really really really hot ensemble music will only be as good as the dununs.

winter also means more splits in my fungers.

i try to refrain from playing lead during a dance class warmup so i can get my hands and body warmed up too.

winter means rain here on the central coast of cali.

rain means humidity.

humidity means my drums go down.

i hate tuning drums when it's soggy outside.

dunun village is this weekend.

DV started around 2000 at a Rainbow Gathering of all places. at this particular Rainbow, a bunch of west african drum/dance students formed their own camp and called it Dunun Village. soon after they started to seek out a piece of land where they could hold a gathering every spring and fall for west african drum/dance students and teachers could come and play, teach and party together.

the gathering has hosted some prominent african artists: bolokada conde, abdoulaye diakite, alysco diabate, tonton sylla, salif kone, fana bangoura, moussa camara etc etc.

dance classes are held in DIY tent on the dirt. drumming can happen anywhere and everywhere and at all times of night.

students come from all over the west coast and have even flown in from the east coast and japan to attend. i've seen gatherings as big as 150 and as small as 50ish.

o yea...and it's pretty much fee. all that's asked is that you donate $$ to the family that owns the land and pack...

[ Continued ]

ivory coast style shell - lenke