate to advanced-level workshop to share his graceful playing style and expertise in the doumbek. This will be an incredible opportunity for you to hone your existing doumbek playing skills.

When: Sunday, May 25, 2008
Time: 2:00pm - 4:30pm
Where: Newman Hall - Holy Spirit Parish
2700 Dwight Way at College Avenue
Berkeley, CA 94704
Cost: $50

Class Size: 10 drummers, max.
Skill Level: As this will be a multi-level workshop appropriate for intermediate to advanced drummers, participants should be proficient with basic techniques as these will not be covered in the workshop.

Topics that will be included in the workshop:
• Refinement of techniques to optimize your strengths.
• Exploring the full potential of your hands - posture, flexibility, relaxation.
• Merging and transition of rhythms in different time signatures.
• Hand and finger rolls.
• Exercises to develop each skill.

Please bring your drum, recorder, and notepad.

For more information, email Faisal: derbakki@yahoo.com
To register, email: stfamous-faisal@yahoo.com.

Faisal's website http://www.faisalzedan.com/

Demonstrating his graceful style
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JWcoCo7P3Vo

Showing three ways of playing Qarshi
www.youtube.com/watch?v=d37yoBGHY7g

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

Drum Classes for beginning Doumbec, Tar & Riq

If you live in the San Francisco Bay area and you are interested in beginning Doumbec, Tar & Riq classes, I highly recommend these classes with Mike Fair AKA Faraz. I first met Mike at a local drum circle several years ago and was impressed with his vast knowledge of middle eastern rhythms. When he offered classes, I immediately signed up. I've learned a lot of great technique for the Riq from Mike over the years.

Mike is the drummer for Meridian Major.

Come enjoy the fun & easy "sing-song" style to playing drums with Faraz.
Costs: $15 - $20 per session, early reservations rewarded with lowest fee.

In San Jose on April 30 @ 7:15PM At Khajulahs' Studio
In Sunnyvale on April 27 @1:30PM At Lunatic Fringe Studio

WHERE: Khajulah’s Home Studio
609 Minor Avenue
San Jose, CA 95125
(Between Downtown SJ and Willow Glen, near 280, Bird Exit. Easy access via public trannsportation: light rail and bus route 64)
To secure your space, please contact Patrice/Khajulah: patrice-khajulah AT excite DOT com408-279-8524
www.khajulah.com

For more information, please contact Mike/Faraz: msfair AT comcast DOT net
650-369-2368
www.meridianmajor.com

Old blog postings:
http://riqq.blogspot.com/2006/03/my-drum-teacher-mike-fair-aka-faraz.html
http://riqq.blogspot.com/2007/10/drum-lessons-with-mike-fair.html

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

Marla Leigh Frame Drum Workshop in San Francisco

THE ART OF FRAME DRUMMING & IMPROVISING WORKSHOP

Marla Leigh is presenting a frame drum workshop in San Francisco in two weekends from now..

She will cover many things, such as:

• Frame Drum playing styles (lap, tar, free hand)
• Hand drum notation
• Composing for hand drums
• Traditional Middle Eastern/Indian/African Rhythms
• Improvising in all meters (based off of North/South Indian rhythmic theories)
• Solkattu exercises
• and much more.
  

Details

• DATE: April 27, 2008, from 2-5pm
• Workshop is geared for both beginning and well-seasoned players.
• All info and registration can be found at the link below.
• Drums are provided and sold at discounted rates.
  

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON WORKSHOP:
http://www.marlaleigh.com/SFdrum.htm

So what do you think about the new Blog Header?

I took a creative moment this afternoon to create a new header for the blog. What do you think? Should I keep it?

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

NAFDA Frame Drum Fest starts tomorrow

This weekend is the big event for the North American Frame Drum Association. The first annual Frame Drum fest is taking place in Baltimore, MD. It's sold out, and I am sure that it will be an awesome event. They have a line up of amazing and talented musicians presenting and performing.

If you go, I'd love to hear about your experience. I'd even be happy to post your reviews of the event on the blog.

Tobias Roberson has a new Finger Cymbal DVD

Tobias Roberson, has a new DVD out covering finger cymbal or zills. I haven't seen it, but this could be an interesting DVD. Tobias is a bay area musician, and teacher. If you live in the bay area be sure to check out his performances with various belly dancing troups and other traveling artists.

Frame Drum Stands from Schlagwerk

Are you looking for way to secure your frame drums to a stand so that you can play with both hands or in a kit format?





The figure above is the RTH 10 Cross-Frame Holder from Schlagwerk instruments. Useful for securing a frame drum with a cross brace (e.g. Bodhran)

The figure above is the RTH 20 Frame Drum Holder from Schlagwerk.

For more info: http://www.schlagwerk.com

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

Jas's Middle Eastern Rhythms

If you are looking for one of the most definite, online resources for Middle Eastern Drumming Rhythms, then the best place that I have found is Jas's Middle Eastern Rhythms page.

Jas lists a few hundred rhythms in notation form along with a MIDI file (very useful if you can't quite get the rhythm).


