drum lady

hot - tired - but still inspired : Ghana journeys part DEUX

2010-01-29T09:40:00.017-05:00

GHANA PHOTOS - WOW

2010-01-22T12:59:00.014-05:00

OH......GHANA (travel diary 1)

2010-01-20T12:24:00.006-05:00

MUSIC: REHEARSAL at RISING PHOENIX with the GYE NYAME DRUMMERS & DANCERS

since arriving in Ghana, i've been wafting between different types of awe.
the "art center" kweku always talked about it in DC (it's the place where he built a workshop to work with children) is actually a shanty town of shacks with people living amongst raw sewage, trash, etc. there's no denying they are artists. i've met carvers, tailors, several drum builders, at least 10 drummers, instrument makers, dancers, acrobats, kente cloth makers, mud cloth makers, painters, jewelry makers and more. the days go by so slowly, it feels i have been here for at least a month. on our first or second night, after arriving and getting the lay of the land (the rising phoenix, our "hotel," is a step up from camping with its cold shower drizzle and unkempt mattresses, but is beautifully designed, and features daily rehearsals of fiercely talented acrobats, dancers and drummers), we walked through the art center and i could scarcely believe my eyes - the artists sleep on concrete vats, or hard wooden benches, or dirt floors, as do their children. the children don't have the opportunity to go to school - at very young ages they're helping their parents with work that would make most people grimace. women (of course) carry the largest burden - pun intended - on their heads are enormous metal bowls full of assorted items to sell or carry, sometimes weighing up to 60 pounds. while doing this, their babies are strapped to their backs.

on the third day, we traveled to kweku's home village, N'kaw kaw, which was a 3-hour drive that blew my mind. there is only one road in and out of Accra, and it is full to the brim with roadside sellers in small villages that consist of a grouping of "stores" and "houses" (both usually wood or adobe shacks with some sort of corrugated roof). this slows traffic down considerably - jams can last up to 20 or 30 minutes when you reach a village along the way. also we went the day after it rained and in some parts, the street was nothing but mud and/or muddy water. trucks and cars just slid around - some literally falling over before our eyes. for most of the trip, i was covering my mouth to try and fend off air pollution. we bought strange food from vendors along the way - a corn husk filled with corn meal and groundnuts (which are basically peanuts), and some smoked turkey ... something (feet?) with a separate bag of hot pepper sauce.

in the village, which is a large community of adobe houses, dirt floors and lots of trees, we were first taken to meet the chief's first in command, along with the community's mayor, security advisor, and elders. as we were giving and taking greetings, a group of children came into the space in school uniforms. many had never seen an Obruni (white person) before. they were achingly beautiful. two of them, however, were screaming their heads off, at which point one of the female attendants shoved them at marcia and i. we hurriedly picked them up and tried to calm them. the little girl in my arms' heart was beating as fast as a tiny bird, she was so afraid. the little boy marcia was holding became her best friend by the end of the day.

we walked to the center of the village and there was more greeting and ceremony, along with a community clean up. homemade brooms and shovels were handed out and everyone pitched in to move clumps of mud and trash into piles. afterwards there was an incredible welcome dance by the young men and young women of the village, surrounded by a song and dance ceremony by the women, of which i was allowed to take part. then, our group performed (the group consists of kweku plus 4 or 5 drummers and 4 or 5 dancers). no one in the community had even a single iota of an issue with my inclusion in a performance troupe of all african male drummers. afterwards, i gave a workshop to 8 or 10 beautifully adorned tribal women. it was unforgettable teaching them kuku. later, waiting for kweku and our other host, Issac to finish sending their partings to the tribal counsel (this took AN HOUR), we found ourselves surrounded on all sides by the children. one especially precocious little girl named Dana kept running a finger on the skin of my arms and legs, and getting all of her friends to do the same, to see what an Obruni's skin feels like. i eventually allowed Dana to take my hand, along with several other children, and we walked to meet her mother. i asked Dana how many siblings she had and she said five, "but two are there," and she pointed to the sky. across the "street (dirt road)," someone was playing American R&B (i have heard as much American music as Ghanian music since arriving). I grabbed the children's hands to make a circle, and we danced....pure synchronicity.

we left the village our clothing, books and pencil donations, and they gave us a big bag of fruit.

since that day i have had drumming opportunities everyday - i had a lesson with the master Kpanlogo drummer in the arts center (Kpanlogo is one of Ghana's traditional drums), have taken part in at least four jam sessions - 2 spontaneous, one at the beach, and one a surprise from kweku (he brought the drummers back to the hotel), a rehearsal (we are preparing for a show at some point) and a performance (last night, for a group of European volunteers).

we've also been to a few places outside the arts center and the village. we went to a beach community just inside Accra called Kokrobiter which seemed centered on attracting Obrunis. the most beautiful things were for sale. however, i have scarcely bought anything, as kweku believes wholeheartedly that if marcia or i try to buy anything on our own we will be cheated. so i've agreed to make a list of the things i see that i want to take home. i guess we'll be going on a trip designated just for shopping at some point. whatever happens, i promise to have beads and kente cloth upon my return.

I am now dreaming of teaching drumming to women in the arts center community. kweku's performing group (which now includes me without question), involves 4 or 5 women dancers, all of whom will be involved. God willing (omg i can't believe i just said god willing), the workshops will begin tomorrow.

