I thought some of you might dig this djembe drumming with 7 fire dancers youtube
video. Drumming to fire is amazing. It's about 6 minutes long with fire hula
hoops and all kinds of cool stuff going on. We don't usually get this many going
at once.

Here is the link to it, or you can also go to YouTube and just search on the
title and it will come up:

7 fire dancers clearwater drum circle

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PQGc0DsYalE

The vid is from the Clearwater Beach drum circle. Fire spinners, poi, & more.
It's a spontainious gathering, and we don't get this many every week, but
sometimes it happens and it's fantastic. Just for the love of performing and
playing. In this clip, we were drumming to a Bleldi - Zaffah variation:

Boom chick-a chick, Boom Boom (pause) chick-a-chick-a Boom chick-a chick, Boom
Boom (pause)chick-a-chick-a Boom etc.

The circle is Saturday nights around 10pm by pier 60, Clearwater Beach, FL. If
you're ever down here on vacation, come check it out sometime.

Shannon

drumcircles.net

"Bellarmine instructor fights to save Mali music" by journalist Chris Kenning
appears in the Monday Aug. 17, 2009 newspaper edition of The Courier-Journal
serving Louiville, Kentucky and Southern Indiana.
http://www.courier-journal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2009908170303

See link for 45 photos in the Photo Galleries - "Saving traditions in Mali"
located on the article page - by Geoff Bugbee, special to the Courier-Journal.

Stephen Conroy, Producer/Publisher
Yaya Diallo's Traditional & Upbeat West African Kanza Music
Onzou Records, www.onzou.com

THE MAGAZINE OF BELLARMINE UNIVERSITY, spring 2009 issue, features
a beautiful article on the life and work of artist YAYA DIALLO - Malian
musician, author, teacher, and founder of Farafina Donia - A Survival School for
Traditional African culture in Mali.

"DRUM CIRCLE"
Yaya Diallo's music has taken him on an amazing journey

Go to:
http://www.bellarmine.edu/documents/alumni/MagazineSpring09.pdf
Scroll to page 22


Onzou Records
http://www.onzou.com

Holiday special. Drum Lovers Deal 6 Pack - The 101 Rhythms DVD, and 5
Drumming CD's. Would make a great gift for your favorite drummer, or
yourself. 6 disks for $40 Shipped. (USA Only)

Here's what's included:

1 DVD 125 Drum Circle Rhythms For The Hand Drum (2 hours, 12 Min.
long)

2 CD's 101 Drum Circle Rhythms (2 Hours) (Great for the car sterio or
iPod)

2 CD's Live Ultimate Drum Circles (78 minutes on each disk, good
stuff!)

The CD Clearwater Beach Drum Circle (78 minutes of jammin' drum
circle action)

These six drumming CD's & DVD will keep you, or any other drum lover
busy, for a long, long time.
And I hope it helps you to enjoy hand drumming, & drum circles more.
So it's 6 drumming disks for $40 including shipping anywhere in the
USA. That's a pretty good value for your money. (Even nowadays.)

You can also get just the DVD, & 1 drum circle CD for $17 shipped.
Makes a great stocking stuffer.
Visit my drum circles site for more info, & you can hear samples from
the drum circle CD's at drumcircles.net

Thanks,
Shannon

http://www.drumcircles.net

Tam Tam Montreal is the djembe drumming celebration in Mount Royal
park. This all-day outdoor menagerie of drummers, dancers and more
occurs every summer Sunday - a party for all to enjoy. This video can
be taken as entertainment, a documentary, or an exploration of the
levels of tradtitional African drumming from the profane to the
sublime. View at http://blip.tv/file/1306217

The juxtaposition of the music in the main arena with that of the
drumming for the traditional style dancers and the recorded drum
music accompanying the closing slides and text is intentional giving
the video audience a range of experience regarding the use, or as
some may feel, the abuse of the djembe drum which is traditionally a
healing instrument.

Though not a religious service the congregation is attended by many
of the same participants with some in attendance for over 30 years.
From its humble beginnings of a few drumming students this event has
surpassed its original vision of 100 drums on the mountain into a
full blown tourist attraction complete with official municipal
supervision rendering the activities of the fringe into the
mainstream.

While this 4 min. 10 sec. abridged version can be appreciated for its
faster pacing the full the 13 min. 17 sec. edition fills out some
historical background with amusing though truthful anecdotes in the
scrolling text following the video filmed on Aug. 24, 2008.

Produced by Onzou Records
www.onzou.com.

Enjoy it! Share it!
Tam Tam Montréal
http://blip.tv/file/1306217

I received the below in an email from a friend.
Whether or not you gravitate to the drums she uses,
Layne is one of the precious resources and people for
both the drumming community and for those concerned
with spirituality.
Like a few others, her impact on those who have
taken classes and workshops with her, own her CDs or
DVDs or have attended her performances, is beyond
measure. I hope you will join in her request below. We
cannot afford to lose such as she.

“...Here is the point of my email -- Layne is ill, she
said she “was given a challenging health diagnosis”.
She does not want to speak or write the details as she
does not want to give it a stronger thought form and
only wants to visualize being healthy and whole.
(although she did say it is a tumor)

Layne is partaking in healing rituals and a retreat at
an alternative/indigenous religious center in
Brasilia, Brazil. Her friends (and she) are worried
and have organized a world-wide nightly drumming
circle to send energy for Layne Redmond at 9 pm EDT
for 10 -15 minutes. Layne said, “I do feel that any
prayers or drumming for me now will be very, very
amplified through the energies here. I will probably
stay here until March 21 which is the equinox.”
Layne is at a Yoruba retreat in Brazil receiving
healing and appealing to the Orishas/Orixas – Omulu
song & dance and Yemaya have been mentioned in the
emails.
(I apologize if I state this incorrectly, as I am
unfamiliar with Yoruba religion and deities)
Thank you.

Love and Peace,
Xxxxxxxxxxxx”


Walk in beauty on your path.


      
________________________________________________________________________________\
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know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile.  Try it now. 
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BABÁ KEN & the
WEST AFRICAN  HIGHLIFE BAND
FRIDAY 3/7 in MILL VALLEY
SATURDAY 3/8 in  BERKELEY
* * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Hot Funky Beats! Come As You Are! All  Ages!
* * * * * * * * * * * * * *
FRIDAY 3/7 - 8 pm
MILL VALLEY
142 THROCKMORTON  THEATER
www.142throckmortontheatre.com
415-383-9600
* * * * * * *  *
SATURDAY 3/8 - 9:30 pm
BERKELEY
ASHKENAZ MUSIC & DANCE COMMUNITY  CENTER
1317 San Pablo Avenue at Gilman
www.Ashkenaz.com  510-525-5054
Plus free African Dance Lesson at 9pm
* * * * * * *  *
FEATURING: BABÁ KEN OKULOLO, SOJI ODUKGOBE,
RASAKI ALADOKUN, NII ARMAH  HAMMOND,
POPE FLYNE, LEMI BARROW
* * * * * * * *
MORE  DATES:
FRIDAY 3/21 - 11 am BERKELEY
BABÁ KEN  OKULOLO
Children's Program at Ashkenaz - 11am


SATURDAY 4/5 - 8 pm OAKLAND
BABÁ KEN &  the AFRO-GROOVE CONNEXION
Oakland School for the Arts
1800 San Pablo  Avenue, Oakland 510-873-8800

SUNDAY 4/6 - 2 pm LOS ANGELES
BABÁ KEN  OKULOLO, SOJI ODUKOGBE and WILL MAGID
in concert at UCLA's Schoenberg  Hall


