25th – 28th October 2019
Join us and share the wonderful spirit, music and culture of West Africa
Sessions
Join us and share the wonderful spirit, music and culture of West Africa on our inaugural weekend NZ Drum & Dance Camp.
Renowned percussionist & West African music specialist Simon Fraser (Melbourne) is heading back to NZ and is joined by Djembefola Boubcar Gaye (Senegal/Melbourne), 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 Saturday 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 25th of OCTOBER
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 26th OCTOBER
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 27th OCTOBER
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 28st October
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
Tickets available here
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 Saturday 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 Saturday 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.
How does the Volunteering work?
We will try to give you as much time to drum and dance as possible, Food preparation for the Sat night communal dinner and helping move drums around for classes are the two main jobs we need help with.
Bookings
Click Here to get your tickets.
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
Meet the teachers..
Simon has been drumming his heart out all his life! He’s been studying, performing, recording and teaching across the world since the 1990’s & founded Melbourne-based African Drumming in 1997. Over 25 African tours & experiences with myriad African ensembles have opened his heart to the subtleties and intensities of West African music. Simon’s percussive skills and knowledge of all forms of traditional West African music are highly respected, while his education programs have brought drumming to thousands of people from all walks of life. His passion and knowledge translate to his teaching where he focuses on dexterity, groove, honouring tradition and having fun.
Bouba first laid his hands on a drum in Senegal at the budding age of 14. Inspired by the musical mentors around him he became a member of the prominent Mama Afrika. Bouba’s skills and passion grew quickly and soon he was also a member of the renowned Foret Sacre Ballet. In 1997 Bouba ventured to Europe and then onto Japan where he established himself as a leading African percussionist. Based in Melbourne, Bouba is now a regular and respected figure on the International performance and teaching circuit and loves his annual role at Bali Drum Camp. With an energy and peace of mind that resonates from deep within – Bouba speaks a thousand words with his drum.
Recently back from a 2 month study tour of west africa, Nathan Bregmen has been playing drums for over 20 years, and has been studying african drumming for around 10 years. Captured by the ability of african drumming to build community and bring people together playing music in a short space of time, the African Drum has quickly become Nathans instrument of choice. His light hearted but attentive teaching style has quickly made him a favourite with many students around the country.
Monica is a dancer, musician and creative facilitator, with a passion for getting people moving, connecting and celebrating through rhythm and movement! She’s been studying African-Inspired Dance for eleven years, and now runs her own community dance organisation NIKA Dance (www.nikadance.co.nz). She lives in Whaingaroa/Raglan, and loves finding new ways to move and be moved!