Africa time is very different from "DC" time.
It's not as though everyone is always late. It's a different concept of time altogether. for instance - sometimes 1 hour equals 4 hours. other times, 1 hour equals 10 minutes. other times, 1 hour equals 1 hour. somehow it eventually starts to make sense. for one thing, the time between 11 am and 3 pm is so goddarn hot and busy, it's difficult to accomplish everything you set forth to do. especially because it usually involves walking long distances, catching taxis or tro tro's (creatively decorated mini-buses), and navigating a range of unexpected circumstances. basically, it is crucial to be flexible if one is to find happiness here.

i should mention i've been sick the past 2 days with what i've been told over and over is common for Obruni's but which to me feels like a volcanic eruption in my intestines. i've taken my ciprho so please don't worry. i'm recovering. typing this email in an air conditioned "internet cafe" (it's actually just a bunch of computers - the only coffee in Ghana is Nescafe) is helping, for instance. i'm not sure if it was the bagged water, the palm oil, or a luke warm plate of food i ate on sunday night, but regardless, i promise to be more careful from now on. know that i'm taking my rest.

i should say more about the FOOD....but i'm not in the mood right now.
i am planning to take a groudnut soup (by far my favorite dish thus far) lesson from Selassie, the cook at Rising Phoenix hotel. so I look forward to sharing that with all of you.

i should say the greatest beauty in Ghana, as I have seen thus far, is in the people.
since my illness befell me, no less than 6 people have ventured out to find solutions. one of the most humorous was kweku, who suggested i pluck a piece of hair out of my head and put it in my mouth, then lie on my stomach. strangely this seemed to work for a short time. when it stopped working, i noticed the hair had fallen out of my mouth.

i will stop now before this becomes increasingly lengthy, but want to thank all of you again for all of your amazing assistance in getting me here. everything i brought with me, i have used. first aid, (i already cut myself twice), all-natural bug repellent, the quick drying towels, the video camera, the amazing back-pack, the rehydration pills, all 3 pairs of shoes, my cliff and luna bars, my water bottle, my multiple travel size toiletries (i thought i brought too much but will have just enough), my mosquito repelling anklet, the list goes on. THANK YOU ALL IMMENSELY for your help.

i hope all is well at home - know that i am taken care of here, wavering between fascination, frustration, sadness, hilarity, confusion...but mostly just awe.

peace and love to you all,
Kristen "Afia" (Friday-born)

My Friends: Your Name HERE.

2008-11-10T13:41:00.012-05:00

I'm reflecting on all the places I've had the opportunity to travel to this year. To new places - including those deep in my heart and soul.

Oct. 25 2008 marked one year since the passing into spirit of my soul mate and comrade, Henry Moses III. Though no one can take his place in my life, I've been amazed at the graciousness his spirit has imparted on me since his body left this planet.

So many highlights... drumming with the young women at Kwanzaa (which was its first-ever opening of female drummers in 24 years...); forming the Bele Bele Rhythm Collective, rehearsing, and performing for July 4 Takoma with so many amazing women; studying for 2 weeks straight with Mamady Keita and falling in love with California and its people, teaching more than 20 workshops to Freedom Summer youth in Knoxville, TN on Alex Haley's farm and performing in front of thousands; building an INCREDIBLE summer enrichment program for YWDEP which resulted in so many awesome instructors, mentors, and young women learning and growing together; showcasing what was probably the best YWDEP showcase yet; recording and performing with OmegaBand; teaching and performing beside Ubaka Hill at MichFest; learning and performing with my girls at the Womyn's Catskill Mountain Drum Happen'n; meeting so many amazing people at the Hawaii gathering of Global Passageways; and working and playing with so many lovely people.

Take a walk back through my blog and find posts from my adventures on the West Coast last spring ("Left Coast Odyssey" parts I and II), at the Michigan Womyn's Music Fest this past summer ("MichFest in a Nutshell"), interspersed amongst gobs of upcoming events and performances and classes...

The next blog will cover drumming for the new beginning (OBAMA!)

But before going there - I want to acknowledge some people publicly. These are people whose support over this past year (and some many years before) has allowed me to grow as an artist, to expand my reach as an organizer, to broaden and deepen my teaching, and honestly to survive some major hard knocks which put me up against my threshold. Grief of the loss of Henry was the heaviest, hardest, saddest, most tragic event of my life thus far. I could not have pulled through it without you...

So thank you...
Patrice, Dwight, and Erin Arant
Granny Ree and Grandpa Chuck
Alexandra Silverthorne
Andrea Sterner ("Dre")
Doug Weimer
Erika Dupont
Laurie Blair
Ria Deneeve
Renee Panagos
Katy Gaughan
Laura Lee
Victoria Cunningham
Lita Dunn Grossman
Jeni Vitarello
Gay Cioffi
Linda Krakaur
Binahkaye Joy
Katie Messina
Samaa Claiborne
Catherine Ryan
Mary Anne Miles
Jacque Minton
Ricki "Alpha" Betts
Brent Woodcock
Andreas Andreou
Abasi Johnson
Shahid Buttar
Mark Nickens
James Crawford
Hawah
Folabi Olagbaju
Anovia and Kelly Craven
All of my Drum Ladies...
All my Guerrillas...
My Bele Bele's...
All of my Omegas...
My Rhythm Workers...
And all of my Flii Beat Ladiez, my Rhythm Prophets, my Goddesses of Rhythm and my She Poets of the Rizing Moon, you are my pride and joy

Please, Goddess, let me have NOT FORGOTTEN ANYONE (and if I have, please allow me to update this blog as much as possible as it's just not easy to thank so many people at once...)

I am on a path of learning to love myself.
I'm also on the drummer's path, which may seem radical, but is not nearly as radical as learning to love oneself.

Thank you for all the love, wisdom, support, encouragement, and relentless friendship through this past year. Thank you for believing in me. You have inspired me to invest in myself, so I can thank you back with the strength of all our hearts.

WITH IMMENSE LOVE AND GRATITUDE...
k

Upcoming Events - FALL CLASSES!!

2008-09-27T21:41:00.001-04:00

West African DRUMMING CLASSES w/ Drumlady Kristen Arant THIS FALL in TAKOMA PARK!!!

Beginner and Intermediate Students welcome to: learn West African Djembe and Dun-un drum technique; learn to play a variety of polyrhythms and breaks; learn to improvise and solo; build unity, experience ecstatic invigoration of the spirit, and become one with the drum!

INTRODUCTORY DRUM CIRCLE: Oct. 5, 3-6 p.m., during Takoma Street Fest!
Come meet Kristen and fellow classmates, register for classes,
and drum up a storm!
FREE!
at Roda Studio: 7003 Carroll Ave
NOTE: Parking will be extremely minimal!
Please take metro or plan to park in the Takoma Metro Station Commuter Lot

CLASS DATES:

Oct. 12, 19
Nov. 2, 9, 16, 23

Times:
3-4:30 p.m. BEGINNERS
5-6:30 p.m. INTERMEDIATE LEVEL

Location:
Roda Studio, 7003 Carroll Ave in Takoma Park (across from Mark’s Kitchen); Street Parking available; 5-10 minute walk from Takoma Metro Station, red line.

