Drumming News in Ottawa

[Ms.Huxtable]

I got another email from Leo Brooks (the amazing hand drumming teacher from the Folklore Center and so much more). Here it is for all of you. It's lengthy, but there's something in there for everyone. GET DRUMMING!

Note particularly the workshops with RUSTY EKLUND from MALI next week-end. This is a rare opportunity to learn from a great teacher who has been living in Bamako for the last 8 years. We need to support opportunities like this to help make them happen in the future!

NOT TO BE MISSED!

Also, the workshops planned for the end of September with Billy Konaté have been CANCELLED. So if you were planning on attending, take the chance to see RUSTY EKLUND.

If nothing else, drop me a line and tell me what you are up to. Even if it is not drums, it is always good to connect with old friends and students.

Leo

leo@treefrogpercussion.ca

Here’s the lineup for the fall.

1. Djembe Workshops with Rusty Eklund from Bamako, Mali

2. Classes in African Drum and Dance with Leo and Shara

3. Leo’s classes at the Ottawa Folklore Centre – including Balafon class – NEW TEACHING DAYS!

4. Leo’s new book and class “An Introduction to Hand Drumming – Part 2â€

5. Drum workshop at the Ottawa Jewish Community Centre with Leo.

6. News from Dr. Lee – djembe classes and more

7. News from Baobab Tree

8. Djembe and Dundun classes with Mohamed Diarra

9. Dance Classes with Lainie - Special Dance Workshop Oct. 29

10. Balafons for sale from Guinea – help support Leo’s teacher

11. Heads up – Michael Marcus in Ottawa for workshop and concert!

1. Djembe Workshops with Rusty Eklund from Bamako, Mali

!¡!¡! September 15, 16 and 17, 2006 !¡!¡!

NOT TO BE MISSED

For those of you who do not know, I spent two weeks in Bamako, Mali this winter. While I was there, Rusty Eklund was my host. He is an American who has spent the better part of 8 years in Mali, West Africa studying music and culture. He is an accomplished percussionist and has studied and performed with numerous professional and village master musicians. He has authored a very informative book on Malian musical culture and provided notations and recordings for three prominent musical styles: jenbe ensemble, bonkolo ensemble, and the jeli (griot) ensemble and has recorded 6 CDs (4 performance and 2 instructional) with professional Malian artists.

Above all Rusty is a great teacher and a very interesting guy.

Rusty will be in Ottawa to host some workshops on the Malian Djembe (or Jenbe as it is referred to in Mali) on the week-end of September 15 –17. WIth any luck, he will also be presenting a multi-media show about Mali and the tours he organizes there. This is a really great opportunity to learn some very interesting rhythms from a different area than most of the Ottawa Drumming community has experienced before.

The workshops outlines are as follows. For costs and location see below.

Friday, September 15, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. - Bonkolo Drumming

Bonkolo are a family of drums from the Bambara people which are played with a combination of sticks and hands. When I was in Mali I was introduced to Bonkolo for the first time and completely fell in love with it. Come experience something completely different!

Saturday September 16, 12:00 to 2:00 pm – Djansa

Come learn two versions of the seminal rhythm from the Kayes region of Mali – Djansa.

Saturday September 16, 4:00 to 6:00 pm – More Djansa and Wolosodon

An arrangement of Djansa and Wolosodon, the dance of the house slaves.

Sunday September 17, 12:00 to 2:00 pm - Takeh 1, Takeh 2 (Maraka Foly)

Maraka Foly is the music of the Maraka people of Mali. This style is extremely popular in Bamako and is considered one of the most important rhythms to know.

Sunday September 17, 4:00 to 6:00 pm – Special Review workshop

This special workshop will be offered as a FREE review for all those participants who register for all the Saturday and Sunday workshops.

In each workshop Rusty will cover Jenbe accompaniments, Konkoni accompaniments, solo phrases, dununba/nanga ride, and a traditional song, as time permits.

Each workshops $30 - except Sunday afternoon which is FREE to those who have attended the previous three workshops.

Workshops will be held at

Centre de Production en Arts de la Scene (Conservatoire de Musique de Hull)

432-A Boulevard Alexandre-Taché

Hull, Quebec, J9J 1M7

819-595-3070

The workshop room is BEHIND the main building.