Also, there is a FAQ page on the site with ton's of great information. It's in a variety of languages.


Finally, one of the really cool gems is the online Rhythm generator, which will produce and play a custom Rhythm for you. You can also have it generate a MIDI file for you to store and play back offline or with your synthesizer: http://www.khafif.com/rhy/rhygen.html

Wanna promote your event? Check out upcoming.com

I just stumbled into a cool new online site dedicated to promoting events. It's called "Upcoming.com" (http://upcoming.yahoo.com/). I haven't used it yet, but it looks like a great place to look for events as well as promote events online. The best part is that it's free.

The Arabic character for Riq is...

Finally, I have discovered the the arabic word for Riq.
Here it is : رق‎
I have been searching for this word, as I have wanted to create a T-Shirt with it on it, but since I am not a native Arabic speaker, I didn't have a clue. Plus I certainly didn't want to put something stupid, in another language, on a T-Shirt. [Nothing worse than wearing the Arabic equivalent of "Kick Me"].

I finally stumbled onto it on the Riq entry page on the Wikipedia site. I hope that this is the correct word/character. If I have misrepresented this, please let me know in the comments section of this blog article.

NAFDA Frame Drum Fest, March 28-30

The North American Frame Drum Association is presenting the first annual Frame Drum Fest later this month on March 28-30, 2008 in Mendham, New Jersey (USA).

I just got word that there is an opening for one more attendee (apparently somebody had to cancel...). So if you were hoping to attend, but unable to get in, this may be your chance!

Please contact N. Scott Robinson at sonrob@msn.com if you would like to attend. The festival
costs is only $375.00, which includes room and board (2 nights and 7 meals), 2 concerts, 1 clinic, 2 presentation, and 9 workshops with an amazing list of frame drum artists.

A complete schedule is included below

Final & Confirmed Schedule:

COST: $375.00 per person for entire festival
WHERE: Mendham, NJ - USA.

SCHEDULE:

FRIDAY: March 28, 2008

11:00 am - 2:30 pm - Meet & Greet.

3:00 pm - 4:20 pm - Workshop: Marla Leigh - Intro to Frame Drumming and Improvisation (Tar).

4:30 pm -5:30 pm - Clinic: Jamey Haddad - Frame Drums & Looping.

5:30 pm - 7:00 pm - Dinner on site.

7:30 - 9:30 pm - Concert: [click on links to learn more about the performers]

• Valerie Dee Naranjo
• Marla Leigh
• Rafael Pereíra
• John de Kadt
• Shane Shanahan
• Steafan Hannigan & Saskia Tomkins (fiddle) with Oisin Hannigan, and Jamey Haddad with Simon Shaheen (oud & violin) and Peter Slavov (acoustic bass) with Michel Mirhej Baklouk and other performers.

Post-concert: Evening hang / practice / jam sessions

__________________________________________________________

SATURDAY: March 29, 2008

8:00 am - 8:45 am - Breakfast on site.

9:00 am - 10:20 am - Workshop: Rafael Pereíra - Modern Pandeiro & Tamborim Styles.

10:30 am - 12:00 pm - Workshop: Abbos Kosimov - Techniques of Uzbek Doyra.

12:00 - 1:00 pm - Lunch on site.

1:10 - 2:00 pm - Presentation by N. Scott Robinson on "Conservation, Performance, Practice, and Pedagogy: Issues in Kanjira Research in India.

2:10 - 3:20 pm - Workshop: Steafan Hannigan - Traditional Irish Bodhran.

3:30 - 5:30 pm - Workshop: Andrea Piccioni - Italian Tamburello Styles.

5:30 - 7:00 pm - Dinner on site / Break.

7:30 - 9:30 pm - Concert:

• Michel Mirhej Baklouk
• Yousif Sheronick & Kathryn Lockwood (viola)
• Glen Fittin & N. Scott Robinson with K. S. Resmi (Carnatic vocals) & Carl Landa (hammer ducimer & melodica)
• David Kuckhermann
• Andrea Piccioni
• Abbos Kosimov
• Glen Velez & Lori Cotler
  
  Post-concert: Evening hang / practice / jam sessions
  
  __________________________________________________________
  
  SUNDAY: March 30, 2008
  
  8:00 am - 8:45 am - Breakfast on site.
  
  9:00 am - 10:20 am - Double Workshop: Michel Mirhej Baklouk & Yousif Sheronick - Traditional & Modern Riq Techniques.
  
  10:30 am - 12:00 pm - Workshop: Shane Shanahan - Techniques for Multiple Frame Drums.
  
  12:00-1:00 pm - Lunch on site.
  
  1:15-2:10 pm - Presentation by ethnomusicologist Jennifer Caputo on "The Tammorra as a Symbol of Cultural Heritage in Campania, Italy."
  
  2:20-3:20 pm - Double Workshop: Glen Fittin & N. Scott Robinson - Duets for Bendir & Fusion Techniques for Ghaval.
  