Cost:
Sign up for all 6 classes = $15 per class
Drop-in = $20 per class

Pre-register:
Email me at kristenarant@yahoo.com to reserve a space in the class!

EVENTS!!

Click here for UPCOMING EVENTS!

NEWS!!!
The Young Women’s Drumming Empowerment Project has a new mini-documentary! Check out this incredible piece of work by clicking here!

Drumlady recently returned from the amazing Michigan Womyn’s Music Festival! Read all about her experiences here!

YWDEP's 4th Annual Showcases ROCK! Sept. 6, 7, 13 and 14

2008-08-18T10:26:00.000-04:00

The Young Women’s Drumming Empowerment Project is thrilled to announce its 4th Annual

FINAL PEFORMANCE SHOWCASE!

The Flii Beat Ladiez present: Rhythmic Lyfe Explosion

Featuring:

12 young women ages 12-18 and their mentors performing:

original, riveting, brilliant poetry

tight, funky, groovy rhythms

mesmorizing movement

and

scrumptuous songs

7 p.m. Saturday Sept. 6 OPENING NIGHT - pay what u can (min. $5 please)

7 p.m. Saturday Sept. 13 - $15/$10 for students (must show ID), seniors, children 8 and under

7 p.m. Sunday Sept. 14 - $15/$10 for students (must show ID), seniors, children 8 and under

at the Patricia M. Sitar Center for the Arts

1700 Kalorama Rd NW

Washington, DC 20009

and a special interactive performance featuring only the rhythmic pieces of our show…

3 p.m. Sept. 7 at the Kreeger Museum’s Open House

2401 Foxhall Rd NW

Washington, DC 20007

FREE OF CHARGE

MichFest, in a nutshell

2008-08-14T12:36:00.003-04:00

Many people have asked me about my experience at Michigan Womyn's Music Festival this year. I anticipated as much, so on my last day there, I wrote this. I hope it sums up my experience - which was pivotal.

written around 8p.m., August. 10 2008

I'm sitting on a straw bale - breathing fresh air that feels just like autumn in DC and I am watching women walk by - close to dusk - on their way to the candlelight closing ceremony of the festival, taking place on the acoustic stage.

I am weary. Profoundly weary. And profoundly full of joy and contentment, feeling safe and whole in my body, deeply rocked within my soul.

I saw women perform acts of magic at this festival. In fact everything happening here is a mystery.

An entire village - 5,000 - created all by the hands of women. Everything from setting up enormous stages, driving tractors and big old 70s busses around to transport festi-goers (as they're affectionately called), a mechanics booth, setting up showers and kitchens, doing all the stage set up, sound and lighting - all women.

Every band, every musical act - all women.
I saw
Ruthie Foster
Betty
Von Iva
Toshi
Bitch and Ferrin
An incredibly broadway-inspired "musical" produced by Betty's bassist, Allison, called "Chicks Licks Flicks," and I saw Erin McKeown, and the almightly Fatu and her women's West African Drum ensemble Jambalaya. I saw a brilliantly funny reading of the vagina monologues directed by Alix Olson, and DC's own Emma's Revolution, and the great folkstress Holly Near.

I've connected with a few women deeply. I've managed to enjoy holding hands, drumming, dancing, hugging, and singing with women with no fear, no drama, just beautiful, pure connection.

I have drummed with Ubaka Hilll, and talked with her, shared so many stories, and taken full advantage of her mentoring, which has cultivated confidence, courage, and strength inside me, along with a deeper passion for my art, and a desire to move forward, with grace.

I have worked - walking everywhere - the equivalent of 5 miles a day I have walked. Loading and unloading drums, teaching, singing.

I have played with serious women in the West African tradition, for a dance class, and through this have been invited by an extraordinary female djembe fola to be part of her next project - which means travel and exposure.

I have been introduced on stage by Ubaka Hill, to hundreds of women, who now know of YWDEP since Ubaka told them I started the organization, and that she was proud to have me as her assistant.

I have received multiple, sincere congratulations and words of appreciation all week long for my playing.

I have had an extraordinary experience assisting deaf women in learning to drum and supporting their participation in the Drumsong Orchestra - a 60-women strong group of drummers who come to work with Ubaka every year and prepare for a final performance on the acoustic stage. And for this performance, I directed a unique version of Yankadi.

I have bathed my face in holy water and cried.

I have been told by an incredible, earth moving goddess dancer of 50 named Queen, that when she hard my drumming, it transported her to Senegal. And by other women that my drumming was healing them.

I have - backstage - chatted with the women of Betty, hung out with Bitch, walked shoulder to shoulder past Amy Ray on the long, wooded path to my tent, and shared a collective midnight meal with artists who left me starstruck. I stood next to Erin McKeown for a whole 30 seconds not knowing what to say...

I have camped. Nothing indoors exists. I have found my way in the dark and slept in the deep woods in a tent for 6 nights. I have averted disasters - a broken blood-testing meter (I'm diabetic type 1 for those who don't know), and rain in my tent.

I have felt love. The love the sisters have for this place and for each other. The love of the work. Each sister must do a scheduled work shift while on the land. That's 5000 women working together.

I've found a new kind of love for the drum. For its belly - it's melody - and it's absolute power to heal - and the healing that exists inside me that allows for that pure energy to come out and light hearts on fire.

To me, in one sentence, I believe the Michigan Womyn's Music Festival is the safest and most free place for women on the entire planet, and the best music festival (= the best MUSIC) I've ever been to.

UPCOMING EVENTS!

2008-07-22T20:54:00.002-04:00

OmegaBand in 2 SHOWS this week!
1. Capital Fringe Fest: Capital Fringe, an annual festival celebrating unjuried, risk-taking performing arts, will feature OmegaBand on Wednesday, July 23rd from 9:30-11pm outside the Fringe Fest Headquarters at 607 New York Ave NW (in the old Av's Italian Restaurant building). ALL AGES WELCOME!!!