SATURDAY 4/26 - 2 pm BERKELEY
BABÁ KEN  OKULOLO
New School of Berkeley  Annual Festival
1606 Bonita Avenue,  Berkeley 510-548-9165
_www.NewSchoolBerkeley.org_ (http://www.NewSchoolBerkeley.org)

SATURDAY 4/26 - 9:30 pm BERKELEY
BABÁ KEN  & the AFRO-GROOVE CONNEXION
Ashkenaz in Berkeley


SUNDAY 6/15 - LIVE OAK FESTIVAL in SAN LUIS  OBISPO
BABÁ KEN OKULOLO & the NIGERIAN BROTHERS

SATURDAY 6/28 - 7 pm SAN RAFAEL
BABÁ KEN  OKULOLO & the NIGERIAN BROTHERS
with the KUNSUN ENSEMBLE
at the Kanbar  Center (formerly JCC)


BUY THE CD'S:
WEST AFRICAN HIGHLIFE  BAND
"Salute to Highlife Pioneers"
BABA KEN OKULOLO & the  NIGERIAN BROTHERS
"Songs from the  Village"
NEW!
BABA KEN & KOTOJA
"Best of  Kotoja: Afro-Funk"
available at Amazon.com and CDBaby.com

"We see the world as one family,and our music expresses this  message."
Presented by AFRICAN MUSIC SOURCE
Booking The WEST AFRICAN  HIGHLIFE BAND
BABA KEN OKULOLO & the NIGERIAN BROTHERS
BABA KEN &  the AFRO-GROOVE CONNEXION
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS and PRIVATE  LESSONS
available for all ages, levels, and instruments.
Contact: Babá Ken  Okulolo
510-655-3357 KAOkulolo@...
_www.AfricanMusicSource.com_ (http://www.AfricanMusicSource.com)

FOR A FREE PODCAST OF RARE AFRICAN AND CARIBBEAN  MUSIC
VISIT _www.WorldMusicPassport.com_ (http://www.WorldMusicPassport.com)
curated  by D.J. KALIL




**************It's Tax Time! Get tips, forms, and advice on AOL Money &
Finance.      (http://money.aol.com/tax?NCID=aolprf00030000000001)


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

SATURDAY, JANUARY 26
* * * * * * * * * * * * *  *

NIGERIAN AFROBEAT with

BABÁ KEN OKULOLO & KOTOJA

Hot  Funky Beats! Come As You Are! All Ages!
* * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Live  at
ASHKENAZ MUSIC & DANCE COMMUNITY CENTER
1317 San Pablo Avenue at  Gilman in Berkeley
_www.Ashkenaz.com_ (http://www.Ashkenaz.com)   510-525-5054
Admission $15 - Students with ID $12
* * * * * * *  *
FEATURING:
Babá Ken Okulolo, one of the few popular African
musicians  with deep roots in Nigerian musical history,
voted   Best Bassist 5  times by the Nigerian Journalists' Assocation,
first seen in the U.S. touring  with King Sunny Ade,
Soji Odukogbe, long-time lead guitarist for the  late
Fela Kuti, Talking drummer Rasaki Aladokun of
King Sunny Ade's  African Beats,
Percussionist Nii Armah from the band of Hugh Masekela,
AND  OTHER MUSIC MASTERS!



WEST AFRICAN HIGHLIFE BAND plays in SHASTA!
SATURDAY,  FEBRUARY 9
at the Old Dance Hall Cafe in Fort Jones
8 p.m. Contact:  dancerboy@...
Benefits Ft. Jones Volunteer Fire Dept.



WEST AFRICAN HIGHLIFE BAND plays in MILL VALLEY!
FRIDAY,  MARCH 7
at the 142 Throckmorton Theater 8 p.m.
_http://www.142throckmortontheatre.com/event.php?eventid=696_
(http://www.142throckmortontheatre.com/event.php?eventid=696)


CD'S AVAILABLE:

WEST AFRICAN HIGHLIFE BAND
"Salute to Highlife  Pioneers"

BABA KEN OKULOLO & the NIGERIAN BROTHERS
"Songs from  the Village"
available at Amazon.com and CDBaby.com

"We see the world as one family," says Okulolo, "and our music  expresses
this message."

Presented by AFRICAN MUSIC SOURCE, Also Booking:
The WEST AFRICAN HIGHLIFE BAND
BABA KEN OKULOLO & the  NIGERIAN BROTHERS
BABA KEN & the AFRO-GROOVE CONNEXION
EDUCATIONAL  PROGRAMS and PRIVATE LESSONS
available for all ages, levels, and  instruments.

Contact: Babá Ken Okulolo
510-655-3357 KAOkulolo@...  [mailto:KAOkulolo@...]
_www.AfricanMusicSource.com_ (http://www.AfricanMusicSource.com)


FOR A FREE PODCAST OF
RARE AFRICAN AND CARIBBEAN MUSIC
VISIT WORLD MUSIC  PASSPORT
_www.WorldMusicPassport.com_ (http://www.WorldMusicPassport.com)
curated  by D.J. KALIL





**************Start the year off right.  Easy ways to stay in shape.
http://body.aol.com/fitness/winter-exercise?NCID=aolcmp00300000002489


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Hi Everyone,

The 5th Edition of Mamady Keita's outstanding book "A Life for the
Djembe" is back in stock at Bang a Drum.  You can order online at
www.bangadrum.com (www bangadrum com) or call us at 800-495-1109 and we
will ship it out to you immediately.

The book is in English and still has all the parts for about 60 West
African rhythms with the excellent instructional CD, plus photos that
weren't in previous editions.  It's been a long wait and we're so glad
to have this book available again!  Order yours today.

Best,
Chris

Chris Reid
Bang a Drum
www.bangadrum.com
800-495-1109

Hello drum circle lovers,

I recently updated my drum circles website, there's some great live
drum circle mp3s, and you can hear some of what our Florida drum
circles sound like on the myspace link. There is about 40 minutes
worth of them there to enjoy, plus a 25 minute belly dancing drum
jam (that is a free download) you can put in your iPod if you like.
It's pretty good stuff. You don't need to register, or anything like
that. And no hanging chads either.

There is also the drum circle finder, where you can get the latest
up to date drum circles in your area. If you know of a weekly circle
that is not listed, please let me know. I'll see that it is added
in. I prefer no listings that have a fee, but if it's under $5
that's cool. There is like 800 listed in the USA alone.

Lots of other interesting drum circle stuff there, including the
2007 Earth Day drum circle, and some great pictures from other area
beach drum circles. There's a video of a few djembe rhythms you can
try out, and lots more useful stuff. Check it out when you have a
little extra time. Also the interview with a neurologist about the
benefits of drum circles on national talk radio interview. Here's
the url:

www.drumcircles.net

Thanks,

Shannon

See for yourself:

http://www.rootsyrecords.com/HtmlFiles/JinaDjembes2.htm

As they get headed up you can see a video of each djembe being played
to hear the incredible power coming from these drums.

Cheers,
Jeremy Chevrier
www.rootsyrecords.com

Hi there,
I thought you might be interested in this video
http://www.current.tv/watch/84478832
if you do like it please register and give it a greenlight so it can air on TV.
Thanks!!
Keep drummin...

YAYA DIALLO - Chemist, Author, Musician, Dance & Music Teacher from
Mali has founded "FARAFINA DONIA" - A Survival School for Traditional
African Culture in Mali.