  3:30-5:30 pm - Workshop: David Kuckhermann - Persian Hand Drumming Techniques of Tonbak & Daf on Frame Drums.
  
  5:30-7:30 pm - Dinner on site & Disperse.
  
  __________________________________________________________
  
  LOCATION:
  
  The Community of St. John Baptist & St. Marguerite's Retreat House
  
  82 West Main Street
  Mendham, New Jersey 07945
  
  North American Frame Drum Association, Inc.
  
  My Space.com Frame Drums Group
  
  Frame Drums.org
  
  Reservations & Info: N. Scott Robinson
  
  

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/

Excellent Tonbak finger snap video

This came my way via the Framedrummers listserv. It's an excellent example of fingersnapping technique played on the tonbak (invented by Ostad Daryoush Eshaghy).
If only my fingers could play like this...

Julie Surba, Pyrography Design

Here's an excellent video of Julie Surba from http://www.pyrography-design.com/ creating a the artwork on a drum for David Kuckhermann. I love her work, and I also love how this video showing the production process, the smoke curling away with each burn.

Hatem Ammous Demonstrates Tunesian Rhythms Part 4

In part 4 of this video podcast series, David Kuckhermann interviews music professor Hatem Ammous, while on a recent trip to Tunesia.

Here, Professor Ammous demonstrates the Tunesian rhythm "Barwel" on all three drums.

Hatem Ammous Demonstrates Tunesian Rhythms Part 3

In part 3 of this video podcast series, David Kuckhermann interviews music professor Hatem Ammous, while on a recent trip to Tunesia.


Here, Professor Ammous demonstrates the Sufi and Tunesian rhythm "Btaihi", illustrating the Sufi method, the modern method and the popular method of playing it on the Bendir. He also plays it on the Dourbouka. I really like the finger work on this rhythm.



Also, in this video Professor Ammous demostrates the Tunesian method for playing the Riq (known in Tunesia as the "Tar"). He then goes on to play the rhythm "Btaihi" on the Riq. It's a unique and really cool method of 'turning' the drum, keeping the right hand stationary in space.



He finishs the session playing the rhythm "M'dawar" on all three drums.



So far, this is my favorite video of the series!

Hatem Ammous Demonstrates Tunesian Rhythms Part 2

In part 2 of this video podcast series, David Kuckhermann interviews music professor Hatem Ammous, while on a recent trip to Tunesia.



Here, Professor Ammous demonstrates the oriental rhythm "M'rabaa Bedwi" and the Sufi rhythm "Aji" Al Ghita rhythms on both the Bendir and Dourbouka, illustrating the different interpretations of the rhythms with respect to the Dum and Tek for each drum.

Hatem Ammous Demonstrates Tunesian Rhythms Part 1

In this video, David Kuckhermann interviews music professor Hatem Ammous, while on a recent trip to Tunesia. David has pulled together some amazing online drum lessons and his DVD is full of great techniques and rhythms for the frame drums. This online video is really well produced.



Here, Professor Ammous demonstrates the Fazzeni and Al Ghita rhythms on both the Bendir and Dourbouka, illustrating the different interpretations of the rhythms with respect to the Dum and Tek for each drum. It's interesting that he makes a point of saying that the Darbouka is for classical rhythms.

Caravansary UK Frame Drum Festival

The Caravansary UK Frame Drum Festival is scheduled to take place again this year.

What: Caravansary 3rd Annual Frame Drum Festival
When: May 24 - 25, 2008

Where: St. Marks Church, Myddleton Square, London, England EC1R 1XX United Kingdom

Cost: All events and workshops priced at £7 (£6.50 conc.).

Details: Coordinated by Lennie Charles, Please call on (from UK) 0208 985 4596 or email
lennie.charles@gmail.com with any questions.

WEBSITE: http://www.caravansary.org/

FRAME DRUM MAGICK with JUDY PIAZZA

Judy Piazza is presenting a workshop and concert in Southern California.

WHEN: Sunday, February 3
WORKSHOP: 1-5 pm
CONCERT: 7 pm** (with workshop participants)
WHERE: SACRED SPACE of SANTA BARBARA

COST: $50 workshop & concert by 1/25/08; $60 after 1/25/08. $10 concert only. Potluck supper before evening event.

For the workshop, bring your own tar and tambourine. Drums will also be available for use and sale. Develop skill on these most ancient of drums. Learn the elemental language of the drums, explore rhythms inspired by traditions around the world as well as by our own indigenous selves, focus on ensemble playing, feel the power and joy of drumming with others!

This special event with Judy will be at the incredibly beautiful SACRED SPACE private retreat center in the foothills of Santa Barbara. http://www.sacredspaceh20.com/

Directions will be sent with confirmation.

TO REGISTER:
Call 805-569-5009 or 248-563-0049. Send your payment to: Judy Piazza, PO
Box 1825, Ojai, CA 93024
http://www.resonanceandrhythms.com/

Frame Drum Group on Myspace

Here's a link for the frame drum group on Myspace: http://groups.myspace.com/framedrums

There are forums where you can ask questions or participate in the discussion.

