Hi Sarah and Djembe-l people,
      It's been a long long time since I've written to the list. I'm always
lurking here in the corner but just silently watching and learning. I figured I
can actually contribute something here though.

       If you go to www.myspace.com/mnhanddrumming
I have a page there with a few dance classes on it. Click on the "Twin Cities
Hand Drumming Events" on the left side of the page. I don't know if they're
specifically Guinean dance but they are West African dance. I hope this helps:-)

        If anyone ever makes it to the Twin Cities for a visit please let me
know, I'd love to hook up and drum with you. Or at least visit my drum page to
see what's going on over here...
Peace,
Dan

James~

Thank you for your reply and we will keep you in mind!  So far we don't have
a tour planned for California, but if/when we do, I will let you know.
Thank you!

Sarah Lee

James Warfel AKA jamsa writes:
Hi Sarah, my name is jamsa and i live 1 1/2 hours from arcata ca. in orleans
ca. its right between arcata and ashland or. we have a one year old dance
program here, and we are ready for some guest teachers, please keep us in
mind.

Hi Sarah, my name is jamsa and i live 1 1/2 hours from arcata ca. in orleans ca.
its right between arcata and ashland or. we have a one year old dance program
here, and we are ready for some guest teachers, please keep us in mind. much
love, 1nity  jamsa

Sarah Lee Koumbassa <sarahlee@...> wrote:
<snip>I am looking for a comprehensive list of West African (specifically
Guinean)Dance classes in Chicago, (especially in December) and am also curious
about what classes may be happening in Milwaukee, Madison and Minneapolis.  If
you know of classes, could you email me back at:
Sarahlee@...?<snip>

Greetings Sarah Lee and ALL!

Surely you must be aware of my good friend in Chicago, Moustapha
Bangoura! He will be in Guinea hosting a Drum and Dance trip during
Ramadan. He holds frequent classes in your area, and occasional ones all
over the world.
http://lebagatae.com
<http://lebagatae.com>

Another obvious source for such information is the legacy left to us by
HappyShel Weisman, the Djembe-L FAQ.
http://www.drums.org/djembefaq/african_dance.htm
<http://www.drums.org/djembefaq/african_dance.htm>

Thanks for Everything!
One Love, R
++++++
We dance, therefore we are.
- African Wisdom Saying
http://tinyurl.com/StealingDrums
<http://tinyurl.com/StealingDrums>
++++++

Sarah Lee Koumbassa wrote:
> I am looking for a comprehensive list of West African (specifically Guinean)
> Dance classes in Chicago, (especially in December) and am also curious about
> what classes may be happening in Milwaukee, Madison and Minneapolis.  If you
> know of classes, could you email me back at: Sarahlee@...?
<snip>
>

See a djembe solo on YANKADI rhythm at this adress:

   http://www.djembe-solo.ca/index.php?pr=Djembe_solo
<http://www.djembe-solo.ca/index.php?pr=Djembe_solo>

You will find the partition, two differents speed mp3 and a djembe solo
vidéo on Yankadi.

Mathieu Charrois

www.djembe-solo.ca <http://www.djembe-solo.ca/>

Greetings!

I am looking for a comprehensive list of West African (specifically Guinean)
Dance classes in Chicago, (especially in December) and am also curious about
what classes may be happening in Milwaukee, Madison and Minneapolis.  If you
know of classes, could you email me back at: Sarahlee@...?
Thank you!

Sarah Lee

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change
the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."

~Margaret Mead

Sarah Lee & Karim Koumbassa
206-409-6430
<http://www.oneworlddance.com/> www.OneWorldDance.com

STAY CONNECTED!

Join the One World Dance & Drum mailing list:
<http://bit.ly/HdvIL>
http://bit.ly/HdvIL

WEST AFRICAN DANCE CLASSES

Planet Earth Yoga in Fremont -
<http://www.planetearthyoga.com/>
www.PlanetEarthYoga.com

           Mondays, 7:30-9:00pm: Beginning/Intermediate with Sarah Lee

           Thursdays, 7:30-9:00pm: Intermediate with Sarah Lee

TRAVEL TO AFRICA

3 week Dance, Drum, and Cultural Immersion in Guinea next winter - the trip of a
lifetime!