Please email or call me to let me know you will attend.

Leo@treefrogpercussion.ca

(819) 682-8827

2. Classes in African Drum and Dance with Leo and Shara

We will study Doundoumba (dance of the strong men from Guinea) and introduce Kassa (harvest dance also from Guinea).

All levels are welcome to attend this community-oriented class!

No drum/dance experience necessary. Wear comfortable clothing and bare feet.

The class will emphasize dance, though drumming is still integral to the session.

Leo and Shara are patient teachers and aim to strike a balance between challenge and fun.

TUESDAYS

Sept 19, 26, Oct 3, 10, 17, 24, 31st (special halloween class..very scary!), Nov 7, 14, 21st.

10 classes.

7:45-9:15pm.

The School of Dance. 200 Crichton Street. Off of Beechwood.

Session cost: $150

To register (new***!!):

Call or email Leo Brooks. Payment can be made on the first day of class, or sent to: Leo Brooks.

219 Grand Calumet. Gatineau, QC. J9J 1L4. (819) 682-8827. l_brooks@sympatico.ca

Questions?: contact Leo or Shara @ (613) 240-9775. sweaver@magma.ca.

Please forward this email to interested friends!

3. Leo’s classes at the Ottawa Folklore Centre – including Balafon class – NEW TEACHING DAYS!

For the first time in 7 years I am not teaching on Friday nights, but will be having my classes on WEDNESDAYS and THURSDAYS. All classes are $150, 10 weeks long, and require an OFC music school membership.

There are some new classes in the mix as well.

Hand Drumming Classes at the Ottawa Folklore Centre (1111 Bank St) Fall Session 2006

An Introduction to Hand Drumming- Level 1

Think of this class as a buffet table of hand drumming - a little taste of many different styles from Africa, South America and the Caribbean. We will cover the essentials of tone production and rhythmic structure, in the context of learning traditional rhythms such as Bomba, Shiko, Kpanlogo, Kuku, Tumbao and more. Students may purchase a book and CD set with notated and recorded examples of all material covered in class.

Wednesdays 6:30 to 7:45 pm - Start Date September 20

An Introduction to Hand Drumming- Level 2

This new class is the follow up to Level 1, and as such, participants should complete Level 1 or speak to Leo before registering. Over 10 weeks we will introduce novice drummers to the concepts of 6/8 time and swing, as well as build upon tone and techniques learnt in Level 1. Rhythms covered include Nañigo, Fanga, Yankadi, Zebolah, Djansa and more. Students may purchase a book and CD set with notated and recorded examples of all material covered in class.

Wednesdays 8:00 to 9:15 pm - Start Date September 20

Intermediate Hand Drumming Group

This session will be for those students with some experience (having completed at least one of Leo’s previous classes) who would like to learn some more advanced materials in a group setting. In our 10 weeks together we will cover 3 or 4 rhythms in some detail, building on concepts from week to week. This is a dynamic group which always contains some long time members and some new participants. Come join us!

Thursdays 6:30 to 7:45 pm - Start Date September 21

Introduction to Balafon

This 10 week class will focus on the music of the Malinké and Susu people of Guinea and Mali, who play a diatonic scale instrument (do, re, mi etc). Some instruments may be available for rent. Each week we will introduce some new concepts and review pieces learnt in previous weeks. Participants who have not done balafon lessons with Leo must contact him prior to registering.

Thursdays 8:00 to 9:15 pm - Start Date September 21

4. Leo’s new book and class “An Introduction to Hand Drumming – Part 2â€

As noted in the previous section, I will be teaching a new class based on a book I have been working on all summer as a follow up to “An Introduction to Hand Drummingâ€. While it is not quite finished yet, I am really pleased with the results so far and should have the book and CD set ready for sale by the end of September.

This class is for all those folks out there who took my introduction class and wanted to continue. Come back for more drumming adventures!

Pre - order your copy of An Introduction to Hand Drumming – Part 2 today for the special price of only $20. Leo will sign, ship or hand deliver all books ordered by October 1st.