Cooperman Drum in Europe

Frame Drums Europe has just announced a relationship with Cooperman Drums to resell their drums in Europe. You'll find their online catalog here: http://drumsshop.framedrumseurope.org/

Japan Frame Drum Association

If you happen to be living in or traveling to Japan, make sure to connect with folks from the Japan Frame Drum Association: http://framedrum-japan.org/

How Cooperman Makes Drums

Here's a couple of video's highlighting the Cooperman Drum Company in Vermont.

Cool Pete Lockett Video

Here's a video of Pete Lockett on the "Hands Only Kit" (although he uses sticks):

Lapstyle Frame drumming by David Kuckhermann

Here is an other short instructional video on lapstyle frame drumming by David Kuckhermann.

Riq instruction with David Kuckhermann

Here's another instructional video by David Kuckhermann. This video focuses on Riq playing techniques.

Frame Drum Lesson with David Kuckhermann

David has produced an awesome DVD on Framedrumming. Here's a short video on playing frame drum in the upright position:

Glen Velez Finger Snap Lesson

Here's a short video on how to finger snap by Glen Velez:

Glen Velez on YouTube

Here's a great little video of Glen Velez playing the frame drum in the form which he has made popular and influenced so many frame drummer today.



Now if I could only learn to snap like he does... awesome!

Javier Villar on Youtube

Here's a nicely produced, filmed and recorded Riq solo by Javier Villar:

Jarrod Cagwin Riq solo

Here's a short but sweet Riq solo in the "classical" position:

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.

NAFDA FRAME DRUM FEST 2008!

NORTH AMERICAN FRAME DRUM ASSOCIATION

A new association for professionals and enthusiasts of the frame drum in all styles and locations. The association is located in the USA but open to all to join. More info about becoming a member will appear on the NAFDA websites soon. The NAFDA websites are http://www.myspace.com/northamericanframedrumassociation and http://www.framedrums.org . Be sure to join the new My Space.com Frame Drums Group for current info -
http://groups.myspace.com/framedrums

Each year NAFDA will put on a large frame drum festival for its members that features concerts, workshops, and presentations from top frame drummers in all styles.

The frame drum festival makes it a point to feature a concentration of frame drummers from the northeast USA area including female frame drummers, national and international frame drum artists, and new and up and coming talent in frame drumming.

The North American Frame Drum Association's FRAME DRUM FEST 2008, the first ever of its kind in the USA, will take place on March 28-30, 2008 in Morristown, New Jersey, USA. This special first event of the NAFDA will be open to all. Following events will be open to members only.

Confirmed artists for the festival concerts, workshops, and presentations include:

• Carlo Rizzo - http://www.pagesperson-orange.fr/Carlo.Rizzo/cariboost1/index.html
• Glen Velez - http://www.glenvelez.com & http://www.myspace.com/glenvelez
• Jamey Haddad - http://www.jameyhaddadmusic.com/
• Marla Leigh - http://www.marlaleigh.com & http://www.myspace.com/marlaleighmusic
• Valerie Dee Naranjo - http://www.mandaramusic.com/aboutval1.html
• Glen Fittin - http://www.asimplesound.com/glenfittin.html
• Michel Mirhej Baklouk - http://www.turath.org/Interviews/Michel.html
• Yousif Sheronick - http://www.yousifsheronick.com/ & http://www.myspace.com/yousifsheronick
• Steafan Hannigan - http://steafan.com/ & http://www.myspace.com/steafan
• N. Scott Robinson - http://www.nscottrobinson.com/ & ttp://www.myspace.com/nscottrobinson.com
• Rafael Pereíra - http://www.rafaelpereira.com/
• John de Kadt - http://www.johndekadt.com/ & http://www.myspace.com/johndekadt
• Shane Shanahan - http://shaneshanahan.com/
• Jennifer Caputo - http://www.rasbliutto.net/concerts/7concerts.html
• David Kuckhermann - http://framedrums.de/ & http://www.myspace.com/davidkuckhermann
  

Guest Artists:

• Kathryn Lockwood - viola - http://www.myspace.com/kathrynlockwood & http://www.lockwoodsheronickproject.com/
• Saskia Tomkins - fiddle - http://steafan.com/saskiatomkins
  & http://www.myspace.com/saskiatomkins
• K. S. Resmi - Carnatic vocals - http://www.myspace.com/ksresmi

Limited space for 35 participants! Registration info will appear on http://www.framedrums.org/ soon! For reservations and info contact sonrob@msn.com .

Festival is all inclusive on site: 2 concerts, 2 presentations, 1 clinic, 9 workshops, 2 nights lodging, and 7 meals for $375.00 per person.

Artists' booth will have frame drums, CDs, DVDs, and books for sale.
Private lessons with individual artists available (extra charge per lesson).
Proposed Schedule (subject to change):

North American Frame Drum Association – Frame Drum Fest 2008 in Morristown, NJ - USA.

