Category: Music & Travel
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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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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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Embracing Traditional Folkloric Drumming: A Guide for Hand Drummers
Embracing Traditional Folkloric Drumming: A Guide for Hand Drummers As a new hand drummer diving into the world of traditional and folkloric music, you may be seeking guidance on how to play in an ensemble, jam with others, or even take a djembe solo. If that resonates with you, I’d like to share some valuable… 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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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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Is it the drum or drummer?
Is it the drum or the drummer, the carpenter or the hammer? You know the old debate. It’s like asking whether it’s the ballplayer or the bat. There are two sides to this discussion, with no definitive right or wrong in my opinion. From my experiences, I’ve seen incredible drummers produce amazing sounds on what… Read More »
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Cultivating Connection Through Drumming: The Art of Listening and Supporting
Cultivating Connection Through Drumming: The Art of Listening and Supporting Drumming transcends mere noise-making; at its core, it is about connection—both with ourselves and with each other. Music is more than a concept; it is a shared experience that allows us to express our innermost feelings and thoughts. While it’s vital to recognize the individuality… Read More »
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What if we took a step back ?
What if we took a step back and concentrating on support instead of singular self expression? When drummers from diverse hand-drumming cultures and practices join an open or unstructured drum circle for the first time, a common question arises: “Why does everyone seem to solo at the same time?” This question invites a fascinating exploration… Read More »
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Adventures In India Drumming
“It was the best of times and the worst of times.” Who wants to hear a New Year’s Eve adventure story? Gather ’round, my friends, and let me take you back about eight years to an unforgettable night in Goa, India—a night that proved to be not for the faint-hearted! Picture this: a vibrant group… Read More »
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Intensive one on one learning experiences and intensive training sessions with Michael Pluznick
An intensive training session, with a one to five day lesson series is a great way to up your game. With two to three sessions per day you can really immerse yourself in the wonderful world of drumming and bring an amazing wealth of knowledge back home with you. In only a few short days… Read More »