Farafina Donia is a non-profit organization founded by Yaya Diallo,
Malian musician and author of "The Healing Drum." Farafina Donia in
the US supports the work of its counterpart in Mali. It is not
affiliated with any religion or political movement. The Center in
Mali is open to all spiritual leaders worldwide who promote harmony
and peace in the world. Our main goal is to create a survival school
for all the traditional cultures of Mali as well as African culture
in general.

QUALITY ... HONESTY ... SERVICE ... Yaya Diallo


An International Network

We want to give foreigners a more positive image of Africa and
Africans a more positive image of foreigners. This is not an easy
task. Tourists, researchers, professionals, and missionaries each
have their own perspective on Africa. We welcome all foreign guests
to our Center to discover aspects of Mali and Africa.


Elders

We know that the old and the yound do not get along any better in
Africa. Our goal is to bring a new harmony between the groups to make
a better future.


Stop the Ethnocide

When a doctrine or a group of individuals seeks to destroy the
traditional practices of a culture, it assists in cultural
extinction, or ethnocide. In traditional Africa, we transmit
knowledge from generation to generation. It is sad that today some
people are ashamed to speak their mother tongue in public. Some
elders do not trust young people, so they refuse to teach them what
they know. We seek to rehabilitate minority cultures and restore
their traditions.


Prevention of Disease

The African continent is dying of HIV / AIDS. One cannot prevent
blood-borne diseases without touching the traditions, lifestyles, and
daily practices of people in Africa. "You have to wash the dirty
clothes at home." It is the duty and responsibility of African people
to study, review, identify, target, and acknowledge those traditions
that are dangerous to humanity today.


Participatory Action-Research

Most of the traditional musical instruments have vanished and many
are disappearing along with rituals, dances, and costumes. We need
action and research now to stop further loss.


You Can Help

Name:_____________________ Date:_______

Address:_______________________________

_____$100       $_____(any amount helps)

_____$50

Farafina Donia
1414 Techny Ln
Louisville, KY 40222


FARAFINA DONIA

AFRICAN
KNOWLEDGE

We want to give to Africa a new and positive image. Africa has
something to offer to the world, and African people have the right to
seek solutions to their own problems.


Our Mission

* To seek ways to harmonize the past and the present for a better
future.

* To stop cultural extinction or ethnocide.

* To give elders the right to speak and to be heard.

* To look to traditions for solutions to today's problems.


HOW CAN A SMALL CENTER IN BAMAKO MALI ACCOMPLISH ALL THIS?

Our answer is that we believe such societal transformation is only
possible through a synergistic process that begins with a group of
individuals, then extends to commmunities, and finally alters the
fabric of society as a whole.

The Farafina Donia center in Bamako, Mali will be patterned after a
tradtional African village, with some modern amenities. In the first
phase, we need $200,000 (US) to build the center. Your contribution
helps to provide:

* 2.5 acre campus

* 20 bougou clay huts

* 4 performance / practice spaces

* a medical clinic

* special facilities for elders and youths

* modern toilet/shower facilities

Farafina Donia
1414 Techny Lane
Louisville KY 40222
Phone (502)459-0902
Email: farafina_donia@...

Farafina Donia is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation. Contributions
are tax-deductible to the extent allowable by law.


Experience YAYA DIALLO on ONZOU RECORDS

YAYA DIALLO: Nangape
http://cdbaby.com/cd/yayadiallo
http://payplay.fm/yayadiallo

YAYA DIALLO: Dounoukan
http://cdbaby.com/cd/yayadiallo2
http://payplay.fm/yayadiallo2

YAYA DIALLO: Live at Club Soda
http://cdbaby.com/cd/yayadiallo3
http://payplay.fm/yayadiallo3


All the best,

Stephen Conroy, Producer/Publisher
Yaya Diallo's Traditional & Upbeat Kanza Style West African Healing
Music

Onzou Records, http://www.onzou.com
Distribution: http://www.cdbaby.com/all/onzourecords
Montreal, Canada
Email: info@...
Tel: 514-485-0728

Here's a nice newspaper article on drum circles and their benefits.

http://suncoastpinellas.tbo.com/content/2007/apr/14/upbeat/?news

Thanks,

Shannon

www.drumcircles.net

-------------------------------------------

By Cheryl Bentley

Published: April 14, 2007

"You're a what?"

That's how most people react when Shannon Ratigan tells them what he
does for a living.

Ratigan is a drum circle facilitator.

That's a way of saying he sets a drum rhythm and invites people to
take part in the drumming.

The participants bring their own drums or use some of the 50
professional-quality drums Ratigan hauls to each event.

For a couple of hours, everyone drums. When the beat seems to have
run its course, Ratigan supplies another one. Drummers can follow the
basic pattern or use their own variation.

Ratigan has two weekly drum circles in Dunedin at the Dunedin Brewery
and Walk About Coffee Shop and Emporium.

Additionally, he brings his drum circles to special needs/at-risk
groups and churches and appears at area events.

Response evident

At whatever level they are, drummers seem to respond, says Ratigan.

"Drumming brings us back to a fundamental level of nature," he notes.

Ratigan points out the body has its own basic rhythm, as expressed in
the heartbeat, pulse and movement of spinal fluid.

"Drumming gets in touch with the body. We lead such fast lives with
cell phones and iPods. Drumming slows things down."

The oldest drum discovered dates from 3,000 B.C., he says. "There's a
good reason cultures have been playing drums thousands of years," he
notes.

It is no accident drums have a restorative effect, explains
Ratigan. "When you apply energy into the drum head, some of it comes
up into the hands. That's part of healing energy that's there."

He has noted his drummers begin opening up both physically and
psychologically.

"A lot of people come to these very introverted. This is a
nonthreatening, fun activity."

Neurologist agrees

Dr. William M. Hammesfahr, a Clearwater neurologist who specializes
in brain and spinal injuries, agrees. He has been observing drumming
circle participants for about six months.

Hammesfahr says he has seen "dramatic improvement" in social
interactions of participants.

"Using drumming is a form of communication," he says. "Eventually it
extends into day-to-day life."

Hammesfahr has also seen patients with neurological diseases such as
paralysis and weakness get better.

Because drumming is done with both sides of the body, Hammesfahr
notes, "it's a simple way for people to activate the nervous system
and teach the two sides of the nervous system to work together."

Hammesfahr has also observed improved motor skills in the arm and
shoulder areas of drummers. Drumming employs muscle groups from all
these regions.

Usually Ratigan does not tell his drummers about the benefits they
will receive from drumming because he wants them to discover them for
themselves.

He deliberately makes the sessions low key.

"It's up to me to create a program not too difficult for beginners
and not too easy for the advanced."

Basic rhythm

He starts with a basic rhythm. Drummers can stick with that or branch
off into variations as long as they follow the beat.

The rhythm seems to take on a life of its own, Ratigan reports. "It
evolves. It morphs. The group decides as we are going what we do."

Potential players often tell him they have no rhythm.

Ratigan doesn't buy that. If their hearts and pulses have rhythm,
they must have rhythm because it is inherent in the human body. They
just haven't discovered it, Ratigan tells them.

During a recent Tuesday night session at the Dunedin Brewery,
drummers seemed to echo Ratigan's assessment. Attendees reflected a
variety of ages and ethnic backgrounds.

He makes the round trip from Tampa every week, says Steve Sperry
because the sessions give him "a little bit of spiritual time. I find
it has meditation qualities."