Send an email to Leo@treefrogpercussion.ca if you are interested!

5. Drum workshop at the Ottawa Jewish Community Centre with Leo.

This will be a one evening class which will introduce folks to the fun and community of hand drumming. Please support the good folks at the JCC who are behind this initiative!

Monday, October 23

7:00 to 9:00

Soloway Jewish Community Centre Of Ottawa - 21 Nadolny Sachs Private

Cost: $30

For more information contact

Roslyn Wollock

RWollock@jccottawa.com

(613) 798-9818

6. News from Dr. Lee – djembe classes and more

The good Doctor has recently updated his website and it is completely cool. PLEASE CHECK IT OUT. Here is info on his fall djembe classes and more.

WHAT- Beginner and intermediate djembe sessions

WHEN - Beginner Sun Aug 27th-Sun Oct 29th 12:30pm-2:00PM

Intermediate Sun Aug 27th-Sun Oct 29th 2:00-3:30pm

WHERE - 2 Daly Ave, Arts Court, studio B, 2nd floor

COST- $180 per 10 week session

To register email or call me :

Lee Garbutt

djembe_drummer@hotmail.com

613 263-0712

Or Click on the link for more info.

http://drleepercussion.com/calendar.html

I have been working with my good friend

Kai Whitcomb who is Artistic Director of

www.thaidancetroupeofottawa.com

Working with this large group of dedicated dancers and musicians.

We blended djembe with traditional Thai instruments for a section of -Thai New Year Celebration 2006 -performance at the Casino du Lac-Leamy.

Here is a video clip of that section:

http://www.thaidancetroupeofottawa.com/MovieClip/drlee.html

Also click on the music link for some cool new songs I have created for my upcoming new album!!!

http://www.drleeandthesufigirl.com/music.html

dr. lee reporting for www.drleepercussion.com

7. News from Baobab Tree

Hot and hazy greetings to you all!

Just wanted to let you know a few summer announcements:

Footsteps to Ghana www.footstepstoghana.blogspot.com

The youth performers returned from a very successful tour to Ghana July 3-21. Photos and stories can be found on our blog (see above)....and more will come in the fall newsletter.

Fall Classes www.baobabtree.org

Classes are filling up very quickly for Adult drum & dance and the kids ROOTS classes (7-10yrs and 11-13yrs) Please see the website for details and email us at info@baobabtree.org to register.

Enjoy the rest of the summer, hope to see you soon!

Baobab Tree Drum Dance Community

...where local energy meets global spirit

www.baobabtree.org

8. Djembe and Dundun classes with Mohamed Diarra

Feel the Rhythm and Play with Mohamed Diarra:

A)Friday Sep 22 to December 1 (11 weeks) from 6:30 to 8pm/Cost $185

Prerequisite: Some experience on djembé or other drums. (Call Lainie to discuss).

Taught by Guinean djembéfola Mohamed Diarra, this session is devoted to strengthening the participant’s Dounounba skills. The class will focus on the critical role the dounouns play in djembe music, with parts and variations.

B)Sunday Sept 17 to Dec 3 (10 weeks) from 3:45pm to 5:00pm/Cost $175

(No Class Oct 9/Thanksgiving)

Prerequisite: Some experience on djembé or other drums. (Call Lainie to discuss)

Explore the richness and beauty of traditional drum rhythms from West Africa with Ottawa’s only djembéfola from The Republic of Guinea, Mohamed Diarra.

Registration/Info

Call: 613-276-SUFI (7834)

Email: gosufigirl@hotmail.com

Visit: www.sufigirl.com

9. Dance Classes with Lainie

End of summer blues? Well Sufi Girl 's got some news:

This fall is going to be hotter than ever!!!

With three different Sufi Girl dance class options and guest dance teacher Aboubacar Mané from Cote D'Ivoire coming to town...all Sufi Girl needs is a live chicken in the dance studio and she will think she's back in Africa!

