October 2020 – exact date TBC
Sessions
Renowned percussionist & West African music specialist Simon Fraser (Melbourne) is heading back to NZ and is joined by Djembefola Boubcar Gaye (Senegal/Melbourne), Ghanaian Master Drummer Yaw Asumadu, accomplished Hamilton based Nathan Bregmen and dancer extraordinaire Monica Evans.
We’ll bring you inspirational teaching and vibes plus:
-Djembe and dunun classes for all levels
-High energy dance classes
-BIG communal Sunday night African Dinner (book early for this)
-All in Jams and spontaneous Melodic infusions
-Lovely location surrounded by lush rolling hills
Location
Narrows Park Christian Camp, 442 Airport Rd, Hamilton
tel. (07) 843 6862
Comfortable bunk-style log cabins
Camp sites available if preferred
Big communal kitchen with utensils and cutlery
Large performance hall with fireplace
Bonfire area
Programme
FRIDAY
5:00pm – 7:00pm – Arrive and settle in. Meet and greet.
7:00pm – 9:00pm – Introductions and all in workshop.
9:00pm onwards : socialising and good ol’ fashion jamming – Plenty of melodic exploration so bring your Ngoni, Mbira etc
SATURDAY
10:00am – 12:30pm – Group breakaway sessions – Drumming
12:30pm – 2:00pm – Lunch
2:00pm – 3:15pm – All in DunDun Workshop
3:30pm – 5:00pm – Group breakaway – Drumming
5:30pm – 6:30pm – African Dance
7:00pm onwards – Everyone preps and cooks their own dinner and we eat TOGETHER! Followed up by a HUGE Bonfire Jam
SUNDAY
8.30– 9am – Optional yoga with Simon
10– 12:30pm – Group breakaway sessions – Drumming
12:30pm – 2:00pm – Lunch
2:00pm – 3:15pm – All in DunDun Workshop
3:30pm – 5:00pm – Group breakaway – Drumming
5:30pm – 6:30pm – African Dance
6:30pm – 7:30pm – Communal African style dinner prepared by Boubacar
8:00pm onwards – A night of African village Music, Stories, Proverbs, and Melody.
Monday
8.30– 9am – Optional yoga with Simon Fraser
9:30am – 11:15am – Break away groups – Drumming
11:15am – 12:15pm – African dance
12:15pm – 1:15pm – Lunch
1:15pm – 2:15pm – Break away groups – Drumming
2:30pm – 3:00pm – Final group performance of rhythms we have learnt over the weekend.
3:00pm – 5:00pm – Pack up and depart
Rates
Payable as cash on the weekend
Adult Rate…………………… $420
Early Bird Rate…………….. $380 (early bird rate expires Aug 15th)
Saturday/Sunday/ Mon Rate….. $380
Day Rate………………………..$150
Non – Drummers weekend….. $180
** Accommodation included in ticket Price (except for Day rate)
** Please note Kids (upto 15 years) are VERY welcome to come along and participate. We simply ask that you cover the accommodation costs for them for the day/ nights they stay. Ie $40/ night (or day)
Drum Hire (booking required)…..$10
Communal African Dinner Sunday night …$10 (Must book in advance)
Volunteer Ticket (4 available) – 5hrs of time across the weekend $280
FAQs
What should I bring?
-A drum if you have one, if not you can hire one for $10
-BYO food/drinks (the venue has a large commercial kitchen) *Except for Sunday night communal dinner if you choose to join us (please book in early)
-Shoes to dance in
-Sleeping bag and pillow
-Warm clothes
I’m an absolute beginner, can I come along?
Sure! We welcome beginners and our sessions will suit you. It’s a great chance to mingle with those who have been drumming longer and pick up tips and tricks from peers
What’s the address?
Narrows Park Christian Camp, 442 Airport Rd, Hamilton
Do I need to find accommodation?
No! accommodation is included with your ticket price! Either choose from our comfortable cabin bunks, or bring a motor home or tent to setup on site if you prefer.
Bookings
Please book in early to ensure your spot!
Family and group rates are available – please ask us for more info
For more info contact Nathan Bregmen
ph: 021 1567712