December 11th - 31st, 2010 or January 15th - February 4th, 2011

GIVING BACK
Check out the difference we all are making -  <http://www.guineakids.org/>
www.GuineaKids.org

FRUITS & VEGGIES
Nature's cheapest health insurance -  <http://www.sarahleejuiceplus.com/>
www.sarahleejuiceplus.com

FYI - In Hernando County, FL.they (the County Gov) want a liability policy
($1 milllion) a rent a cop ($100/hour) and a $38 pavilion fee for me to hold
a drum circle at a county park. (yes, they svck) but none the less it's
true.

"kw" <freakyqi@...> writes:
Sharon-
Why not just start out at the park? <snip>

HI Sharon, I've been doing a drum circle in my backyard for over a year now. I
had anticipated moving it to another location, but I have found that to be
troublesome given the County I live in (Hernando). But at this point, I have no
intention of moving it anywhere, lots of people come regularly and it is quite
the awesome fun time!



swarden writes:
> Please let me know your opinions.
> Sharon

Thanks so much for your wonderful email and information, I will certainly take
your advice.  Am getting really excited now.  After everything settles down
after the holidays, maybe I will have a collection of things to drum on! 
Sharon


--- On Tue, 11/17/09, Beverly Nadelman <PrismConcept@...> wrote:
       Congratulations on finding a neutral place Sharon. As for
instruments"<snip>

I will be in Western NY, specifically Springville, leaving next Monday (11-23)
for 10 days. Does anyone know of any drumming activity up there? Anyone want to
get together to jam? Can't go over to the Canadian side. No current passport.
Duh!

Beverly

Walk in beauty on your path.

THE CLAVE MATRIX
Afro-Cuban Rhythm: Its Principles and African Origins
By David Peñalosa with Peter Greenwood
318 pages / English
Bembé Books
ISBN-1-886502-80-3

Latin Beat Magazine
http://www.latinbeatmagazine.com/reviews.html
Known for his work as executive producer for Bembé Records, the
percussionist/educator David Peñalosa released his latest published endeavor,
"The Clave Matrix". Most music aficionados know that Antillean music is mostly
based on the Cuban clave, and Peñalosa a preeminent clave theorist sought out by
scholars and authors for his analytical expertise-brings us the definitive book
on clave, the rhythmic foundation of most of what it's usually known today as
"Latin music". Regardless of your level of musicianship or musical education,
this book unlocks the rhythmic secrets of Afro-Cuban music and Latin music in
general. Going beyond the conventional teachings of the clave de son (3-2) and
the clave de rumba (2-3) patterns, The Clave Matrix breaks down the concept of
clave and its related complexities to a layman's level of understanding. The
book includes extensive exercises, music examples written in standard and box
notation, beat cycles, metric structure, terminology and theory. Two CDs
accompany this instructional book, providing a vital component to the learning
process. The audio examples are identified by the CD icon next to the written
exercises, while a shaker plays the main beats on each track, so that you can
hear every example within its proper metrical context. Interesting graphic
patterns both African-carved and woven, as well as designs by the author based
on traditional motifs, are found throughout the book, thus adding an artistic
element which visually communicates, either explicitly or implicitly, the
structures found in the music. In reality, The Clave Matrix is the first volume
of a series entitled Unlocking Clave and based on the research conducted by
Peñalosa for over 30 years, on the premise that the essential structure of
sub-Saharan African rhythms consists of four independent patterns that intersect
according to specific rhythmic principles. As Peñalosa explains it: "In Cuba,
those principles are collectively known as 'clave', a Spanish word meaning key
or code." The book was edited by Peter Greenwood, a gifted musician/composer
/educator/musicologist, as well as a good friend of Peñalosa. -Rudy Mangual,
Editor

Boogalu Productions
http://www.boogalu.com/the-clave-matrix
"As long as I can remember, musicians at various levels have argued about or
been confused by "the clave" and its role in Latin music generally and
Afro-Cuban music specifically. I've listened to, collected, studied, and played
this type of music for over fifty years and I'm still surprised whenever a new
revelation comes upon me, revealing my understanding to be misguided,
incomplete, or simply wrong. Being misguided is likely when navigating through a
mysterious maze where the guideposts previously erected are not necessarily
reliable. If only there were some really good maps maybe we would have a clearer
idea about this territory.

How can I as a dancer, musician, listener, fan, performer, or musicologist
understand the great attraction and complexity of Afro Cuban music in the
deepest, most definitive and thorough manner possible? Answer: embrace, study,
and absorb the teachings and concepts presented in The Clave Matrix by David
Peñalosa, who I believe is the foremost expert on the subject. I would recommend
first reading some of the introductory paragraphs to several chapters and then
listening to the accompanying CDs. I am sure you will feel like you are in the
confident hands of a master teacher and then you will want to proceed further
toward understanding and grasping the vital lessons contained throughout the
rest of the book.

