This will be an immersion in learning djembe rhythms taught by the late great Grand Master Drummer Mamady Keita. All classes will be taught by the Director of the TTMDA-Chicago branch of TTMDA, Senior Certified Instructor, M. Taylor. Almost all the classes will be mixed level, as djembe music works well with beginners and advanced folks in the same room, as most rhythms have aspects that can challenge both at once.

All this goodness will take place at the Oakwood Retreat Center, 3801 S 575 E Rd, Selma, IN 47383 (765) 747-7027. You’ll have access to hiking trails, outdoor pool, and fairy gardens.

Photo from 1st Annual TTMDA-Chicago Summer Heat Drum Retreat 2024, Oakwood Farm, Selma,IN

Some of the stuff we’ll cover: basic rhythms, soloing, echauffments, dunun variations, all in the context of learning Mamady’s rhythms that he composed (there are well over 100 in total – we won’t get to them all!). I welcome requests – please send those along with your registration!

Folks are welcome to bring their own libations! Handicap facilities are available; specify dietary needs by sending an email with the subject line “Summer Heat Dietary Request” to sunnrising1@gmail.com

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Here’s the proposed layout of the weekend (this may change):

Thursday:

  • Arrival by 4pm, dinner at 6pm
  • After dinner at 8, in Festival Barn introductions – ask ancestors for permission to proceed
  • After introductions introductory class for all levels

Friday:

  • 8:30-9:30 breakfast
  • 10am first class til 11:30am
  • Lunch 12:30 – 1:30
  • 2:30-4 second class
  • 4:30-6pm third class til
  • Dinner is served at 6:30pm-7:30pm

Saturday:

  • Possibly Yoga in main building at 7am
  • 8:30-9:30 breakfast
  • 10am first class til 11:30am
  • Lunch 12:30 – 1:30
  • 2:30-4 second class
  • 4:30-6pm third class til Dinner 6:30-7:30pm
  • Meet at Festival Barn for Open Mic! There will be a signup sheet 8pm – ?
  • Firepit drumming and storytelling after Open Mic

Sunday:

  • 8:30-9:30 breakfast
  • 10-11:30am comprehensive review class
  • Noon to 1pm lunch ending meal good byes

Rates

Private room for 3 nights (includes 9 meals) = $675

Shared room for 3 nights (includes 9 meals) = $645

Private room for 2 nights (includes 6 meals) = $505

Shared room for 2 nights (includes 6 meals) = $485

Camping – One day (3 meals) = $225

Camping – Two days (6 meals) = $325

Camping – Three days (9 meals) = $425

$160 daily fee which includes instruction – extra $20 for meals or bring your own

Folks are welcome to bring their own libations!

Handicap facilities are available

Specify dietary needs on form!

I tentatively plan on covering some: Mamady Keïta Original Rhythms, soloing, echauffments, dunun variations, some songs, Level System breaks, dununba rhythms, maybe even some Zaouli

What to bring!

  • Hat
  • Water bottle – We have filtered water available. Also have a big water bottle in the festival barn. 
  • Sunscreen 
  • Bug spray
  • Sunglasses 
  • Good walking shoes and/or sandals 
  • Recording devices 
  • Personal toiletries 
  • Pool towel 

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