It Started as a Birthday Present

[EvanP]

My trip started not quite a year ago with a search for the perfect present. I was invited to a good friend's birthday party, and wanted to get him something unique and personal. He's a rock drummer, and had mentioned something in passing about hand drumming. So I'm driving around and I remember the hand drumming comment, and then I remember this African store I'd been past, but never been in. By 3 p.m. I had this cool goblet shaped drum with this weird name in front of me on the living room rug. By 4 p.m. I was hooked on the djembe. By 7 p.m. I was sad to see it go, but delighted by the recipient's face (djembe's are not easy to wrap by the way!).

I found a teacher, tried out all the drums I could, ordered one, and learned to play. Discovered Djembefola, Rhythm Traders, and Drumskull (et al). Took as many beginner classes as I could. Continued with the private lessons. Attended Mamady's 3-day workshop and was totally blown away, yet energized because I was able to play things I didn't think I could just 15 minutes before, and in 2 hours could play what seemed totally impossible.

Now, nearly a year later, I'm planning a trip to W. Africa this winter. I'm in a performance class this summer, and signed up for Bolokade's workshop in July.

I'm not sure where I want to go, but I'm certainly enjoying the ride.

[the kid]

Thats the kinda present which keeps on giving

[rachelnguyen]

Oh, boy, Evan....

That is pretty much how I got hooked! Tried out a friend's drum at church one day and just dove in head first. I took my first trip to Mali about a year and a half after picking up the drum for the first time.

For the last year I have been playing dundun (ballet style, with a dununba and a kenkeni) and just love it.

Welcome to the journey, my friend. You will be hugely blessed, I have no doubt.

Love,
Rachel