FRIDAY: March 28, 2008

11:00 am - 2:30 pm - meet & greet.
3:00 pm - 4:20 pm - Workshop: Marla Leigh - Intro to Frame Drumming (Tar).
4:30 pm -5:30 pm - Clinic: Jamey Haddad - Frame Drums & Looping.
5:30 pm - 7:00 pm - Dinner
7:30 - 9:30 pm - Concert: Valerie Dee Naranjo, Marla Leigh, Rafael
Pereíra, John de Kadt, Shane Shanahan, Steafan Hannigan & Saskia
Tomkins (fiddle), Jamey Haddad Trio.
Post-concert: Evening hang / practice / jam sessions / private lessons
__________________________________________________________

SATURDAY: March 29, 2008

7:00 am - 8:45 am - Breakfast on site.
9:00 am - 10:20 am - Workshop: Rafael Pereíra - Modern Pandeiro & Tamborim Styles.
10:30 am - 12:00 pm - Workshop: Glen Fittin - Techniques for Bendir.
12:00 - 1:00 pm - Lunch on site.
1:10 - 2:00 pm - Presentation by N. Scott Robinson on Kanjira Research
in India.
2:10 - 3:20 pm - Workshop: Steafan Hannigan - Traditional Irish Bodhran.
3:30 - 5:30 pm - Workshop: Carlo Rizzo - Tamburello & Polytimbral Tambourine.
5:30 - 7:20 pm - Dinner / Break.
7:30 - 9:30 pm - Concert: Michel Mirhej Baklouk, Yousif Sheronick & Kathryn Lockwood (viola), Glen Fittin & N. Scott Robinson with K. S. Resmi (Carnatic vocals), David Kuckhermann, Glen Velez, Carlo Rizzo.

Post-concert: Evening hang / practice / jam sessions / private lessons
_________________________________________________________

SUNDAY: March 30, 2008

7:00 am - 8:45 am - Breakfast on site.
9:00 am - 10:20 am - Workshop: Michel Mirhej Baklouk & Yousif Sheronick - Traditional & Modern Riq Techniques.
10:30 am - 12:00 pm - Workshop: Shane Shanahan - Techniques for Multiple Frame Drums.
12:00-1:00 pm - Lunch on site.
1:15-2:10 pm - Presentation by ethnomusicologist Jennifer Caputo on
Tammurriatta and Tammorra in Southern Italy.
2:20-3:20 pm - Workshop: N. Scott Robinson - Fusion Techniques for Ghaval.
3:30-5:30 pm - Workshop: David Kuckhermann - Persian Hand Drumming Techniques of Tonbak & Daf on Frame Drums.
Post concert - dinner & disperse.

Cooperman Riq Auction on Ebay

Looking for a Cooperman Riq with a Renaissance head? There an auction on eBay that just started: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=270188498638

Sami Yusuf- Kurdish Daf Player

Here's a Youtube video of Sami Yusuf on Daf

New Kanjira Instructional DVD released

Now Available for Secure Oline Order - New kanjira instructional DVD &
solo kanjira CD by Amrit Nataraj - just released!!

Available at http://www.nscottrobinson.com/ordering.php

- All proceeds go directly to the artists minus CC Now, shipping, and
packing fees.

1) DVD - Khanjira . . . A Journey Within by Amrit Nataraj - $25.00 plus
$5.00 shipping (US & Canada, international is more)

Instructional DVD (in NTSC only), 1 hour, focusing on the style and
techniques of G. Harishankar.

-This DVD features the real techniques used in the style of G.
Harishankar direct from his top disciple.

Amrit has a series of DVDs and a real method for learning the most
advanced techniques for kanjira. This first volume focuses only on
technique and is filled with exercises in 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 7, 8, and 9
subdivisions per beat with all of the various fingerings explained
clearly. These techniques can be applied to other frame drums. The final
section is on how to take the Ta Di Ki Na Tum phrase and play it in a
variety of subdivisions and speeds. There is also a short section on G.
Harishankar with a brief video clip of his playing as an historical
perspective. This DVD is unlike anything else available for kanjira
studies because of its technical focus.

2) CD - KhanjirAmrit by Amrit Nataraj - $15.00 plus $5.00 shipping (US &
Canada, international is more)

Audio CD tribute to G. Harishankar, 1 hour of mind blowing music by
India's top kanjira artist. The talam is clearly marked throughout with
small finger cymbals over-dubbed so following the intricacies of the
rhythm is easier. There are things on this CD no other kanjira player
has done before. Very nice booklet describing all the rhythmic
subdivisions of each piece with the CD in hard jewel case is included.

This CD feature 7 tracks in a variety of styles including the only
recording of a Carnatic composition accompanied by kanjira only (no
mridangam). The 1st piece is for violin and kanjira with a 16 minutes
kanjira solo!

Other tracks feature 2 tuned kanjiras accompanying flamenco guitars, a
jaw dropping duet between tabla and kanjira in 7, a mind blowing duet
between mridangam and kanjira in 9 as a tribute to G. Harishankar (both
instruments played by Amrit), a duet between chende (folk drum from
Kerala played for KathaKali dance theater) and kanjira in 5, a kanjira
trio featuring tuned kanjiras playing interlocked parts, and a computer
music piece in 33 featuring kanjira solo with orchestral sounds.

