Category: Featured Music
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I’m Back! classes in florida
Florida Hand Drumming: November Through January! I’m excited to share that I’ll be in South Florida from mid-November to mid-January, giving me a wonderful two-month opportunity to connect with all of you through the universal language of rhythm! During my time here, I would absolutely love to get together to drum, jam, and share some… Read More »
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Traditional Drumming is happening again in South Florida!
Exciting news! Traditional-style drum jams featuring djembe sessions and conga sessions, led by Michael Pluznick, are returning to Loxahatchee at Serenity Gardens and various scenic locations in South Florida from mid-November to early January while I’m in the USA. If you’re interested in joining, please send me a private message. We play outdoors at retreats… Read More »
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fatala music ensemble
Marco Antonio Rico Belmont, also known as Marquito Balafon on Facebook from Mexico, recently shared some insightful thoughts about our discussion on the group “Fatala.” He emphasized the significance of Maestro Yacouba “Bruno” Camara as the director and founder, but he also wanted to shed light on the equally remarkable contributions of Arafan Touré. Arafan’s… Read More »
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Les Ballets Africains
Les Ballets Africains has a fascinating history that traces back to the incredible vision of Fodéba Keïta, a Guinean poetry student who immersed himself in the rich cultural tapestry of West African performance. In 1948, while in France, he founded a poetry troupe aimed at showcasing African art and culture. This endeavor soon evolved into… Read More »
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José Luis Quintana, AKA “changuito”
Changuito: The Master Timbale Player and Percussionist In 1985 I went on a musical tour to Cuba to study drumming and also attend the Veradaro Jazz Festival. While at the festival my friend Rob Holland who was also on the tour told me to get up and go film the timbale player for the group… Read More »
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The Times have Changed for drummers
Back in the 70s, drummers with a vast knowledge of world rhythms from different genres were pretty rare. Of course there were some, but not like today. Very few had the chance to travel to places like Africa to study with masters or experience the rhythms of Cuba. Milt Holland legendary percussionist did. Nowadays, that… Read More »
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Does Magic Happen At Drum Circles?
Over the years, I’ve come across many posts—most recently from someone I’ve never met in person but with whom I’ve established an online rapport, sharing ideas and perspectives. These posts often discuss experiences at drum circles, where everyone seems to come together to create a single heartbeat, a moment of unity that feels profoundly spiritual.… Read More »
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Mapalé: A Rhythm and dance from Colombia
Mapalé: A Rhythm And Dance From Colombia Mapalé is a vibrant and energetic traditional dance and music style that originates from northern Colombia, specifically in the coastal city of Cartagena. Its roots trace back to Africa, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the African diaspora in Colombia. In Cartagena, one of the first free towns… Read More »
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Playing With The Great Armando Peraza in the Haight Ashbury Music Center
Playing with Armando Perrazza 38 years ago I got my dream job which was to be the percussion salesman at the Haight Ashburry Music Center in the famous hippy area of San Francisco. The former store had been named Chickens That Sing Music. When I had first arrived in California around 1976 I was shocked… Read More »
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The hands of Chief James Hawthorne Bey
Did you know that the system for pulling the drum, the “no hole” roping system using the two rim system was created by and came directly out of the hands of Chief James Hawthorne Bey? He got the idea from conga drums, and first used it on Ashiko drums. 494 Macon Street in Brooklyn New… Read More »
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An Interview With Michael Pluznick by Les Moncada
Les Moncada Chats With Conguero And Djembefola Drummer Michael Pluznick Francisco Aguabella once told me, “I do not play the drum, I have lived the drum”. Remembering that phrase, it’s great when one’s daily line of work is drumming for a living, teaching drum lessons and or even selling drums and miscellaneous supplies to drummers,… Read More »
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Sifiso dances @ Durban Beach Show South Africa
Please check out this amazing child dancer from South Africa moving and grooving. I have never seen anything quite like it! What do you think? Sifiso dances @ Durban Beach Show South Africa Read More »