Andrea Hansen of Clearwater says she arrived at the circle as a
novice but was hooked from the first night. "It touched me deeply
inside. It was a spiritual thing."

Hansen was formerly paralyzed from her neck down due to a botched
surgery, she says. She has regained some control of her body and is
now able to walk and move. She had stopped all therapy a

year before she started drumming.

Regained feeling

Since drumming, she notes, she has regained some feeling in her hands
and has increased her range of motion in shoulders and arms. She
attributes the improvement to the drums. "I can feel the drum's
vibrations," she says.

Additionally, she credits playing drums to bringing her in touch with
a body from which she once retreated. "Hey, I can make beautiful
music with these hands even though I don't feel the fingertips."

Brenda Flick, Holiday, finds the sessions "relaxing. If you have a
lot of problems, they go away."

For some, the reason for attending the sessions are less
complicated. "It's just fun," says Eileen Raab of Dunedin.

Drumming awakens a nonverbal communication, Ratigan says, that he
finds hard to explain.

He knows people musically, he notes, but often knows nothing else
about them.

"It almost becomes more personal," he says. "It's all completely
honest. I don't know anything about them, but I feel like I've know
them my entire life."

Ratigan discovered drumming during the 15 years he spent as an actor
in Los Angeles. He was a regular on the "Tonight Show with Jay Leno"
for eight of those years.

On Leno show

He was game for anything Leno's writers dreamed up, Ratigan said. He
even sat in the audience in a diaper as part of a skit.

"There aren't many people willing to go on stage in a diaper," he
said with a laugh.

The acting business was fiercely competitive. To land one gig in a
commercial, an actor faced an average of 88 rejections, he notes.

His average was lower than that, but the life was nevertheless
stressful.

He began to go to a Venice Beach drum circle to chill out and was
hooked.

Ratigan sees a similarity between being a comic actor and drumming.

Both reach people on deeper levels. "Comedy makes people laugh," he
explains. "Drumming is much more dramatic because it affects them
spiritually and emotionally."

Depends on energy

Like comedy, drum circles depend upon the energy of the moment.

Ratigan appreciates the immediacy of his new path.

"You never know what's going to happen," he says.

For more information on Ratigan, visit www.drumcircles.net.

Free drum circles are held on Fridays at Walk About Coffee Shop and
Emporium, 447 Main St., Dunedin, 8 - 10 p.m., and on Tuesdays at
Dunedin Brewery, 937 Douglas Ave., Dunedin,

8 - 11 p.m.

On Saturday, April 21, there was a drum circle on Honeymoon
Island, at the western end of the Dunedin Causeway in Dunedin.
The event was in honor of Earth Day, April 22.
(Pictures from it at my website - www.drumcircles.net - Thanks)
---------------------------------------------------------------
Also, I have some pretty cool drum circle mp3's out on my space -

www.myspace.com/drumcircles.net

Dear Friends,

I have some big news. On May 12 we will celebrate the 4-year anniversary of the
Bang a Drum store! To thank you for your support, we will have an all day
celebration with FREE international food, an outdoor tent with FREE drumming
workshops all day, and a HUGE SALE throughout the store. It’s going to be FUN! I
hope to see you there.

This has been an amazing four years. I’m very proud of what we – you and I
together – have made Bang a Drum. I may manage the store, but it’s all of you
who make it a place of friendship, openness, creativity, risk-taking,
cooperation, encouragement, celebration, and belonging. I feel so fortunate to
know you and to be a member of our community. Thank you for your friendship and
for making Bang a Drum a success.  My family thanks you, too.  Managing Bang a
Drum for the past four years has been a tremendous growth experience for me,
both personally and professionally.  I am ready for the next challenge in my
career. I am excited to say that have been accepted to the MBA program at USC
andI will be returning to school in the fall.

Bang a Drum is now for sale. We are seeking a new owner. If you or someone you
know would be interested in learning more about the amazing opportunity to own
this unique, profitable, fun business with lots of growth opportunities, please
call our business broker, Michael, at (310) 652-8353. The entire business is
included – website, retail store, vendor relationships, etc. Please help us to
spread the word to anyone you think would be interested so we can find the right
buyer to take over this wonderful business and continue to grow Bang a Drum.

Bang a Drum is going strong and business will continue as usual with many
wonderful classes and events including our anniversary party, special workshops,
concerts, and the 24 Hour Drum-A-Thon and Silent Auction supporting Habitat for
Humanity on June 2-3. I will send my usual email with upcoming events to you
shortly.

I look forward to remaining an active member of our community after the sale of
the store. In the end, I will probably have more time to play drums with you! :)

See you soon.

Thank you.

Best,
Chris

Chris Reid
Bang a Drum
1255 S. La Brea Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90019
www.bangadrum.com

Talking Drum Circles On National Talk Radio

Why would a board certified neurologist start prescribing drum
circles for his patients?
Listen to this recent broadcast of the Healthy Talk Radio Show,
featuring a neurologist, a drum circle facilitator, and a patient,
to find out why.

Half way down my homepage is a downloadable mp3 of the show.
( It's 55 Minutes - 25MB mp3 )

  At www.drumcircles.net

I was asked to do a radio interview about drum circles with
Neurologist Dr. Hammesfahr.
Hearing his perspective on attending a weekly drum circle for 6
months is quite interesting.

I would appreciate it if you get the time to listen to it and give me
your comments, good or bad. So that if I get asked to do it again, I
can improve from your suggestions. To tell you the truth,
facilitating a drum circle is a lot easier than doing a radio
interview.

I wonder if Medicare covers drum prescriptions?
Is there a drum company that fills them?
What's the deductable? (I'm kidding here)

Thanks,

Shannon

www.drumcircles.net

I just received this. Unfortunately time is short, but I understand there are
still places available. I am sure you all know that Ubaka Hill is known for her
djembe playing and singing, both solo and with her group, The Shapeshifters, 
her albums and her workshops. Alessandra, also well known for her performances,
albums and workshops, is a proponent of Italian frame drum, singing and dance.
Fre Atlast is a well known musician and drum circle person, particularly for her
work with the very young and the very old. All of the others are known and
gifted in their various capacities as well. If I am still in the northeast, I
will be there.

Beverly


Time is running  out for Early Registration Discount!!
  Please Register ASAP to take  advantage of this discount and come enjoy this
amazing  day!!


  SOARING SPIRITS!!  -  A Powerful Women’s  Conference



  Presenters include:  Alessandra Belloni,  Ubaka Hill, Julia Haines, Fre Atlast,
Jeanne Ayesha Lauenborg and Moe Jerant, Robin Renee and Yonnette Flemming 
(Reign), Tara Langella, Adhi Two Owls, Sharon Vaught, Suzanne Werfelman and 
more!!

  SATURDAY – March 3rd,  2007
  9am – 9:30pm
  Princeton Blairstown center –  Blairstown, NJ – off Rt. 80

  Workshops, Live music,  Food




     Special early registration  discounts!
       Space is limited –  Please register early!!

  There will be powerful  workshops on an incredible array of topics such as:
  Drumming, Dance, Art,  Chant, Healing Sounds and Shamanic Journey!

  What does your soul know?  What does it speak to the world?  How does it speak?
How do you listen?
  Come be part of an amazing gathering of  women who will inspire you, learn from
you, teach you, feel you, and feed your  soul!



           See website for details and registration form!
   Or call Kathy Biello at 570-992-3446
  Email – homefree@...
  WEBSITE: www.soul-speaks.com
  or
  www.soul-speaks.com/soaringspirit.html




Walk in beauty on your path.