This is only Volume One. It's a great foundation for getting the most from the
forthcoming volumes on more specific practices. As you proceed, you will undergo
"quantum" shifts and "AHA!" experiences regarding the most essential concepts in
the world of rhythm. You will see how each clarification is the stepping stone
to the next development in the progression and in the end you will have an
understanding that may have taken many practitioners most of their lives, to
sense intuitively and pass on by "osmosis." Peñalosa's approach employs both the
intuitive and the precisely articulate. No one has researched the subject of
clave and sorted out its rhythmic labyrinth to the extent that this author has.

A great bonus is the two accompanying CDs of audio examples. Now I totally get
it! It is clear as a bell. There is nothing better for retaining new ideas than
to have both the telling and the showing at your fingertips and playable to your
ears at the flip of the remote.

Peñalosa is careful to point out potential pitfalls. For example, after
explaining everything you always wanted to know about 3-2 clave and 2-3 clave in
popular music, he states: "When discussing clave in relation to Cuban folkloric
music, or African and other non-Cuban genres, care should be taken as to not
improperly project the 3-2/2-3 framework, or other popular music techniques and
aesthetics." Many old controversies get resolved: "In clave based folkloric
music beat 1 is always the first stroke of the three-side. As we've seen, this
is the point in musical time where the matrix is initiated, the moment of
rhythmic "ignition".

The author notes every major issue regarding the complexities and seeming
contradictions that always emerge in clave theory. Furthermore, he has at last
deduced a comprehensive system whereby all issues are resolved under "one tent."
Sooner or later, anyone wanting to be free of the frustrating confusions will
have to confront Peñalosa's system and conceptual foundations, which I see as
the unavoidable truth of the matter.

Who should be interested in such a comprehensive and thoughtful approach to
understanding clave? Who even entertains clave as a subject of contemplation?
Answer: All those musically inclined who ever had an inkling that there was a
certain "something" which made their favorite type of music from Africa, Cuba
and the extended Diaspora, so engaging, mysterious, wondrous, and life
affirming. The concepts, so clearly delineated in The Clave Matrix, are a basis
for renewed creativity both with traditional approaches to playing and also for
new musical composition.

The Clave Matrix articulates the structural relationships at the foundation of
clave-based music, concepts that were always there but never before made so
clear on a theoretical basis. You might say that these are "original"
theoretical ideas, but David Peñalosa is simply clave's long-awaited spokesman."
Zeno Okeanos, Associate Producer, Boogalu Productions

[Moderators Note:
For additional info to the shameless self-promotion above you may wish to visit
David's website...
http://www.unlockingclave.com/
<http://www.unlockingclave.com/> - 1LR]

hey there kulcha- i do sell djembes- ivory coast - very nice-
amy jackson
http://www.drummingatlanta.com
1986amyj@...
404-784-2462

On Nov 16, 2009, at 12:49 PM, carolyn wrote:
> Hi I am Kulcha a member of the Group and I am looking to buy some
> drums congas/jembe in Atlanta.I just got here and am seeking a place
> that does spoken word/drumming….anyone know any good venues? Thank
> you Kulcha  College park ga.

Congratulations on finding a neutral place Sharon. As for instruments"

Film containers (for those who still shoot 35mm), vitamin bottles and almost any
other container that won't shatter if it drops with rice, beans, tiny pebbles or
whatever make good shakers.

Food cans, empty and clean-the kind with the peel back lids work best, but all
will work, with again rice, beans, a combination or whatever inside and their
open ends taped together with Duck or colored duct tape, supplied with thin
pieces of dowel from Lowes or Home Depot (3/8" works well; 1/4" works better but
breaks easily) can be used as combination shaker and guiro.

I make a very inexpensive to assemble drum I call a "Fun Drum" out of the sono
tubes meant for poured concrete columns. Originally I headed them all with
coated pack cloth but now I am using 1/4" plywood so that they are not subject
to problems from humidity. Either one can be played by hand or with mallets. I
make the mallets from small balls-think Dollar Tree-3 on a card for $1- with
3/8"-1/2" dowels driven into them and cemented in place. I think I have
instructions for the earlier kind in my blog at:
xes at"

Eldermusic@yahoogroups.com

You will, of course, have to join the group.