We'll be playing sets in between awesome performance arts acts you don't wanna miss!!!

Cost: $5 for a button that gets you deals all over the city!

2. Don't miss our monthly gig at ASYLUM, where this month we'll be privileged to share the stage with PS24, the awesomely funky, groovy band that features DC's own "rappercussions" master Jali D on djembe! Also mega rockers Insurrection will be joining us. 2471 18th St. N.W. (Adams Morgan), Washington DC, Washington DC 20009, 10 p.m.

YWDEP opens the Art of Living "Be the Change Awards Ceremony!"
COME WITNESS the Young Women's Drumming Empowerment Project as we grace the stage of The Art of Living's iLead 2008 "Be the Change" Awards, for which Kristen is a potential nominee!!

Saturday, July 26th 6 p.m. at 2401 15th St NW, Washington, DC 20009. YWDEP performs at 7:45 - other featured performers include Christylez Bacon, DJ SoYO, FuzZAY and more. Cost = FREE!

DrumLady Summer Performances and Classes!

2008-05-29T18:22:00.003-04:00

Upcoming Events!

Bele Bele Rhythm Collective DEBUT!! July 4 7:30 p.m.
Come witness the debut performance of DC's own ALL-WOMEN's West African drumming performance group, the Bele Bele Rhythm Collective!

Created from scratch by local drummer and drum instructor Kristen Arant, the BBRC will stage its premiere performance on JULY 4th, 7:30 p.m. to open the Takoma Park Fireworks display at the Takoma Park Middle School, 7611 Piney Branch Rd.

Arant, who has studied extensively the rhythms of Mandingue drum master Mamady Keita, chose the name after learning the rhythm and song "Bele Bele" at a 2-week drumming intensive with Mamady. The song is traditionally sang when a very important person or "big personality" comes to the village.

The BBRC is an intergenerational, diverse group of women from DC and surrounding areas who all share a passion for drumming, and will be performing tightly sewn compositions of polyrhythms on dun-uns and djembes, along with exciting breaks and contagious songs and accompanying dancers.

The performance, which includes rhythms such as Fanga, Kuku, Yankadi, and Bele Bele, is a celebration of the BBRC's unity and commitment to one another, to the art of West African drumming, and to spreading its joy and power to the community.

You don't wanna miss this!!!!
For more information, please visit www.drumlady.com

OMEGA SHOWS!!!
Friday, June 27th, Check out OmegaBand at Asylum! 2471 18th St NW in Adam's Morgan, near the intersection of 18th St and Columbia Rd. We've got the hottest set list yet planned for the night, and will be selling our 6-track CD for $5 - an incredible bargain for this amazing recording project whose time has come!

OmegaBand plays in HOT line-up July 11 - VELVET LOUNGE
It's the sure shot... please join us as we celebrate the release of H.R.(Human Rights) new album "Hey Wella" and as we welcome back skate punk legends McRad.
MUTINY! mainstays the Traumas are back with the sickness... their recording that is. And pick-up OmegaBand's new demo CD while you're at it.
Don't miss this one!
July, 11 2008 at MUTINY! w/ H.R.(Human Rights), McRad, & the Traumas @ Velvet Lounge
915 U St. N.W., Washington DC, Washington DC 20001
Cost : $8

REGISTER NOW FOR SUMMER DRUMMING CLASSES!

I SUMMER Women's West African Drumming Classes for INTERMEDIATE STUDENTS at Emergence Community Arts Collective!!
733 Euclid St NW, Washington, DCShaw/Howard or U St Cardozo Metro. Ample Street Parking.

6 Sundays:
June 15, June 22, June 29 from 5-7 p.m.
July 13, July 20, July 27 from 4-6 p.m.

We will be learning a new Guinea rhythm with song and breaks from the Mamady repertoire: Beli Beli!

Cost: $20 per class to drop in, $15 per class if you sign up for all 6 weeks
Registration/Questions: Please email or call Kristen Arant to pre-register or inquire about the class: kristen@drumlady.com, 202-213-7810

II CIRCLE YOGA DRUMMING CLASS!
DrumLady teaches a Hand Drumming class at Circle Yoga! Class is open to both men and women! BEGINNERS WELCOME. Sundays, 12-1:15 p.m. from June 22-Aug 24. Sign up online! Registration is preferred but DROP-INS are also welcomed.

III WORKSHOP: Roll patterns for Intermediate Students! Aug 17, 5-8 p.m. at Emergence Community Arts Collective, 733 Euclid St NW, Washington, DCShaw/Howard or U St Cardozo Metro. Ample Street Parking.

Sharpen your 4, 5 and 6 roll patterns on the djembe and learn how to incorporate them into rhythms and solo techniques! For Intermediate students.

Registration/Questions: Call or email Kristen Arant to pre-register or inquire about the workshop: kristen@drumlady.com or 202-213-7810. Cost: $35.

Happy Birthday Henny (May 20 1968 - Oct 25 2007)

2008-05-20T13:22:00.005-04:00

(for upcoming events, scroll down to the next post please...)

The shape of your face, nostrils flaring to indicate a moment of passion - whether it was anger or righteous indignation or deep, impenetrable love or a sudden enlightenment of spirit, you lifted your face up to the wind and breathed in life, for as long as you could, as hard as you could, as hard as you could you drummed, you sang, you loved, you partied, you fell, you rose, you raged, you supported, you worked, you studied, you spoke, you cried, you roared...

now as hard as you can
you finally rest

i called you "henny," and you said your grandma was the only other person who called you that, i called you that when you put your arms around me, and made me feel safe in their expanse, and my own weariness magically transformed by the sound of your heartbeat, and your strong but soft presence...

then suddenly taken to a place of fear when your anger erupted...

knowing all of your passions ran swiftly from the same source.

my love for you goes on and on, i hear your voice, see you in my dreams, call to you when life feels like agony, "Have peace henry, Your love set me Free," and now I can share one of your poems to the world, because I have been loved to the fullest dimension - and I can say for certain that someone would have given me the world.