---------------------------------
Sucker-punch spam with award-winning protection.
  Try the free Yahoo! Mail Beta.

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

To: Yaya_Diallo@yahoogroups.com
From: Stephen <info@...>
Date: Mon Jan 29, 2007 9:28 pm
Subject: Farafina Donia News

Greetings Everyone!

Wonderful news. Yaya Diallo has just returned from Mali and has been
successful in obtaining 15 acres of land 10 miles from Bamako
for "Farafin Donia" - A Survival School for Traditional African
Culture in Mali. The name "Farafin Donia" translates into "African
Knowledge."

In addition, a donkey is now an important resident to help remove
stones and bring in bricks for construction. Clearing of the land is
now underway along with building the first hut and door for the
ancestors.

Radio Mali and TV have taken much notice of the project which is
getting a lot of attention. The site is surrounded by several
villages. Yaya attended a meeting with the regional elders and
chiefs. There is much enthusiasm that Farafina Donia will have an
impact on both the country and the entire continent as its success
will provide a good example for people. As Yaya says, "We want to do
some positive thing."

The land itself is 200 metres wide by 300 metres long for a total of
60,000 square metres. The start of this project possibly would not
have begun at this time had it not been for the insight of a local
landowner who saw the value of such of project and acted according
to his vision by stepping forward with a feasible proposal for the
land. Such is the nature of the project as it reaches out and
touches the spirt and hearts of people.

The creation of "Farafina Donia" is a historical moment and all are
invited to partake.

"Farafina Donia" tee-shirts are available to show your support.
Contributions towards the construction are most welcome. Above all,
your spirit and positive intentions will be the ground upon which
this will flourish.

Yaya Diallo may be contacted at:

Yaya Diallo
2903 Abigail Dr. #1
Louisville, KY 40205
USA
Telephone: 502-459-0902

Your good wishes are most welcome by card or telephone. Email
messages may be sent to diallo_yaya_harlina@... and/or to
Onzou Records, info@...

Blessings,

Stephen


Stephen Conroy, Producer/Publisher
Yaya Diallo's Traditional & Contemporary West African Kanza Music
Onzou Records, http://www.onzou.com

"The new music of Baba Ken & Afro-Groove ConneXion is firmly grounded in
Afro-beat,

deep-hearted and improvisational, right at the sweet spot  where bodies and
souls connect."
--The  Music Messenger

Dear Friends and Family.
     This  Saturday's jam with Afro-Groove ConneXion and KTO Project will be
warm  and fulfilling, for dancing and mixing with good people.  Come and get
in the groove with us!  We look forward to seeing you there.  Please  see the
Ashkenaz calendar listing below.
Peace and Love to You,

Babá Ken Okulolo


Saturday, 1/27/07
BAB� KEN & AFRO-GROOVE CONNEXION plus THE KTO PROJECT
Ashkenaz Music  & Dance Community Center
1317  San Pablo @ Gilman in Berkeley 510-525-5054 _www.Ashkenaz.com_
(http://www.ashkenaz.com/)
Doors at 9:00 pm; Show  at 9:30 pm TIX $15 general, $10 student w/  ID

Babá Ken & Afro-Groove  ConneXion is the newest ensemble from Babá Ken
Okulolo, the  vibrant leader of West African Highlife Band and Kotoja.  Okulolo,
who
came  to America as the bass player in King Sunny Ade’s African Beats,
created the  hard-hitting, improvisational Afro-funk band with a jazz
sensibility
from recent  studio jams. The “X� in the group’s name symbolizes the
crossroads
where the  world’s cultures meet through music. Along with Okulolo,
Afro-Groove ConneXion  features Nigeria’s Soji Odukogbe, who was for five
years the
lead guitarist for  the late Fela Anikulapo Kuti, along with Rasaki Aladokun,
Gabe Turow, and Chris  Cox. www.africanmusicsource.com

The KTO  Project, led by Kelly Takunda Orphan, is a dynamic,  danceable world
music ensemble whose infectious beats come from a seasoned  lineup of
musicians. They blend mbira (African thumb piano), funk, blues, and  Middle
Eastern
strains with original compositions. The KTO Project takes the  listener around
the world, connecting us with the love and dreams that unite us;  the
violence, grief, and poverty that tear us apart; and the music that can heal  us
if we
open to its blessed rhythms. _www.kellytakundaorphan.com_
(http://www.kellytakundaorphan.com/)
THANK YOU FOR HELPING TO SPREAD THE WORD ABOUT THIS EVENT!
Ample  parking across the street in the REI parking lot. Wheelchair
accessible. All  ages all the time.
Ashkenaz Music & Dance Community Center is a non-profit, tax-exempt
community organization supported by patrons, donors, staff, musicians and 
volunteers.

If you do not wish to receive  announcements about African music events,
please let me know at _kaokulolo@..._ (mailto:kaokulolo@...) .


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Hi Guys,

You can view a video clip of the 101 drum rhythms from my new DVD at
my website, or on MySpace. The DVD was professionally recorded,
edited, produced, and is over 2 hours long. Have a look at the video
sample. This DVD is an ideal resource for furthering your enjoyment
of hand drumming. The price is $10 + shipping for about a month.

Iv'e gotten a few notes about seeing me wearing a ring on the DVD.
It's a wedding band Tattoo! LoL
I kept losing my wedding band, so some years ago I had it tattooed on
my finger. Now I can't lose it anymore. That's what you call a Real
Commitment. Actually, my wife thought it was rather romantic since I
can't ever take it off.

Here is the direct link to see the video clip, and the order info is
there as well:

http://www.drumcircles.net/101drumcirclerhythmsDVD.html

Also, I'm a lefty, so it reads correct if you are right handed. Plus
it's just kind of to suggest the handwork, not necessarily the right
way, or even the only way to do it. Just to give people an idea by
how I play them and go from there. Then you can figure out your own
way to play them, alter them, etc.

As a drum circle facilitator, one of the most important things for me
is to have a large body of rhythms to choose from. Especially if you
host an ongoing drum circle. People want different rhythms to play
from week to week, or they get bored.

On this 2 hour long DVD of 101 rhythms for the hand drum,
each rhythm is numbered, and about a minute long. This is a massive
body of material, of rhythms from around the world. African, Afro-
Cuban, Native American, Middle Eastern, Blues, Funk, Soul, & Rock and
Roll. Great for the djembe, congas, doumbek, ashiko, bongos, or any
hand drum.

It may not be slow enough for beginners, but provides a huge body of
work to enjoy. Ideal for intermediate to professional level drummers,
but a beginner can grow into these. You can see the rhythms up close.
It gives you an idea of how the various notes and sounds are made. It
is not necessarily the only way to play these beats, just a starting
point to expand your repertoire.

