Hello from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania!

[snargle]

Well, I've been lurking and reading this site for much too long; it's finally time for me to speak up and introduce myself.

I've been playing the djembe for about five years, although you wouldn't know it to hear me! My short-term goals are improving my skills, learning some new rhythms, and getting more involved with some performance groups. Unfortunately, the African drum/dance scene here in south-central Pennsylvania is somewhat limited. I've taken some short workshops with Mamady Keita, Famadou Konate, Menes Yahudah, and Tammi Hessen. I've attended several of the Blue Ridge Mountains African Drum & Dance Camps in North Carolina, and have been fortunate to have classes with Bolokada Conde, Mohamed DeCosta, Fode Moussa Camara, Aly Camara, and several other excellent instructors. I'll be going back there again this May; it's one of the highlights of my year!

My main drum is a beautiful little Mali djembe from Bote Fote Drumworks in Philadelphia (Chuck Greb). It's a little on the short side, so I call him "Stumpy". It's got a rich bass, very melodic tones, and a moderately sharp slap, although I wouldn't classify it as a lead drum. My other two djembes are from the Ivory Coast (one of which I headed myself). They're OK as backups, but the Mali drum is my go-to instrument.

I look forward to interacting with everyone here and learning much more about these wonderful instruments and music!

Larry
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, USA

[e2c]

Yo Larry - I'm in central PA< too! Welcome to the board.

I also know Chuck (took classes with him for a couple of years, before he moved to Philly) and own several of his drums. Not sure if you're aware, but M'bemba Bangoura is now teaching every Saturday in Philly....

cheers,
e.

[snargle]

Thanks, e! I'm aware of the Philly classes with M'bemba Bangoura, but just haven't been able to get over there between other commitments and our lovely winter weather! Have you been to any of the classes yet?

Larry

[e2c]

No, for the same reason. But I'm hoping to get down there at least once in March, if the weather cooperates!

I'm even more interested in observing Youssouf Koumbassa's dance class than I am in taking classes with M'bemba, but that's because I love playing dance accompaniment. (I don't dance myself, though.)

feel free to drop me a PM, too.

best,
e.

[Rhythm House Drums]

Hey Snargle...

I'm over here in NC. Are you talking about the camp at Wildacers? I'll be there this year. Almost made it last year but something came up. I drum with the Charlotte Community Drummers, so you probably met some of my peeps last year.

Welcome to the forum!

[snargle]

Hi, RHD...thanks for the welcome.

Yes, It's the Wildacres Camp. I didn't make it last year, but I've been to several previous camps. I think I know at least a couple of the players from the CCD group...Janet B. for sure. You're lucky to have such a vibrant, active group in your area. I wish we had something similar up here.

Will you be bringing any merchandise to sell at the camp? Was just looking at your web site and you've got some yummy instruments there!

I'm over here in NC. Are you talking about the camp at Wildacers? I'll be there this year. Almost made it last year but something came up. I drum with the Charlotte Community Drummers, so you probably met some of my peeps last year.

[Rhythm House Drums]

My main goal in this whole thing (my adventures and studying of West African culture and rhythms) is to learn as much as I can about something that I love... I try to not let my hobby/business get in the way of that. I'm doing the Wildacres camp to learn, not to sell. That said, If you see something I've got on my site that you're interested in, or want me to build you up something custom, I'm more than happy to bring it up to the camp. I think the most I'll do there is hand out business cards to people that are interested. I'll be bringing my custom ballet set.. Excited to see what other people think of them.... I love 'em.

I just spent most the day with Fode "Lavia" going over our arrangement for the camp... lots of fun!

Charotte's got an ok scene. CCD is really the heart of it. We compete a lot with the drum circle mentality, and so far they are winning. I wish we had a larger influence of West African music here, but it's not bad with Bill from TTM a few hours away and Fode a few hours away. Bolokada comes through here once a year or so... Enough to keep me wanting more.

See you at camp!

[bops]

Hey Larry, welcome to the forum. I highly recommend taking class with M'Bemba if you have the opportunity.

Talk to you later...

[lizthedjembefola88]

Hi, Larry, I'm Liz and I live in the Lehigh Valley of PA Great to meet another drummer from Pennsylvania on this forum!

[e2c]

Liz, I'm also from PA - up near Penn State.