Missing you every second of every hour....
You would've been 40 today...
Happy birthday Henny

It's all About You
By Henry Moses

Your smile is like the sun on my face
Your light filled my empty space
Before you all my songs were blue
Fill my cup just to talk to you

Didn't know what to believe
But suddenly I came to see
I wondered if it's meant to be
Through your eyes the Goddess spoke to me

When I think about love I think about you
When I think about tenderness I think about you
You lit the fire in my soul
My feel for you is a heavy load

That's what I think about you
It's all about you
It's all about you

When the night's cool and clear
Oh my love I need you near
We come together with the thundering rain
Make me want to forget my pain

In this life none like thee
Your love and beauty overwhelm me
The smell of you fills my head
Gazing at you my passion's fed

When I think about love I think about you
When I think about tenderness I think about you
You lit the fire in my soul
My feel for you is a heavy load

That's what I think about you
It's all about you
It's all about you

DrumLady Upcoming Events!

2008-05-13T03:26:00.005-04:00

**Saturday, May 17, 3-4:30 p.m., Community Drum Circle at ARTOMATIC led by my friend and cohort Katy Gaughan - on the Cabaret Stage

**May 17, 6-7:30 p.m. WOMEN'S COMMUNITY DRUM CIRCLE at the Emergence Community Arts Collective, 733 Euclid St NW (between Sherman Ave and Georgia Ave, across from Banneker High School and near Howard University). This is a spiritual, inspiring, uplifting, joyful and organic experience NOT TO BE MISSED! All levels welcome. Ages 13 and up. $10 general admission; $7 if you: A. bring your own drum B. are 60 or over C. are a student or D. if you have registered for Kristen's drumming classes!

**Sunday, May 18, 12:20-2:30 p.m. at the Unity Life Center - 14088-C Sullyfield, Chantilly VA , Intergenerational Community Drumming and Music to benefit young women and girls in KENYA. This is hosted by my friend Nina Gibson and will benefit the Brenda Boone Hope Center Foundation School and Shelter in Meru, Kenya which provides relief and shelter to rescued girls ages 7-17 who have been raped and/or are dealing with HIV and AIDS. Contact: www.unitylife.org 703-263-7645

**Thursday, May 22, 8:30-9:20 p.m. OmegaBand show at ARTOMATIC!! Capital Plaza I - corner of First & M streets NE - NY Ave Metro. Check out our artist page here!

**Friday, May 30, 11 p.m. OmegaBand show at ASYLUM

Support YWDEP and HAVE FUN!!

2008-05-05T23:06:00.002-04:00

WHO: The Young Women's Drumming Empowerment Project

WHAT: "Drumming with Friends" - A Fundraiser for our 4th Annual Summer Enrichment Program!!!

WHERE: Java Green Eco Cafe! 1020 19th St NW, Washington, DC 20036 (near Farragut West metro station)

WHEN: May 10, 6-8 p.m.

Directions/Other

you are cordially invited to....

DRUMMING WITH FRIENDS!!!
A fundraiser for the Young Women's Drumming Empowerment Project's Fourth Annual Summer Enrichment Program!

Saturday May 10th- 6:00-8:00 p.m.
at Java Green Eco Cafe, 1020 19th St NW, Washington, DC 20036
(At the corner of 19th and I Sts NW, Farragut West metro station)

Featuring: drumming, performances, raffle prizes and delicious organic food provided by Java Green! Suggested donation: $25. We hope you can join us on these dates to support this wonderful programming!

PLEASE RSVP! info@youngwomendrum.org or 202-213-7810

The Young Women's Drumming Empowerment Project strives to create a safe space for young women to build unity, and fearlessly express their authentic selves through drumming, poetry, spoken word, song, movement, and performance. YWDEP is a a ONE COMMON UNITY program.

cool new video of YWDEP at the Culture Shop!

2008-04-24T23:36:00.002-04:00

Check out this video of the Young Women's Drumming Empowerment Project "Drumming with Friends" fundraiser at Takoma Park's "Culture Shop." Lots of rockin and jammin...Courtesy of your neighborhood videographer, Mark Loeffler (thanks mark!!)

The video is 45 minutes long so I recommend you skip to the middle portion if you don't have time to enjoy the whole thing, which is really like a community-style documentary on YWDEP. Very cool! Enjoy!

DrumLady Upcoming Events!

2008-04-16T23:45:00.003-04:00

DrumLady Upcoming Events!

**See Kristen and friends perform this Friday, April 25 at Asylum in Adams Morgan! Funk, soul, rock, ska FUSION. Tons o' fun.

More at: www.myspace.com/omegaband
www.asylumdc.com

**May 2-4 BUMBADA! Women's Drum Camp at Camp Puh'tok in Monkton, MD, featuring instructors Ubaka Hill, Tammi Hessen and more!

**May 10, 6-8 p.m. Fundraiser for the Young Women's Drumming Empowerment Project at JAVA GREEN Organic Eco Cafe! Delicious food, performances, raffle, drumming! Suggested donation $25 minimum.

**May 17, 6-7:30 p.m. WOMEN'S COMMUNITY DRUM CIRCLE at the Emergence Community Arts Collective, 733 Euclid St NW (between Sherman Ave and Georgia Ave, across from Banneker High School and near Howard University). This is a spiritual, inspiring, uplifting, joyful and organic experience NOT TO BE MISSED! All levels welcome. Ages 13 and up. $10 general admission; $7 if you: A. bring your own drum B. are 60 or over C. are a student or D. if you have registered for Kristen's drumming classes!

Left Coast Odyssey Part 2 - Malinke Craze with MAMADY

2008-03-11T19:00:00.006-04:00

Hello Friends!

Well - I've been in San Diego for 10 days now, well into the Mini-Guinea Camp with Mamady Keita, which I can only describe as the most intense studying of any subject I've done since graduating college. Each day I am a wide-eyed student for four hours; two in the morning and two in the evening. There are about 20 students here - many from around the San Diego area who drum and teach professionally, and others from Canada, Hong Kong, Hawaii, Northern Cali, Texas, and New York. Most of the students have been studying with Mamady for quite some time. Some are en route to becoming Tam Tam Mandingue (Mamady's school) certified instructors. In order to get certified, one must know all the djembe and dun-un parts to 60 traditional Malinke rhythms and be able to master solo parts for each one.