Anyone out here who would like one without the case and artwork
(just the DVD disk) I'm offering it for $10 + shipping for about a
month, so anyone can afford it, in an effort to give back a little to
all those out here who have helped me in the past.

http://www.drumcircles.net/101drumcirclerhythmsDVD.html

http://www.myspace.com/drumcircles_net

Thanks,

Shannon

Drumcircles.net

Dear Friends: You are invited to come enjoy our  gala annual tribute to the
community this Saturday night, with 3  great bands, a drum circle, and DJ
Kalil. Don't miss the traditional  welcoming libation ceremony!  Bring an
instrument and your dancing  shoes!
(And thank you for helping to spreading the  word!)
Peace & Love to  You,
Baba Ken Okulolo

ALL IN ONE  EVENING!
The 7th Annual "Musical Night  in Africa"
with

BABA KEN &  KOTOJA
WEST AFRICAN HIGHLIFE  BAND
BABA KEN & AFRO-GROOVE  CONNEXION
DRUM CIRCLE led by POPE  FLYNE
DJ KALIL
TRADITIONAL LIBATION  CEREMONY

THIS SATURDAY
DECEMBER 16, 8:00  P.M.
live at ASHKENAZ in  Berkeley
TIX $15

Baba Ken & KOTOJA
(Nigerian Afro-Beat)
-
West African Highlife Band
(Reviving Classic Dance Hits)
-
Baba Ken & Afro-Groove  ConneXion
(NEW Improvisations for Deep-Heart  Dancing)
-
Drum Circle with Master Drummer Pope  Flyne
(Bring Your Favorite  Instrument!)
-
Traditional Welcoming Libation  Ceremony
-
DJ Kalil
(African dance grooves from the creator of  ethnomusic.podomatic.com)

Live at
ASHKENAZ MUSIC & DANCE COMUNITY  CENTER
1317 San Pablo Avenue at Gilman
in Berkeley
510-525-5054
_www.Ashkenaz.com_ (http://www.ashkenaz.com/)
ADMISSION $15
_www.AfricanMusicSource.com_ (http://www.africanmusicsource.com/)
In what has become a much-anticipated Ashkenaz  tradition, December 16 brings
the 7th Annual Musical Night in  Africa, a musical tour of West Africa from
teeming cities to  remote villages, produced each year by Baba Ken  Okulolo.
The events showcases three splendid African  bands, including Baba Ken's
latest project, the Afro-Groove  ConneXion; the West African Highlife Band; and
Baba Ken & KOTOJA.  Baba Ken's theme is,  "Playing music and dancing together
rejuvenates our hearts and energizes  our continuing quest for world peace and
justice."
The evening begins at 8:00 p.m. with a rich set of  dance African dance
grooves from DJ KALIL, an  Oakland native with a UCLA degree in ethnomusicology
and
the creator of  _www.ethnomusic.podomatic.com_
(http://www.ethnomusic.podomatic.com/) ,  which houses a vast collection of rare
musical  gems.
At 9:00 Baba Ken leads a traditional  African libation ceremony of welcome to
all,  invoking the good spirits who are invited to join  us.
Bring your favorite percussion instrument for  the Village Drum Circle led by
Ghanaian Master  Drummer Pope Flyne.
Baba Ken & Afro-Groove  ConneXion, a brand-new, groove-oriented
improvisational  outfit, recently electrified the dance floor at the Fillmore 
when they
opened for the Sierra Leone Refugee Allstars.  Growing  out of free-style studio
work-outs with some restless,  driving young musicians, the tight quintet
includes Baba Ken,  Soji Odukogbe, Gabe Turow, Chris Cox, and Rasaki  Aladokun.
The West African  Highlife Band, features master musicians from the bands of
Fela Kuti, King Sunny Ade, and Hugh Masekela, reviving the infectious
classic highlife dance hits of Ghana and  Nigeria.
The largest and oldest of the night's bands, the  international group Babá
Ken & KOTOJA,  plays funky Afro-beat, juju-jazzy, big-band sounds for dancing
into the wee hours.  The Bay Area's leader in the world beat  scene, with
several national releases and international tours to their  credit, KOTOJA marks
its 20th anniversary this  year.
#  #  #
[As always, if you wish to be deleted from our list,
please let me know at _kaokulolo@..._ (mailto:kaokulolo@...) .]
Ashkenaz is a non-profit, tax-exempt arts organization
supported by generous donors, patrons, artists, and  staff.
Ashkenaz  is actively seeking funding and volunteer board  members.








[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

DRUMMERS FOR JOY

Please help a child out this Holiday Season. If you can donate an
unwrapped toy, clothing, or even school supplies, it will go to a
good cause. You can mail items directly to them, bring them into the
Tuesday drum circle, or even call them to see what a particular child
is wishing for. The true meaning of a life, is not what you have, but
what you have given.

The organization in Pinellas county, provides support for children
whose parents have AIDS. Some of the children were born with AIDS,
some were not, but all of them are struggling. Most will not have any
holiday joy unless those more fortunate help out.
Many drummers are compassionate, giving people.

The organization, called ASAP (AIDS Service Association of Pinellas
county), solicits people to help out a child by supplying gifts for
the holidays. The children are allowed to put down 5 items as a wish
list. These are kids who will put things like underwear and socks on
their wish list. If you choose, you can call and ask to select a
child or children. They will send you a wish list. Both the
recipients and the donors are kept anonymous to protect the privacy
of both.

But, the organization will accept any kind of donation: food, toys,
clothing, school supplies, gift certificates, cash, even holiday
wrapping paper, and distribute them to the most needy.

Donations can be mailed or dropped off to their headquarters at:

The AIDS Community Project,
1214 Cleveland St.,
Clearwater, FL. 33755

or you can call them at (727) 449-2437.
There is another location in St. Petersburg. Call (727) 328-3260 for
the address.

If you are in the area, you can bring donations to the Dunedin
Brewery Drum Circle every Tuesday from 8-11 p.m. and we will drop
them off prior to the holidays.
Hope to see you this Tuesday to drum some - and help some.

Thanks,

Shannon

www.drumcircles.net

[Thank you for helping  spread the word about this event!]
Dear Family and Friends,
     You are invited to join us this Saturday,  November 25, for a
body-and-spirit treat with the original  West African Highlife Band.  All ages
are
welcome.    Complete information is below.
     This holiday weekend, we have so much to be  thankful for!  Let's use our
strength to share peace  and harmony in our big beautiful world!
Yours,

Babá  Ken Okulolo

(P.S. Watch for an e-mail soon about the upcoming  "Seventh Annual Musical
Night in Africa" scheduled for December  16!)

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER  25
9:30 PM
Dance to the Original
WEST AFRICAN HIGHLIFE  BAND
plus Free African Dance Lesson at 9 PM
Live in Berkeley at
ASHKENAZ
1317 San Pablo Avenue at Gilman
_www.Ashkenaz.com_ (http://www.ashkenaz.com/)
510-525-5054
_www.AfricanHighlife.com_ (http://www.AfricanHighlife.com)

The West African Highlife Band is an all-star group of  African music
veterans from Nigeria and Ghana. The band  features master musicians from the
bands
of Fela Kuti, King  Sunny Ade, and Hugh Masekela, brought together by the joy
of  playing authentic highlife music for dancing and  listening.  Their
acclaimed CD, "Salute to Highlife Pioneers," is  available at Amazon.com and
CDBaby.com.
Media contact: Baba Ken at 510-655-3357.
Ashkenaz Music & Dance Community Center is a  tax-exempt non-profit
organization supported by generous donors,  patrons, artists, and staff.

[If you do not wish to receive these  announcements, please let me know at
_kaokulolo@..._ (mailto:kaokulolo@...) .]
Media contact: 510-655-3357, Baba  Ken







[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

An open appeal to the World Drumming Community and all interested in
traditional African culture ...

Dear Drumming Community,

Greetings!

I just celebrated my 60th birthday on September 29, 2006. Now I am
amongst the elders of the World Drumming Community. Baba Olatundji
and Ladji Camara are gone; Mamadou Faraba, one of the most
knowledgeable Djembefola in West Africa, recently passed away.
Everyday we are losing more treasures. Most of the traditional
musical instruments have vanished and many are disappearing along
with the rituals, dances, and costumes. We need a participatory
action-research to remedy this phenomenon.

