Part II David Kuckhermann with N Scott Robinson

Here's the second video with N. Scott Robinson. This ia nice session where N. Scott plays on the frame drum.

David Kuckhermann NAFDA with N Scott Robinson

Here's a great video of N. Scott Robinson on Kanjira

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.

The Art of Ghatam and Konnakol by Sri T. H. Subash Chandran

This 2 DVD set is now avialable for sale on OMRadio.com

T. H Subash Chandran is one of the leading artists of Carnatic percussion and is recognized as the "King of Konnakol". On this first of its kind DVD, Sri Subash Chandran shares his knowledge on the ghatam, the clay pot of South Indian percussion, and konnakol, the art of vocal percussion.
The ghatam lessons are approached from the beginning with introduction to strokes, playing patterns, compositions, korvai, mora, and varied talams. The konnakol lesson starts from basic vocalization patterns, building to compositions, and korvais. Demonstrating the guru student relationship, Sri Subash Chandran works through the vocalizations carefully and then performs them at faster speeds. The material provides a foundation for long term drumming of many traditions. The vocalizations are printed right on the screen for study and accompanyment.
Additionally there are fantastic solos and an interview with Sri Subash Chandran on his life in music and thoughts for learning.

http://www.omradio.com/artghatamkonnakol.php

Riqq Video by Nader Marcos

Here's some nice Riqq work by Nader Marcos:

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/

Faisel Zeden Riqq Videos

Here are a couple of Riqq solos by Faisel Zeden:

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.

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