2008 Cooperman Drum Catalog available

Download the 2008 Cooperman Drum catalog from N. Scott Robinson's website: http://www.nscottrobinson.com/CoopermanFrameDrumCatalog07-08.pdf

Drumming in Marrakech

Here's a great video submitted by Pete Lockett, of folks street drumming. It's an amazing video showing the energy of street drumming.

Marimbata Cajon

OK, I'll admit that this drum has nothing what so ever to do with Middle Eastern drumming, but it's just sooo cool that I had to post a entry about this. It called a Marimbata Cajon and it's made by AfroRhythms in Santa Clara CA. Here's the link for the website: http://www.afrorhythms.com//product_info.php?cPath=24&products_id=48

Pete Lockett Riq Solo

Check out Pete Lockett on this Riq solo:

Drum Lessons with Mike Fair

Mike Fair is teaching middle eastern drum lessons again in the San Francisco bay area, starting this month.

WHAT: Doumbek, Riqq classes and middle eastern rhythms
WHEN: 3 Wednesdays, OCT 17th, NOV 14th, DEC 12
TIME: Gather @ 7:15, Class: 7:30-9PM
COST: $15 per class
Details: Bring your own drum

WHERE: Khajulah’s Home Studio
609 Minor Avenue
San Jose, CA 95125
(Between Downtown SJ and Willow Glen, near 280, Bird Exit. Easy access via public trannsportation: light rail and bus route 64)

To secure your space, please contact Patrice/Khajulah: patrice-khajulah AT excite DOT com
408-279-8524
www.khajulah.com


For more information, please contact Mike/Faraz: msfair AT comcast DOT net
650-369-2368
www.meridianmajor.com

Jerry Leake on YouTube

Here's a nice video of Jerry Leake solo'ing on Riq.

WOMENS DRUMMING & YOGA FALL RETREAT

Please check out this transformational experience in paradise. Through drumming, chanting, dancing, yoga, ceremony, organic cuisine and luxurious hot spring soaks, you will connect with the ancient lineage of women drummers and create a sisterhood of spirited drumming goddesses! Marla Leigh is organizing this event.

Workshop includes the opportunity to experience:

• Traditional drumming styles and rhythms from India, North Africa & the
  Middle East



• Universal approach to playing any type of hand drum



• How to easily improvise in both even and odd meters



• How to effectively keep solid time



• West African Drumming and Dancing from Ghana



• Sacred chants from around the world

Plus 3 homemade organic meals per day, hot springs soaks, free time for yoga
classes @ Harbin and much more

OPEN TO ALL LEVELS, BEGINNERS ARE ENCOURAGED!!
Frame drums and some African drums provided, bring a drum if you have one.
Space is limited.

WHEN: October 26 -28, 2007
COST: Early Bird, $350(before October 6), Regular $395
Where: Harbin Hot Springs, CA
SPECIAL OFFER: Receive $50 off per each person you recommend to retreat!!

NOTE: Only a few spots remain as of the publishing of this entry!

MORE INFO:
http://www.marlaleigh.com/
(cell) 661.645.0724

Baltimore International Rhythm and Drumming Society

The Baltimore International Rhythm Festival
Returns With Sensational Line Up of Drumming and Dance

After a one year hiatus, the Baltimore International Rhythm Festival,
12th Edition, returns to St. John's United Methodist Church in Charles
Village at 27th St. and St. Paul St. on September 28th and 29th.

This year's festivities include evening concerts on both Friday and
Saturday, featuring on Friday tribal drumming of The Rhythm Shamans,
the Sufi devotional rhythms of the SAMA Ensemble, and the Shamanic
hip-hop of Freek Factory. While Saturday's bill includes, Djembefola
(master drummer) Mahiri Fadjimba Keita and friends, and progressive
Middle-Eastern / Arabic percussionist Raquy and the Cavemen
(considered by many as the Hottest Bellydance Music in the US).

Outside on Saturday, come and enjoy drum circles, local performers,
sideshows, belly dancing, and an intriguing line up of vendors -- its
a great place to buy that African drum you have always wanted. Also
Saturday, Jaqui MacMillan, Mahiri Keita, and Lisa Zahiya will offer
workshops in drumming and dance.

WHEN: Sept 28-29, 2007
TIME: The shows begin at 8 PM.
WHERE: St. John's United Methodist Church in Charles Village at 27th St. and St. Paul St., Baltimore, MD
COST: Tickets for both evening concerts are $15 for one night or $25 for
both (adults) and $10/$15 (students--6 to 17), kids 5 and under are
free. Tickets are available through the BIRDS website:
www.drumtogether.net

For additional information on the Baltimore International Rhythm
Festival contact Mr. Korup at BIRDS.Fest@gmail.com.
Voice Phone Number: 518-435-5343
Email Address: BIRDS.Fest@gmail.com
Website: www.drumtogether.net

2nd Annual Caravansary Frame Drum Festival

What: 2nd Annual Caravansary Frame Drum Festival
When: Sept 29-30, 2007
Where: St Mark's Church, Myddleton Square, London

Details:

There will be various workshops focusing on different drumming styles and techniques presented throughtout each day, highlighted by a Master Class with Hossam Ramzy on Sunday

For complete info, check out their website: http://www.caravansary.org/drumming/festival/

David Kuckhermann on YouTube

Here's a great video by David Kuckhermann on Riq.