We are creating a Survival School for Traditional African Culture in
Mali, West Africa. The name of the center is "Farafina Donia" which
translates into "African Knowledge." This school will be the door of
the entrance and a link between West Africa and the Drumming
Community outside of the continent.

A friend once said to me, "If each drummer contributed to buy
a 'brick,' you should accomplish your mission." Can you imagine
yourself sharing knowledge with other drummers coming from around
the world in a "djembe country" like Mali? Your collaboration will
help preserve traditions which are dying each and every day.

Farafina Donia, founded by Yaya Diallo, Malian musician and author
of "The Healing Drum," is registered as a 501C(3) non-profit
corporation iin the U.S.A. which supports the work of it's
counterpart in Mali. Our goal is to create a survival school for all
the traditional cultures of Mali as well as African culture in
general encompassing music, dance, and traditional and Western
medicine. In addition, we will focus attention on education
regarding health issues of epidemic proportions. It is the duty and
responsibility of African people to study, review, identify, target,
and acknowledge those traditions that are dangerous to humanity
today.

It is sad that today some people are ashamed to speak their mother
tongue in public. Some elders do not trust young people so they
refuse to teach them what they know. We seek to rehabilitate
minority cultures and restore their traditions.

Our mission is to seek ways to harmonize the past and the present
for a better future, to stop cultural extinction or ethnocide, to
give elders the right to speak and to be heard, and to look to
traditions for solutions to today's problems. We believe societal
transformation is only possible through a synergistic process that
begins with a group of individuals, then extends to communities, and
finally alters the fabric of society as a whole.

We welcome your participation as well as your encouragement and
support. As a member of the African drumming community, a friend or
a well-wisher you can "buy your brick" today with the purchase of a
Farafina Donia tee-Shirt available in all sizes (yellow or grey) or
a contribution by cheque to Farafina Donia. Contributions are tax
deductible to the extent allowable by law.

Tee-shirt orders are $25.00 each plus shipping. Orders are accepted
by email and post. You may call 502-459-0902 for further information.

Kindly request your Farafina Donia tee-shirts by email at
farafina_donia@...

or by post to:

Farafina DoniaTrust
1414 Techny Lane
Louisville KY 40222


Please email, call or write now while it is fresh in your mind. The
seed you plant today provides for your future and coming generations.


Peace,

Eneechay (Thank You)

Yaya Diallo


Note:
Yaya Diallo of Mali, musician, author, and chemist, grew up in
traditional African village life going through all of the spiritual
initiations of his culture. On a scholarship, Yaya Diallo arrived in
Montreal, Quebec where he completed his degree in Chemistry at the
University of Montreal in 1973. Following his essence and his
passion Yaya again turned to the music and dance which sustained
him. Yaya's debut recording of the album "Nangape" in 1980 brought
him international recognition. The elders in Mali exclaimed that the
performance on this album displayed "knowledge in his hands" which
they did not think continued to exist. In addition to several other
recordings Yaya Diallo is well known for his writings, in
particular, "The Healing Drum: African Wisdom Teachings," published
in 1989 and available through bookstores today.

It has been my pleasure to have produced Yaya Diallo's debut album
and his latest release "Live at Club Soda" where he transposes music
for traditional instruments to saxophone and electric violin with
his band "Kanza."

From the rural village to the urban setting in North America Yaya
Diallo provides a bridge in cultures with his diverse background and
intimate knowledge of African traditions. I hope you feel the same
passion to answer his call and join with him in doing what we can to
share the African traditions with present and future generations.

All the best,

Stephen Conroy, Producer/Publisher
Yaya Diallo's Traditional & Upbeat Kanza West African Music
Onzou Records, http://www.onzou.com

What is Afrobeat music about?  Is it  "political?" Angry? Just for fun?
     In Africa, music expresses and heals the  feelings of the people.
Rhythm, dance, and melody bring us  together.  Songs can be lyrical, funny,
angry,
and  ironic.  Selfishness and vanity are condemned,  while wisdom, beauty, and
sharing are praised.  Ancestors  and deities are invoked and thanked for their
blessings.
     We grew up playing Afrobeat and highlife music,  with Fela and many other
great African artists.  We are reverent and  respectful of the past masters.
We care deeply about nurturing and  sustaining traditions, while we put our
own creativity and joy  into our music.
     Put simply, the name of our  band, "KOTOJA," means, in the Yoruba
language of Nigeria, "Let's not  fight."  It expresses the truth that all our
fates
are tied together  as one.  Through our music, we ignite the energy to continue
the  struggle for peace and harmony in the world.
     We look forward to seeing you this Saturday!
Peace and Love to You,
Babá Ken & KOTOJA

Saturday, October 21
Dance to Afrobeat with
Babá Ken  & KOTOJA
Live at  Ashkenaz
1317 San Pablo at Gilman in Berkeley
510-525-5054 _www.Ashkenaz.com_ (http://www.Ashkenaz.com)
Doors 8:30 pm; African dance lesson with Comfort Mensah at  9:00 pm; show
9:30 pm
$15 general/$13 students
From the Ashkenaz  calendar:  "The Bay Area's leader in the World Beat  and
Afrobeat scene, Kotoja was created by Nigerian singer-bassist Babá Ken  Okulolo
and features bandmembers from West Africa and America playing a bubbling
brew of African highlife, juju, jazz and world dance rhythms with driving
guitars, riffing horns and persuasive percussion. New York clothier Dan Storper 
was
so moved by a Kotoja concert in Golden Gate Park a decade back that he
started the popular Putumayo record company, whose many releases feature 
positive,
uplifting music from around the world in the spirit of Kotoja. "We see  the
world as one family," Okulolo says of Kotoja's style. "Our music expresses
this message."
_http://www.kotoja.com_
(http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=6b75dzbab.0.wdn557aab.ujywhxn6.884&ts=S0204&p=http://ww\
w.kotoja.com)
For future events, please visit _www.africanmusicsource.com/concerts.html_
(http://www.africanmusicsource.com/concerts.html) .

[If you do not wish to receive these announcements, please let  me know at
_kaokulolo@..._ (mailto:kaokulolo@...) .]


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Hello, Dear Ones Near and Far,
     Wow, so much great African music this week and next  in Berkeley and San
Francisco!  We're looking forward to seeing you all to  share the beauty and
soul-healing music. Peace and Love to You,
Babá  Ken Okulolo

Don't miss this Saturday's Fela Kuti Birthday  Tribute at Ashkenaz in
Berkeley.  Our newest musical project, Babá Ken & AfroGroove ConneXion, will
play
deep-down Afrobeat rhythms, along  with Sila & the AfroFunk  Experience, and  DJ
Jeremiah.
October 14, Show starts at 9:30 pm. _www.Ashkenaz.com_
(http://www.ashkenaz.com/)

Next Saturday, Oct.  21, Babá  Ken & KOTOJA play Afrobeat and Afrogroove all
evening  long, also at Ashkenaz, with a free African dance lesson at 9 pm.
_www.Ashkenaz.com_ (http://www.ashkenaz.com/)

Saturday, Oct. 14, at 9:30 a.m., see the West African Highlife Band, with
all-day free admission to the de Young Museum's First  Anniversay Party in
Golden
Gate Park.
_http://www.legionofhonor.org/deyounhttp://www.legionofhonor.org/deyounhttp://ww\
w._
(http://www.legionofhonor.org/deyoung/exhibitions/exhibition.asp?exhibitionkey=6\
17)

Next Saturday, October 21, from noon to 2 p.m., Babá Ken & the Nigerian
Brothers play folk and  palmwine music at the Museum of the African Diaspora in
S.F.,  as part of a day full of family activities including drum and art classes
for  children. _www.moadsf.org_ (http://www.moadsf.org/)

Friday, November 10, the West African  Highlife Band appears at the 142
Throckmorton Theater in Mill Valley.  Last  year's show here was sold out so buy
tickets early! _http://www.142throckmortontheatre.com/events2.php_
(http://www.142throckmortontheatre.com/events2.php)

Thanksgiving Weekend, Saturday, November 25, the West African Highlife Band
will be at Ashkenaz,  starting with a free African dance lesson at 9 p.m.
_www.Ashkenaz.com_ (http://www.ashkenaz.com/)

Mark you calendars for the Seventh Annual  Musical Night in Africa on
December 16, 2006, with an  evening of special musical guest stars, culture,
food,
and a welcome  libation ceremony, at Ashkenaz. Watch this space for more
details!