On the first day of classes, there was a "test," so to speak. Mamady needed to have two groups to work with - technically, an intermediate and an advanced group. But being so very diplomatic (and he really is), he told us we would be separated into two groups based on our levels, so that each group would be learning with those who are at a similar place with regards to technique, sound, timing, precision, and feeling - one of the most important aspects of playing the djembe.

During the "test," Mamady instructed us to play what many call the "passport" rhythm - a pattern that reoccurs in rhythm after rhythm in the Tam Tam repertoire. While we played, he instructed each individual to echo him. He was playing what I thought was a very confusing "handing" (this is a new term I've learned referring to which hands are played at what point in the pattern), with a syncopated rhythm. Not necessarily intuitive. We went around one by one, and when it became my turn, having had the luxury of watching the first 5 people try and mess up, I thought I had it in the bag. But - I messed up - about 3 times - and then got it. But getting it was something that many of the students did not achieve. So I was placed in the upper level group, which was hugely satisfying.

Then we embarked upon total Malinke drumming absorption.

Every morning we learn not only a rhythm and all it's parts - but then we begin learning solo patterns to go with it. One after another, these solo patterns involve extraordinarily complex handing, syncopation, timing and even feeling. I'm not even aware yet of just how I've improved, but I'm strongly integrating my left hand; grasping rhythms that begin on the "and" of whatever and continue on the up beat; understanding how and why certain handing is used; playing patterns that at times seem to go against the grain of the bass (dun-un) parts; improving my left hand slap immensely; and garnering a much deeper understanding of the origins and meaning behind these rhythms.

Mamady, taken from his home and village at an early age to serve in the Guinea National Ballet, tours the world teaching these rhythms and their context. There are Tam Tam Mandingue schools sprouting up across the world. And their purpose is to build unity while gaining a deep understanding of the rhythms and their origins. Many of us enjoy drumming so very much - but I've never felt so connected to this art form than I do now. Mamady has taught us a rhythm he wrote for the tree under which he first struck up a note on the djembe. And one for the little hill in his village from which one can view the entire village, and from which many spiritual leaders have gone to cast away bad spirits. He's taught us one he wrote in honor of his mother, and one that honors the Keita family, and one that honors anyone who enters a room with a large personality.

Mamady and Monette, a drummer in her on right who married Mamady in 2005 and had a baby last year, give so much to so many students around the world. It's the spirit of what they do that has captivated me. It's so beautifully authentic - the roots of all rhythm, really - and I've experienced no sexism or negativity since I arrived. Perhaps this was the most surprising, as I've become accustomed to some level of both in many of the drumming experiences I've had thus far. In fact those experiences have led me to want to create a safe space for women to learn. But Mamady's teaching is both masculine and feminine. And he teaches with both his mind and his heart. It is very difficult to learn some of these complex patterns and polyrhythms - but he is ever patient and enduring and loving with his students.

On second night of classes, we were invited on the fly to perform at an event for Hosteling International, which was happening in the same park (Balboa Park) where our classes are held. Most of us went - deciding 5 minutes before showtime what rhythms to play. Monette was our leader. Mamady was in the crowd, holding Nasira, his tiny daughter, while Monette and Ali, a powerful woman who works for TTM and is a certified instructor, took the stage soloing, and calling on some of us to step up and solo. We all wore our drums. I had the opportunity to solo and what a feeling it was - there was something of an immediate atmosphere of acceptance at this camp that made me feel free to play out and not feel afraid. It was amazing performing with these two powerful women and seeing Mamady below the stage, holding the child.

I'm excited to bring back so much to my own students. There are a few new rhythms I'm ready to teach, but also just a feeling of enhanced skill and enhanced blessing to continue this work. Becoming a TTM instructor is a lofty goal, but I may be able to achieve it in a few years if I am able to support a few more camps with Mamady, including my dream, which is attend one in Guinea. I need to learn more rhythms, and have the opportunity to practice them and build them with my students.

I'm feeling empowered to move forward on creating a women's drumming performance ensemble as well. One question that I feel has been answered for me is about how to use the Guinea rhythms in a non-traditional context. Most importantly, once a person comes to know and understand the rich history behind West African drumming, it is impossible to divorce it from one's work. We may create our own rhythms, knowing full well that we would not have the opportunity to do so without the beautiful works of art that are the drums we play on, and the knowledge that these works of art come from a rich tradition. We must maintain the spirit of this in all of our work. Positivity, peace, unity, and understanding all of us as part of a human family is essential to sustaining the energy present in this gift.

I want to thank you all so much for your energy and willingness to embark on this path with me, and with my spirit and enthusiasm, I invite you to DRUM!

Left Coast Odyssey Part 1

2008-02-27T13:28:00.002-05:00

Friends:

So much has happened since I left the East Coast last Tuesday, Feb. 19. I should say my journey actually began about three weeks before that when I embarked upon packing up 8 years of STUFF I've acquired, collected, and held onto like a pack rat since I moved to DC in the year 2000.

I want to say how much I appreciate all of you who lent a hand - Mary Anne and Mike's bagels and boxes and packing up the kitchen, Lita's hilarious metaphors for all my expired toiletries, Sherri's delicious mushroom burgers (no, not those kind of mushrooms!), Linda's tough love helping me pack clothes for my trip, Laura's emergency care package when I thought I had the flu that one day, Renee's boxes and boxes and AMAZING assistance on the last day, which allowed me to sprint to the finish line, Laurie and Chris, Renee and Katy for baby sitting my drums, Alex's bust-ass job on the grant that was due right in the middle of it all, and Oh God, I know I'm missing someone but, please know, if you helped, it made a HUUUUUGE difference. I am so thrilled to have such a wonderful community in DC...

...So on to CALIFORNIA...

After letting the Wisconsin primaries absorb me through my travel to Oakland, I arrived in one piece but extremely fatigued only to leave the NEXT DAY en route to SANTA ROSA for the Mosaic Multicultural Foundation's KOURES camp.

