Hello from a Newbie in Northern California

[vink]

Hello,

I joined this board a few days ago and just wanted to say hello.

I used to play guitar a little bit when I was young, and gave up because I felt I had no talent. About 3 years ago, I figured in my middle age I didn't care any more, and started playing guitar again. Now, I play for myself and I really enjoy it.

I am not very strong rhythmically, and I've been thinking about playing some percussion to improve my rhythmic feel. I recently read couple of articles about the strong rhythmic element in African music, and thought I should try an African percussion instrument. I had seen some Djembe playing in a movie, and it just appealed to me. So I've picked up a Djembe from Djembeman (www.djembeman.com), got the DVD by Taylor and am starting to learn. Right now, I am just focusing on basic technique, trying to just get bass, tone, slap working OK and try to play some very simple rhythms.

I live in the SF Bay area, might look for some classes over time. If you know of any group classes or drum circles in the area, pointers are much appreciated.

By the way, I am also trying out the books on African style guitar playing by Folo Graf and Banning Eyre at the same time ..

[ubba]

There are several places in the bay area, San Francisco has lesson's for all levels beginners as well every Saturday from 11:30A-1:30P, the teacher is Bongo Sidibe, 3380 19th St. Enjoy!

[Dugafola]

There are several places in the bay area, San Francisco has lesson's for all levels beginners as well every Saturday from 11:30A-1:30P, the teacher is Bongo Sidibe, 3380 19th St. Enjoy!

bongo is a great friend of mine and can definitely show you some things.

i'm in santa cruz and have a weekly thursday night class if you ever find yourself down here.

[vink]

Thanks for the pointers to the classes in SF and Santa Cruz! I should be able to avail of one or the other come summer. Glad to see that there are other people from the area here, once I have some more flexibility on my schedule, I will see how I can connect up with you guys more. Thanks!

(Dugafola, where do you teach in Santa Cruz?)

[Dugafola]

Thanks for the pointers to the classes in SF and Santa Cruz! I should be able to avail of one or the other come summer. Glad to see that there are other people from the area here, once I have some more flexibility on my schedule, I will see how I can connect up with you guys more. Thanks!

(Dugafola, where do you teach in Santa Cruz?)

SC live oak grange - 1900 17th Ave, SC, CA 95062
thursday nights 7:15pm

shoot me a PM if you plan on coming!