For concert updates, visit _http://www.africanmusicsource.com/concerts.html_
(http://www.africanmusicsource.com/concerts.html.) .

For private or group lessons in African drumming, Afrobeat and  Highlife
musicianship (children or adults),
or to arrange music for your specdial event, call Babá  Ken at 510-655-3357.
For school programs, visit _http://www.africanmusicsource.com/teaching.html._
(http://www.africanmusicsource.com/teaching.html.)


If you do not wish to receive these announcements, please let  me know at
_kaokulolo@..._ (mailto:kaokulolo@...) .
Ashkenaz is a community based, tax exempt non-profit  organization.



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Hi All,

Time to ask for drum circle listing updates, or new listings for the
drum circle finder. Please have a look and see if your local
drumcircle description needs any changes. Thanks.

www.drumcircles.net

Also for a short time, a holiday special:

4 Drumming CD's & Drumming DVD Holiday Package
Here's what's included:

101 Drum Circle Rhythms For The Hand Drum on 2 CD's
Ultimate Live Florida Sun Coast Drum Circles on 2 CD's
125 Drum Circle Rhythms For The Hand Drum On DVD

$25 For all 5 Disks - Free shipping.

There is some other interesting things on the website, drum circle
articles, photos, rhythms, mp3's, a huge collection of drummer jokes,
a weekly drum circle blog, guestbook, and lots more.

Thanks,

www.drumcircles.net

Special In-Store Concert
by M'Bemba Bangoura
Master West African Drummer
at Bang a Drum (Los Angeles, CA)
Friday, Oct. 13 @ 8:00pm-9:30pm
Price: $15.00

Bang a Drum presents a special performance by master drummer,
M'Bemba Bangoura, from Guinea, West Africa.  This show is a rare
event because audience members will be able to play with him--drums
will be provided for all.

About M'Bemba:

M'Bemba Bangoura is a master djembe drummer from Guinea, West
Africa. In 1974, at an early age, he was chosen by the president of
Guinea to be a part of the National Ballet of Guinea. He was a lead
percussionist with the National company of Guinea for 14 years. He
was also an original member of the famed group Percussion de Guinea.

M'Bemba has performed all over the United States and throughout the
world. He has four successful djembe music CD's and is now the
musical director of Les Ballets Bagata. He continues to perform
world-wide, preserving the cultural traditions of Guinea.  Don't
miss this special event.  Space is limited and tickets are selling
fast.  Call (323) 936-3274 for tickets today.

About Bang A Drum:

Bang A Drum is LA's premiere world percussion store. The store
carries quality instruments from over 22 countries, hosts drumming
classes 5 days a week, has monthly community drum circles, &
sponsors events to expose the LA community to talented world
percussionists.  1255 S. La Brea Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90019 (323)
936-3274 www.bangadrum.com

See you there!

Best,
Chris Reid
Bang a Drum
1255 S. La Brea Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90019 USA
www.bangadrum.com
Tel (800)495-1109, (323) 936-3274
Fax (815)301-6689

Hello, Dear Ones, I hope you're doing  well!
Do bring your friends and family to join us  this Saturday September  30 in
Berkeley for a full dance evening of rhythm and  joy with the West African
Highlife  Band!  Details are below.
On October 6 and  14, check out our newest project, Baba Ken & Afro-Groove
ConneXion.   This music will touch you deep down inside and massage your  soul!
Details are below.
For info on more shows in  S.F. (9/27, 10/14, 10/21), Marin  (11/11), and
the East Bay (10/19. 10/21), please visit
_http://www.africanmusicsource.com/concerts.html_
(http://www.africanmusicsource.com/concerts.html) .
Much Peace and Love to  You,
--Baba Ken Okulolo

Saturday, September 30 at Ashkenaz in  Berkeley
the WEST AFRICAN HIGHLIFE BAND
Doors 8:30 pm; free  African dance lesson with Comfort Mensah at 9:00 pm;
show 9:30 pm $15  general/$12 students
"African Highlife  dance classics are the heart and soul of concerts by the
West African  Highlife Band. Launched by Kotoja’s Baba Ken Okulolo, the West
African  Highlife Band was born from a request by the late director of Ashkenaz,
  David Nadel, for a band to concentrate on Ghanaian and West African
highlife dance music and rhythmic styles. With master musicians from  several
West
African countries and the United States, the band draws on  folk traditions
combined with modern stylistic elements, played with  acoustic and electric
instruments, and includes the infectious classic  highlife dance hits of Ghana
and
Nigeria. Along with Okulolo, the band  features Soji Odukogbe, Nii Armah
Hammond, Lemi Barrow, Rasaki Aladokun  and Pope Flyne."
_http://www.AfricanMusicSource.com_ (http://www.africanmusicsource.com/)
Friday, October 6 at Ashkenaz THE FLUX CD Release Party with special guests
BAB� KEN &  AFRO-GROOVE CONNEXION and ¡LOCURA!   Doors 8:30 pm; show 9:00 pm
$10 advance/$12  door
"Babá Ken &  Afro-Groove ConneXion is the newest project from Babá Ken
Okulolo, the  beloved leader of West African Highlife Band and Kotoja. Okulolo
was
first  seen in the U.S. with King Sunny Ade’s African Beats. He was five times
voted Nigeria’s best bassist by that country’s music journalists.
Afro-Groove ConneXion also features Nigeria’s Soji Odukogbe, who was for  five
years
the lead guitarist for the late Fela Anikulapo Kuti. The new  band is a
scaled-down, five-piece unit playing hard-hitting Afrofunk  grooves with a jazz
sensibility."
Saturday,  October 14 at Ashkenaz A TRIBUTE TO FELA: BAB� KEN & AFRO-GROOVE
CONNEXION plus SILA & THE AFROFUNK EXPERIENCE  Doors 9:00 pm; show 9:30 pm $15
advance and students/$18  door
Ashkenaz Music & Dance Community  Center
1317 San Pablo Ave at Gilman Street
Berkeley, CA 94702
Showline: 510-525-5054 Ample parking across the  street. Wheelchair
accessible. All ages all the time. Advance tickets are  available  during
evening
shows, or through Ticketweb. [Ashkenaz is a tax-exempt non-profit arts
organization
  supported by donors, patrons, artists, and staff.] _www.Ashkenaz.com_
(http://www.Ashkenaz.com)
[If you do not wish to  receive notices about African music shows, please let
me know at  _kaokulolo@..._ (mailto:kaokulolo@...) !]




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