Mosaic is an incredible organization that uses mythology and story telling to assist youth in understanding that their own experience is as old as time itself - that the troubles and ordeals are part of their own self actualization. The founder and director of Mosaic, Michael Meade, is a well renown mythologist and author, who also had a strong hand in building the Men's Movement. After a mutual friend cyber-introduced us, we began talking to plan a Voices of Youth workshop in DC. Voices of Youth is a 3 or 4-day workshop Mosaic produces in cities across the US where youth in trouble come, hear Michael's stories, write their own poetry, bond, learn songs and other forms of expression, and at the end bring their art to the community through a public performance.

It sounded so much like YWDEP - I thought I couldn't go wrong. So I went to an ADVANCED Voices of Youth in Santa Rosa on Michael's invitation. "Advanced" meaning many of the youth who came had already participated in a previous Voices event, and their teachers and mentors were bringing them back for an even more intense experience of engaging the deep self. The way I understood it was that I was coming to learn what Mosaic does in order to assess how a Voices of Youth event would look in DC.

When I arrived at the event, all of my expectations were blown to bits.

Knowing no one, I immediately shifted to my usual mode of hyperactivity, wanting to meet people and wanting them to like me. I assumed my drumming would be wanted and requested; I assumed my knowledge of performance art would be called upon in assisting the youth in building their repertoire for performance; I assumed I would be looked upon as someone with useful experience and knowledge, and that my skills would be requested.

All of my assumptions were incorrect!
At first I began making my own predictions that, being male-dominated, the environment was sexist and I was getting shafted for being a damn good female drummer (hey, it's happened before). But that got blown out of the water - even though there was only one woman on the staff (apparently several others were scheduled to come but canceled last minute), there were a number of female mentors and lots of young women there, all whose voices were being encouraged.

I didn't understand. I was teaching drumming on the side during break hours, and really trying to be helpful and participatory, but I kept getting shut down in subtle ways, and I could just feel a vibe of disapproval from Michael and other staff members who were basically avoiding me. At the same time, I was making really close friends very quickly with some of the other mentors there and even some of the students. So I was very confused.

When we began piecing together the performance, I was basically shut out from helping. I felt impotent. In addition I just couldn't seem to write anything - everyone was producing all this amazing poetry and I was just stuck.

Then, on the night before our performance day, two people I trust asked me to take a walk with them. Chris and her husband Lou are psychotherapists, and both are on staff. Chris had given me a ride from SF to Santa Rosa, so we'd already had a chance to get to know one another. I'd also confided in her about the vibe of dismissal I was feeling, and she'd been empathetic, telling me I reminded her of herself 30 years ago.

Chris and Lou told me what was going on.

I took a deep breath and settled in for one of the most difficult conversations of my life.

Basically, people were avoiding me because I was trying too hard, and it was clearly obvious. That first day, I was drumming too loud, and not respecting the space I'd entered. I became angry when Michael insisted I play the dun-un rather than my djembe. I didn't understand why he did this until Chris and Lou told me what was going on - I was too loud on my djembe. Also, Mosaic was NOT ABOUT PERFORMANCE. This was not something I understood either. I'd literally prepared myself to help these kids perform! Though the kids and many of the mentors thought I was a great drummer, and wanted me to teach them, I was really doing a disservice to the process with my attempts to help them tighten and clean their poems.

What I learned from Chris and Lou became so starkly apparent for the rest of my Mosaic experience. I saw what was really happening; the STORIES Michael told, about the old woman of the world sewing the cloak until the big black dog comes and unravels it; and about the young man whose father takes him to the underworld to witness a king with maggots on one side of him and gold on the other; and the one about two birds in a wasteland who bring life back by drumming and dancing; each story spoke to the young people in the room and inspired them to write authentically, through their hearts and souls, about their experiences. Poems about bad fathers, about broken love, about poverty both physical and emotional, about drug abuse, about violence, about battling with the self, about the shadow -- the young people GOT IT. They got the mythological references, and immediately integrated those stories into their own experiences to write authentic pieces displaying incredible courage and wisdom.

Our girls at YWDEP do something similar - but we go deep into the performance aspect. This piece comes straight from me and my own experience of not being SEEN or HEARD. I want the girls to be seen and heard so they will know how special they are, but ultimately, what other people think of them just isn't the point. It's the process that builds the girls' strength and self esteem. It's the process that self-actualizes. It's the process that bonds them together. For us at YWDEP, the performance is part of the process, but since I have come through my own initiation at Mosaic, I have a fuller understanding of WHY I have used this mode in my work.

I've dug up so many archetypes of myself since the "talk." I participated in the final performance with the youth in the Mission in San Francisco last Sunday, and saw. They didn't need their poems "tightened." They shone on the stage - just like our girls do - their strength, wisdom, humor, righteousness...

I didn't get to read a poem. Mine wasn't finished yet. But the next day, I wrote this one (below). I think it gets to the meat of my experience. I hope you've enjoyed this post - I look forward to writing more as this experience is truly an Odyssey.

Peace
Kristen

My mind is occupied
Unraveling my archetype

Observing the aftermath of the Koures
Where I could not run away from myself
There was no place for my half self -
Or in fact there was - but I wanted to resist it
Not inhabit the space given to the half
In order to find the whole

Expectations
GREAT
MONSTROUS
EXPECTATIONS

Led me to the opposite result
Of what my mind's eye had constructed
My attempts to claim my territory
Without first becoming one
With the lay of the land
Made me
A reckless warrior
A fool
A demanding child

And as each result of my actions
Became consistently clear
I was pushed off the big black horse I rode in on
And it was replaced by a big black dog

The ordeal of initiation ensues -
My work has only begun

I watch the youth connect with stories
That mirror their experiences
Metaphors Abound
All represent the unexpected chaos that is life

All that I have built
Has been built in haste

I am like a pinched nerve;
When the pressure of society is applied
The pain shoots in all directions
And wants to be salved by instant approval

I couldn't even see myself
Just too busy building structures not supported
By spiritual strength
Grown from great courage
Of which I see the seeds inside me
Sprouting
Needing water and sunlight

The courage is what inspires
What ignites
The courage of the sun
Is in my soul

So I see my archetypes and imagine healing
I visualize a bath of salt water
Lukewarm and gentle
The sound and smell of the earth
My senses see beauty
It's what I need

Now
Freed from judging my shadow
I no longer feed the black dog
But instead I walk slower,
With intention,
And listen for the signal from my mentors,
And from my ancestors,
And on cue
I will share these gifts
With you

YO!DRUM -- Wednesday, Feb. 6, 7p.m.