I will also be rewriting my own instructions for making them now that I am
mostly using wood. Not only are these drums extremely light weight and, with
reasonable care and the "feet" backed with 1x2 or lightweight plywood leftovers
from making the heads, but they also can be stacked as they come in 8, 10 and
12" sizes. Sonotube, but not the other brands, so far as I have been able to
find, also makes a 16" drum from which I have made dynamite small gathering
drums that will easily accommodate 4 people.

Buckets, sizes from 2 1/2 to 5 gallon make awesome drums. Depending on whether
they have a lip on their bottoms they may require mallets. See if you can get
donations from delicatessens and such places. They get some of their bulk
products in them, but depending on the quality, if they are food grade they may
return them for a deposit. Frequently they don't.

Start walking around tapping everything. It is a side effect of drumming anyway,
frequently referred to as "percussionitis". The lid from what was my mother's
dutch oven makes a commendable gong, indistinguishable from te real thing if you
don't look.

And with no disloyalty to this group, may I suggest you also join the
Drumcircles@yahoogroups.com site as well. It mostly caters to drum circle
facilitators-which you are about to become-but is also useful for
non-facilitators interested in drum circles utilizing primarily non-traditional
rhythms and instruments. As with this group, members are very willing to answer
all sorts of questions and many have experience up the kazoo.

Have a great time with your new circle and keep us posted-

Beverly
Walk in beauty on your path.

A DAY of DRUMMING with ODARTEY LAMPTEY
at STARK HILL, STROUD, GLOS. GL6 6NR
Sunday 29th November 2009
10.30 to 4.30 Fee £30 A WONDERFUL OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN SOME MORE
DRUMMING SKILLS
IN A FRIENDLY SUPPORTIVE ATMOSPHERE WITH ODARTEY LAMPTEY
ONE OF THE HIGHLY RESPECTED MASTER DRUMMERS FROM GHANA,
AND FORMER PRINCIPAL DRUMMER OF ADZIDO PAN AFRICAN DANCE COMPANY
About Odartey – After a long career in Ghana in 1988 Odartey came to
the UK with Aklowa Drummers and Dancers at The African Village in
Bishops Stortford. He then went on to join Adzido Pan African Dance
Company. With Adzido he was appointed Principal Drummer and he toured
worldwide. Odartey was the co-founder/member of' Brekete Drumming and
Dance Group' and 'Abladei UK. Odartey taught for many years at Ealing
Music Service, London.  He now works with Iroko Theatre Company and is
also teaching in the Music Department of The City University, London.

Odartey plays and teaches all the drums from Ghana including the
Kpanlogo drum, Ewe Set, Fontonfrom, Donno (talking drum), Brekete, Gome,
Atumpani, Oblenten, Asafo drums.  Also Djembe, Djun Djun and Bata drums.

Please book in advance and send a deposit of £10 to J Mensah, Stark
Hill, Edge, Nr Stroud, GL6 6NR


To book please download a booking form from
www.heartbeats-of-africa.co.uk <http://www.heartbeats-of-africa.co.uk/>
For more details ring 01452 812983
or email:- akwaaba_mensah@...

I was talking to my pastor at St. Andrews Episcopal Church in Interlachen, she
said we were free to have it in the parish hall, just figure a night when it
wasn't used.  Sat. night is always good, as are weekends, but then I talked with
someone in area who is quite a ways away, same old trouble., but it's a place to
start.  I think some Epis church hosted a great drum gathering with camping,
etc, up in Northern FL.  Thanks for the feedback. 
Sharon

Now that I have a starting venue and ONE party that is interested and No
"facilitation" experience myself, just love to drum and the sounds the
percussion makes, what should the first one be like?  Shall I take a couple of
drumming cd's and play them, or what?  I have one drum, but there is a
tambourine at church, I have a shaker, a washboard (with a stick), I have a
tambourine also.  So, what shall I do the first time?  All of the circles I have
gone to have been established and you just go in and start drumming.  Never
heard of paid ones, except for lessons and this is not a lesson situation.  But
it is exciting.  We have a place! 
Sharon


--- On Sun, 11/15/09, Gregory Whitt <gregory@...> wrote:
I've done it both ways and I tend to agree with Sharee:  If you're personally
inviting people over to drum, certainly you can have it at home.   If it is a
public event, consider holding it in public.  One, you'll get more attention,
interest, and participation from the spectators.  Two,  I'm a bit reluctant to
put my home address on a bulletin board somewhere...

Sharon Warden writes:
"Would it be appropriate to start a circle at my house first, then see if we can
move to a river park."