Feel the Heat and Dance with Sufi Girl:

A)Tuesdays: Sept 19 to Dec 5 (11 weeks) from 6pm to 8pm/Cost:$240

(Prerequisite: Previously studied with Sufi Girl, or contact Lainie to discuss further )

*no class October 31*

*Workshop on Oct 29 with Aboubacar Mané included in session*

Experience the circular relationship between rhythm and dance. Discover how form is not only physical, but a cultural characteristic in Guinean ballet. Partake in a creative collaboration where we will develop a contemporary choreography inspired by some Guinean dances: Yankadi, Makru, Tribaa, Kuku, Kassa, Sorsonet, and Soko.

B)Sundays: Sept 17 to Dec 3 (11 weeks) from 6pm to 7pm /Cost: $175

(Prerequisite: This class is geared towards beginners)

*no class Oct 9/Thanksgiving*

*Workshop on Oct 29 with Aboubacar Mané included in session*

Experience the energy of Guinea West Africa. Following the beats of the djembe drum, you will learn traditional and contemporary steps from the Malinke dance Soco. You will also develop your ability to choose from different movement options and discover your body's potential as a vehicle for self expression.

C)Sundays: Sept 17 to Dec 3 (11 weeks) from 7:15 to 8:15pm/Cost $175

(Prerequisite: willingness to come out and have fun, this class is open to all those who are open)

*no class Oct 9/Thanksgiving*

*Workshop on Oct 29 with Aboubacar Mané included in session*

A Sufi Girl favorite...this fall we will dance Sinte, a rhythm from the Soso people of Guinea, and a choreography from Lainie's beloved master in Conakry...Fodé Bamba Camara. Prepare to be introduced to new vocabulary, new friends you have not yet met, and the inexplicable way in which your energy will be renewed through rhythm and dance, sending you to work on Monday morning with a smile on your face that most people only achieve after a few cups of coffee.

SPECIAL EVENT

Feel the Heat and Dance with Aboubacar Mané:

Sunday October 29 from 6pm to 7:30pm/ Cost $35

Originally from Cote D'Ivoire, Aboubacar began dancing in 1989 with the company N'zraman in Abidjan. In 1996 he joined the Ballet Nationale de la Cote-D'ivoire where he spent 3 years touring before arriving in Canada. Aboubacar dances with Oumar N'Diaye's Guinean troupe Tribaa, and some of you may have seen him dance with the group in Ottawa, with Sufi Girl as his guest in 2005. Aboubacar is now based in Montreal. He teaches dance at Afrique en Mouvement and performs regularly.

*This workshop is included at no extra cost for registered Sufi Girl dance students*

Registration/Info

Call: 613-276-SUFI (7834)

Email: gosufigirl@hotmail.com

Visit: www.sufigirl.com

*Please note: Lainie teaches her classes in both English and French. Mohamed and Aboubacar teach in French, however translation is available.*

10. Balafons for sale from Guinea – help support Leo’s teacher

ONLY 2 BALAFONS LEFT! ACT NOW IF YOU ARE INTERESTED!

My teacher, Mohamed Kouyaté, is from a long line of Balafon players and builders in Guinea. I told him when I left Guinea that I would try and get some balafon classes started and find a market for his instruments. My good friend Lancinet is arranging to have them shipped. These are very good quality Balafons, tuned to standard “piano†tuning, and offered at a price that directly benefits two good men in Guinea. I would like to have my order ready by Sept 10 to ensure that the instruments arrive as my classes start at the Ottawa Folklore Centre.

I require a $300 deposit for these instruments. This will be enough to get them built and on a plane headed to Canada. An additional $100 -$200 will be required upon delivery depending on shipping, taxes, unforeseen circumstances in Guinea and minor work which may need to be done after they arrive. I am personally not making very much in these transactions, preferring to get more money to Lancinet and Kouyaté.

If you are interested, please contact me directly ASAP.

Leo

819-682-8827

l_brooks@sympatico.ca

11. Heads up – Michael Marcus in Ottawa for workshop and concert!

Michael is booked for workshops in Ottawa November 3,4, and 5.

Not only this, we are planning a concert featuring Michael and some of Ottawa’s best drumming talent. The best drum show of the year!

More details to follow in the next edition of Talking Drums!

[Davey Boy 2.0]

there go your evenings and weekends

[Velvet]

Classes with this guy are highly recommended. Finding someone as passionate as Leo about playing AND teaching is very rare.