Yousif Sheronick on YouTube

Here's a great solo by Yousif Sheronick on Riq, on YouTube. He plays a Kevork Riq in this video.

Essential Frame Drum Method with Rowan Storm

Essential Frame Drum Method is a Workshop for Traditional Middle Eastern and Balkan Music with ROWAN STORM

Date: Sunday, September 30, 2007
Time: 2 - 5 pm. Registration starts at 1:45 pm
Cost: $25 at the door, cash only please
Location: Pacific Arts Center, 10469 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, California, 90025
(a few blocks east from the 405 Freeway, ample street parking)

For more information: rowanstorm@yahoo.com

Details:

• Beginners Welcome !
• Learn essential elements of traditional playing technique for frame drums found
  throughout the Middle East and Balkans, including bendir, dayereh, daff and tambourine
• Learn to play some basic rhythms for traditional music and dance
• Learn to analyse and understand more deeply the rhythmic structure of music
• For musicians, dancers, and music lovers
• Bring your own frame drum if you have one Variety of drums available for workshop use and purchase with grateful support from Noisy Toys Drum Shop and Cooperman Drum Company

ROWAN STORM has been studying, recording, performing and teaching a wide range of
Middle Eastern percussion instruments for over 25 years throughout the United States,
Central America, Europe, Cyprus, Turkey, Iran and Kurdistan. She has collaborated with
some of the greatest masters of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern music, including Michel
Mirhige Baklouk, Mohammed el-Akkad, Taksim Ensemble, Omar Faruk Tekbilek, Necati
Celik, Domna Samiou, Tasia Vera, Yiannis Vasilopoulos, Ross Daly, Djamshid Chemirani,
Khalifeh Rahmeh, Nima Janmohammadi and Lian Ensemble. Since 2000 Rowan has studied
and performed in concert tours with the legendary master of Persian Classical music,
Mohammad Reza Lotfi.

Rowan performs in conservatories, universities, concert halls and broadcasts throughout
the United States, Central America, Europe, Turkey and Cyprus, and ancient amphitheaters
throughout the Mediterranean. 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 she spent three months traveling alone 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

[This message was copied from an email on the framedrummer email list]

N. Scott Robinson on YouTube

This is my all-time favorite Riq solo by N. Scott Robinson. The song is called "Shaken not Stirred" it's off his "Things that happen fast" album.



Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_mmtJWHlY_U

Patrick Graham video on Youtube

Check out Patrick Graham in this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pPgn5GhQc3o

Website for Eli Huli

Eli Huli has a new website up and it features beautiful pictures of his drums (like the Riq above). He makes Riq's, framedrumes (in various sizes), and Kanjira. Eli lives in Israel, where he makes the drums.

Here's his contact information:

Eli Huli
Website: http://www.nurikom.com/elihuli
Givati st. # 4 Holon zip 58239
Israel
Phone number
00-972-522540822
00-972-35018669

Great link with many of the great frame drummers

N. Scott Robinson recently posted this page to his website: http://www.nscottrobinson.com/framedrummers.php

It contains the names, photos and a short bio of many of the most influential, modern framedrummers.

Thanks, Scott!

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.

Peter Sumner, Framedrum Maker

I discovered a wonderful framedrum maker in the San Francisco bay area, his name is Peter Sumner. He makes all types of framedrums, tippers and brushs. He makes tunable Bodhrans. He will be selling his drums as a vendor at both the Lark Camp (July 27 - Aug 4, 2007) and Mendocino Middle Eastern Music Camp (Aug 12 -19, 2007).

I hope that we'll also plan a few frame drum classes at his house in Redwood City. I'll post more here when that happens.

Peter Sumner
E-mail: petersumner AT mac DOT com
Web: http://web.mac.com/petersumner/iWeb/Site/Inventory.html

Kirmizigul Darbukas

Here's a link for a drum maker in Turkey. I don't know much abou them, but they do have beautiful instruments on their website: http://www.kirmiziguldarbukas.com/index.asp

Framedrummers Tribe

Here's a couple links for some Framedrummer and Middle Eastern Drumming "Tribes". What's a tribe? It's an online community for folks who share common interest...

• http://tribes.tribe.net/framedrummers
• http://mideastpercussion.tribe.net/
• http://tribes.tribe.net/dumbek
• http://tribes.tribe.net/arabicmusicians
• Fans of Souhail Kaspar
• Fans of Hossam Ramzy

Tuning your Frame Drum

There has been a really thread conversation going on over at the Framedrum yahoo group.