I've done it both ways and I tend to agree with Sharee:  If you're personally
inviting people over to drum, certainly you can have it at home.   If it is a
public event, consider holding it in public.  One, you'll get more attention,
interest, and participation from the spectators.  Two,  I'm a bit reluctant to
put my home address on a bulletin board somewhere....

Cheers,

-Greg

Gregory Whitt
Facilitator, Educator, Rhythmatist
Trained HealthRHYTHMS Facilitator

gregory@...
919/696-0883
http://www.drumforchange.com

Thank u 4 that reply-you've given me new courage and incentive

Stream AKA franspontus <cmndrx@...> writes
Swarden, you are breaking my heart...what has the world come to when you feel
you must ask if its "appropriate" to open your home to a drum circle? The
essential business of a "drum circle" is drumming in a CIRCLE OF EQUALS; you
need nobody's permission, or license, or... <snip>

Sharon-
Why not just start out at the park? Or is the winter weather the problem? (I
didn't see where you are)

My friends & I just started a drum circle at a local cafe once a month. It's
good for them because it might bring them more business, and it gives us a
neutral place to be. We don't charge for our circle, so there's no tension there
about money & the cafe.

I've been surprised at the number of people who think we should be charging, and
who charge. But as a person who likes to GO TO drum circles, I hate when I have
to pay unless I'm learning something or someone is going out of their way
somehow for us to be gathering.

So my suggestion, if you're leery about inviting people to your home, is to
maybe find a place in a nearby town area - a bar, cafe, maybe even the library
or a school (at night obviously)... or a church. A local church near me lets a
few members have an open mic nite once a month. Non-members come too, anyone is
welcome, and they put a donation basket by the door.

Just ask!

Good thought-now where? Thats the next ?

Sharee and Clint Tipton <id012001@...> writes:
I live in Live Oak...doesn't get much more rural then that. I have had a
successful community here for eight years. We started first at a campground just
outside of town. Had a pretty good turn out there because of camping. When I
moved it into downtown though I got alot more participation from locals. We have
a really good community here and in Lake City (next town over). I would not
recommend advertising a community event at your house...been there done that,
you never know who's going to show up. Do it for the community in a community
place. I would recommend having a few extra instruments on hand as people will
want to participate but will not have their own because you are introducing
something knew to them. Let me know if I can help you any other way.<snip>

Almost all of our Drum & Percussion CDs are listed at half price or
lower at www.percussionmusic.com. On sale are thousands of drumming CDs
  from Africa, India, Middle-East, Cuba, Brazil, along with Latin, Jazz,
Rock, and many other CDs by drummers. So avoid the holiday rush and get
your  CD gifts to yourself or others! Thank you.-Scott Davidson,
http://Percussionmusic.com

Swarden, you are breaking my heart...what has the world come to when you feel
you must ask if its "appropriate" to open your home to a drum circle? The
essential business of a "drum circle" is drumming in a CIRCLE OF EQUALS; you
need nobody's permission, or license, or certificate of workshop attendance to
send out a call. If you later are led to study with the great leaders and follow
a system and aspire to become a corporate consultant in rhythmology, by all
means do so. Just don't think you need anyone's permission to follow your heart.
Spread joy!  Stream

--- In djembe-l@yahoogroups.com, swarden <smw34287@...> wrote:
>
> Thank you for that link!!  I am trying to begin a circle here in Palatka, FL;
put an announcement in the Putnam Grapevine, one caller so far. I have yet to
call her back.  I live in a rural area.  Would it be appropriate to start a
circle at my house first, then see if we can move to a river park (St. Johns) ? 
Right now I drum occasionally as back up to the guitar players at Downtown Blues
Bar in Palatka, FL, but it's not a particular "usual" venue, just a little
tapping in the background!
>
> Please let me know your opinions.
> Sharon
>
> Sharee Tipton <id012001@...> writes:
> > For info on future workshops check out...
> > http://www.drummagic.net
>

Greetings Sharon,

I live in Live Oak...doesn't get much more rural then that. I have had a
successful community here for eight years. We started first at a campground just
outside of town. Had a pretty good turn out there because of camping. When I
moved it into downtown though I got alot more participation from locals. We have
a really good community here and in Lake City (next town over). I would not
recommend advertising a community event at your house...been there done that,
you never know who's going to show up. Do it for the community in a community
place. I would recommend having a few extra instruments on hand as people will
want to participate but will not have their own because you are introducing
something knew to them. Let me know if I can help you any other way.

