Voice and drums were the first instruments, used by indigenous peoples for communication, celebration and invocation You come into the world with natural rhythm and vocal expression , your heartbeat and your first cry. The seasons, the ebb and flow of tides, the mating calls and dances of birds , all these are examples of the rhythms and sounds of nature. This weekend is an opportunity to celebrate the bursting forth of spring by reconnecting with inner and outer nature through rhythm and song. Call forth your soul's expression as you join your hands, heart and voice together with others in traditional West African songs and rhythms as well as music from other world cultures. Be prepared to drum, sing, and move! It doesn't matter whether you're an accomplished instrumentalist or vocalist, or someone who's always wanted to make noise and holler. This fun filled weekend will awaken the healing power of music in each of us. Describing himself as someone who's been tapping on desks and chairs since he was a kid, John DeKadt has been playing ethnic hand percussive instruments for 22 years. Vikki True's musical influences are gathered from southern hymns, jazz, '60s folk music, and, more recently, West African and Cuban songs. Since 1995, their shared belief in the universality and healing power of music and drumming has led them to teaching together, creating inspirational communities of self expression. In a safe, fun, non competitive environment, students quickly tap into their own power through rhythm, voice, and spirit. In this workshop you'll learn West African rhythms and songs; hand drum techniques such as tone, base, and flap strokes; community drumming skills, including listening and calling breaks; vocal techniques that help you warm up and release the power of your own sounds; gospel songs and more. Bring your voice, your hands, a drum if you have one, and a tape recorder if you like. Come prepared to experience the pure joy of drumming and singing in community.
John de Kadt is a percussionist, poet, and licensed acupuncturist and herbalist. He plays drums from various traditions including Indian tablas, African djembes and dunduns, Cuban congas, and a variety of frame drums. John has studied with master drummers, including Swampan Chaudhure, Jose Aladio, and Glen Valez. He appears on numerous recordings and performs regularly with Robert Gass and Bob Weiner among others. He has performed live on National Public Radio and was featured on PBS with Loretta LaRoche. He is the founder of the ethnic percussion ensemble, Wakarusa; his new CD of original poetry and drumming, This Rhythm Is Not Mine, will be released in spring 2003. Vikki True has been called "a force of nature, a one woman jazz explosion" (musician Simon Wainraub). She is a spirit singer, jazz stylist, and educator who has been performing professionally since she was 15. She's delighted audiences around the country singing everything from folk to gospel, R&B to funk and her great love, jazz. Vikki has shared stages with Ani deFranco and Pete Seeger and opened for Spyro Gyra and Taj Mahal, among others. As a jazz vocalist, she's appeared with Fran Amilio, Cuba's premier jazz pianist, Tommy Newsom, and Eddie Harris to name a few. Vikki has released two CDs with her gospel group, The Sweet Sisters of Mercy. Her new solo CD is 'bout time. Cadence Magazine says Vikki True "is the kind of singer we could use a lot more of."