Here's a gem of a quote from Glen Velez on techniques for tuning your (tunable) frame drum (Riq, Tar, Bodhran):

"the Cooperman drums are so well made and the tuning is so sensitive that very precise tuning is possible. tap the tak's near each tuning device. use a sequential criss cross pattern, tune one small area and then the one across from it on the far side of the head. this can take several sequences around the head to match the pitch all around the head. when you are satisfied with the taks, then do the same thing with the dum's. when you are finished let the drum settle in for a couple of hours and check it to see if any area has changed noticeably. that can happen because the drum will slowly settle in to the new tuning. I consider these drum like timpani in regards to the tuning, so the more attention you pay to that aspect the better it will sound."

New Video Podcast on Frame drumming

I discovered that David Kuckhermann has started a video podcast series focused on framedrumming. I haven't looked at them yet, but from my previous experience with David's work, I sure that you'll be amazed:

Check it out at http://framecast.libsyn.com

2007 Heartland Seminar on Arabic Music

The Arabesque Foundation for Arab Culture is pleased to announce the third annual Heartland Seminar on Arabic Music.

The Heartland Seminar on Arabic Music (www.heartlandseminar.com) offers a five-day residential program focusing on classical Arabic music. The seminar, held from March 25-30, is designed both for people who wish to begin their study as well as those who seek to improve their skills.
The Heartland Seminar features internationally-recognized academics and performers who will offer individualized instruction in qanun, violin, nay, 'ud, percussion, and voice in addition to ensembles, lectures, and workshops. Instructors are members of the Chicago Classical Oriental Ensemble along with visiting scholars/musicians: Hicham Chami of Chicago, Hanna Khoury of Philadelphia, Dr. Scott Marcus of Santa Barbara, Naser Musa of Los Angeles, Kinan Abou-Afach of Chicago, Karim Nagi of Boston, and Youssef Kassab of New York City. All instructors have extensive background in education and workshop-conducting in addition to being recording artists and performers.

The Heartland Seminar is sponsored by the Arabesque Foundation for Arab Culture, a Chicago-based organization dedicated to preserving the heritage of classical Arabic, Turkish, and Armenian music. The Arabesque Foundation promotes concerts, publishes a magazine, conducts educational workshops, and produces recordings.
The location is DeKoven Center in Racine, Wisconsin, a conference center on Lake Michigan. DeKoven is convenient to Mitchell Airport in Milwaukee, yet offers a secluded setting conducive to the seminar.

The cost for instruction including meals and lodging (double occupancy) is $575; the non-residential cost (two meals a day) is $495.
Further information about the Heartland Seminar, featuring press coverage and participant comments, may be found at:www.heartlandseminar.com

Arabesque Foundation for Arab Culture
1836 W. Foster Avenue
Chicago, IL 60640
***************************
(888) 699-2836 toll-free
(773) 856-6454 office
(866) 557-1749 fax

More online videos

From Andrea Piccioni

Here are some video's:

• http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=1452810084
• http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=1452834028

More Frame Drumming Videos

Here's some more links to drumming videos:

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5FLfGHvdm1c
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Xq8LyDm-ls

Hand drum videos on the web

There is a growing collection of hand drum videos posted on the web video sharing services now. This is turning out to be a great way to see some folks demonstrating various techniques. Here's a collection of URL's which I compiled from the Framedrummer email list:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5HBN9cpzook
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=3D-8936400540957100435
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3DVWJnXRk0eh4=20
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Dzl2ksyn1ZYY=20
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=3D-1565973067659529161&hl=3Den
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wmv7PuRXZOA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yPd18fXnMEQ
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-1565973067659529161&hl=en
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RVreTAroWFQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DMZN_iECcis

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6AC6Ycg6F14&mode=related&search=

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RSgrdpJHFP4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UQ_NSiblCk8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=puYjllSRrbQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3vqzFxJdkn4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fb7J5dcdpkk&mode=related&search=

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IPiMMuyurzQ&mode=user&search=

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nx7tAh8Jzcg

Tonbak and Daf classes in the San Francisco Bay Area

Private weekly Persian Percussion (Tonbak+Daf) classes will be beginning next week in the South Bay (Santa Clara).

Lessons are $20 per session\hr. Taught by Shirzad Sharif using the Ostad Bahman Rajabi school of Tonbak techniques and thought....
eMail: shirzad AT shirzadsharif DOT com

PASIC happening this week

PASIC (the Percussive and Arts Socity) is holding their annual convention in Austin this week, Nov 8-11. This should be fun event if you're in the Austin area.

2007 Cooperman Drum Catalog Online!

I wanted to announce that the 2007 Cooperman Drum catalog is now available for download. If you are looking for a new hand drum, Cooperman makes the best hand drums on the planet (in my opinion). Whether you're in the market for a new Bodhran, Tar or Riq, Cooperman has a drum for you. I am especially interested to play their new artist series Riq (shown below) which is larger in diameter, smaller in width and includes an aluminum bearing edge (which helps balance the drum forward).