Peace & Prosperity,
Sharee
Paralounge Inc.
Drum Circles & Rhythmic Events
www.paralounge.net

"If you can do no good, then do no harm."
Peacefull Journeys,
LiveOak Florida

Thank you for that link!!  I am trying to begin a circle here in Palatka, FL;
put an announcement in the Putnam Grapevine, one caller so far. I have yet to
call her back.  I live in a rural area.  Would it be appropriate to start a
circle at my house first, then see if we can move to a river park (St. Johns) ? 
Right now I drum occasionally as back up to the guitar players at Downtown Blues
Bar in Palatka, FL, but it's not a particular "usual" venue, just a little
tapping in the background!

Please let me know your opinions.
Sharon

Sharee Tipton <id012001@...> writes:
> For info on future workshops check out...
> http://www.drummagic.net

Greetings List,

  If you were contemplating going to "The Business of Drum Circle Facilitation"
workshop and did not, I can tell you that it is absolutely worth going.  I just
spent the weekend in Tampa with Jana Broder, Drum Magic", and a group of
exhilarating people from around the world. We were able to bounce ideas,
experiences, and invaluable information off each other. Jana provided excellent
leadership and knowledge in our focus discussions. I also  learned from every
single person there as well...so thanks to you. I came back bounding with new
enthusiasm and focus on my business.

For info on future workshops check out...
http://www.drummagic.net

Peace & Prosperity,

Sharee

Paralounge Inc.
Drum Circles & Rhythmic events

http//www.paralounge.net

Live Oak, Florida

Saturday 11/21/09 Day of Drumming with Jim Donovan in Coopersburg, PA
a Lehigh Valley event w/ easy access to Rt. 476, Rt. 78 & Rt. 309

2 Great Workshops with Jim Donovan. All new material.
Beginners are warmly welcomed. Drums are provided.

Advance registration strongly suggested. Space is limited.
Call workshop organizer Stephanie Smith at 610.248.5031 to reserve your
spot.

Venue: Chestnut Hill Church 6870 Chestnut Hill Church Road Coopersburg,
PA 18036-9704

Schedule:
12-2:30 pm The Rhythm Renewal Drumming Workshop : Learn rhythms, songs
and techniques from Africa, Brazil and beyond! Find new ways to build
purpose and connection with others, deepen listening skills, and explore
ways to enhance creativity.

4:00-6:30 pm Yoga of Drum and Chant Workshop : Experience the power of
Nada yoga as you learn to deepen your connection to your true self
through group drumming, chanting and intention.

Beginners are warmly welcomed. Drums are provided.
Ages 17 and over.

Pricing:
Pre-registration fee: $35 single workshop or $65 for both
Day of the event: $45 single workshop or $80 for both
All Major Credit Cards Accepted

http://www.jimdonovandrums.com/ <http://www.jimdonovandrums.com/>

------------------------------
About Jim Donovan

From 1990-2005, Jim Donovan was a founding member and driving force of
the multi-platinum band, Rusted Root. Jim made countless trips around
North America and abroad with the popular jam-band, sharing the stage
with rock & roll legends such as Santana, Page and Plant, Sting, Dave
Matthews Band, The Allman Brothers, Sheryl Crowe, The Grateful Dead, and
many others.

Donovan was recently named "2008 Drum Circle Facilitator of the Year" by
the readers of Drum! Magazine

Donovan studied and played African rhythms with various master drummers
such as Congolese master drummer Elie Kihonia, Mamady Keita and Mbemba
Bangoura. He also studied African Music with noted scholar, Kwabena
Nketia from Ghana.He has researched traditional African music for over
20 years via field recordings, and has continuously integrated his
findings into all his music both as a solo recording artist and with
Rusted Root.

As a solo artist, Donovan has released 5 highly acclaimed solo CD's as
well as 4 instructional drumming CD's. His newest releases include Drum
the Ecstatic International, The Yoga of Drum and Chant, and a hand
drumming instructional series called Rhythmic Foundation: Volumes 1 and
2.

Fulfilling his desire to share the power of rhythm first hand, Donovan
built a series of educational drumming workshops that he teaches across
the US and Europe at universities, festivals, schools, corporations, and
specialty venues. He is a full-time instructor of music at Saint Francis
University in Loretto, PA, the current director of the Saint Francis
University World Drumming Ensemble and the director of the annual Rhythm
Renewal Drumming Retreat.

I have not had a VCR in many years, and during my recent move, found my VHS tape
of "Skin it... Tune It... PLAY IT" by Paulo Mattioli.

For info, here is the Amazon listing for the DVD.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00127YRSQ

Asking $5.00 + shipping costs; media mail is an inexpensive option.