2008-01-29T15:44:00.000-05:00

"Yo! Drum" - is a 2 hour healing arts and skills building workshop. Are you stressed at work, fatigued often? Tired and unenergized about life in general? Or, do you just need some inspiring people to be around? This is your opportunity to become ONE with the drumming of Kristen Arant and experience the poetry and yoga of Hawah.

This new workshop for 2008 called, "Yo! Drum," will be offered from 7 - 9 PM on the first Wednesday of every month, and offers 50 minutes of yoga and 50 minutes of drumming. Explore your inner self, stretch, unwind and experience the power of community vibration. We will liven your ears and tickle your senses. If you have one, bring a yoga mat, a drum and a musical instrument (if not, no worries, we have extras). Most of all, bring an open heart and mind. The workshop session will be accessible and taught for all student levels.

Come Early! These workshops are fundraisers for One Common Unity and the dynamic Young Women's Drumming Empowerment Project. Registration is $25 per class, you can pay upon arrival. Scholarships and barter exchanges are available, so contact if needed. For those who are interested, you can sign up for the entire year, a special 11 classes for $200.

Fore More Information visit:
www.OneCommonUnity.org

These great workshops will help support the Young Women's Drumming Empowerment Project's 4th summer of providing free performing arts workshops to female teenagers in Washngton, DC. So come, bring friends, and spread the word!

NEW YEAR Drumming Events!

2008-01-06T14:25:00.001-05:00

Happy New Year My Friends!

I couldn't wait till 2008 and now it's finally here!

To start off the New Year with a BOOM, please see my events calendar below.

Highlights!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm excited that DRUMLADY will be partnering with the Emergence Community Arts Collective (ECAC) for a special all-women's drum circle on January 12th. Since ECAC is such a beautiful space run by a wonderful woman (Sylvia Robinson), my hope is to drum up interest on Jan 12 and begin a series of classes at ECAC in the near future.

Also the beat goes on at Circle Yoga, where I have a women's drumming class every Sunday, geared towards beginner level students.

In addition I'm excited to attend Mamady Keita's Mini-Guinea drum camp in San Diego this March, and to bring back new rhythms and techniques to share with all of you! With this new material, I hope to begin rehearsals for a multi-generational, multi-level women's drumming performance ensemble!

For a little inspiration, check out this link and see a recent performance of the Young Women's Drumming Empowerment Project at DC's Annual Kwanzaa Festival (we tore the place up!)

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-4741511652319573729

I'm happy to still be playing with OmegaBand as well, and hope to see some of you at our next show this coming Sunday at the PHASE in DC.

As always, if anyone is interested in private lessons, or hosting a drumming circle or class at your house, school or community center, please don't hesitate to contact me.

Wishing you all health, joy and a spirit-filled 2008!

Kristen Arant
www.drumlady.com
kristen@drumlady.com
202-213-7810

DRUMLADY EVENTS!!!!!

SUNDAY, Jan 6 2008 - See OmegaBand perform at PHASE 1 ("The Phase") at 525
8th St. SE in DC. This will be an earlier show, beginning around 9 p.m.
For more information on OmegaBand please see our MySpace page at
www.myspace.com/OmegaBand

SATURDAY, Jan 12 2008 - SPECIAL WOMEN’S DRUM CIRCLE - OPEN TO THE PUBLIC - AGES 13 and UP. 6-7:30 p.m. at the Emergence Community Arts Collective, 733 Euclid St NW (between Georgia and Sherman Ave, near Howard University). Bring a drum or rent one for $2. Please bring a donation for the space!
More info on ECAC at www.ecacollective.org

SUNDAY, Jan 13 2008 - CIRCLE YOGA DRUMMING CLASS RESUMES. Every Sunday, 12-1:15 p.m. Drop-ins welcome or register for the whole session and pay less! www.circleyoga.com

Class Description: Students will explore West African drums and rhythms with djembe artist Kristen Arant, learning basic notes of the djembe, parts to traditional West African polyrhythms and will build confidence, strength, and joy by playing improvisationally through listening and bonding with one another.

YWDEP Performs at City-Wide Kwanzaa Fair, Dec. 22

2007-12-18T11:55:00.000-05:00

WHO:Young Women's Drumming Empowerment Project

WHAT:24th Annual City-Wide Kwanzaa Festival

WHERE:Reeves Center, 14th and U Sts NW

WHEN:Saturday, Dec. 22, 12:30 p.m.

Directions/OtherBE THERE!

Dear Friends:

Please see below! We will be performing at approximately 12:30 p.m. for 20 minutes at the city-wide Kwanzaa fair this Saturday, Dec. 22. There will be a huge marketplace along with other performers, a vegetarian food court, health talks and more for an extraordinary DC celebratory event!

Hope to see you there!
peace,
Kristen and the young women drummers
www.youngwomendrum. org

24th Annual
MarkePlace Festival
& Health Fair
(Formerly African American Holiday Expo)
Performances, Marketplace, Vegetarian food court, health talks and more
Young Women's Drumming Empowerment Project performs at 12:30 p.m. on Dec. 22

December 22 - 23, 2007
10am - 6pm
Reeves Center
14th & U NW
more info at www.aaha-info. org

Playing for Henry

2007-12-12T13:42:00.001-05:00

Lately all I can do is play for Henry.

The first time, which was so unforgettable, was at the hospital, just a few hours after Henry made his transition. I walked in with Alexandra and Mark Nickens, after Dre told me to "get here as fast as you can," and we heard the news that he had already passed. But Jim still wanted us to drum for him. This was the first time EVER that the hospital agreed to allowing drumming - and in the ICU to boot.

Henry, my beautiful Henny Honu beautiful, spiritual soul mate was lying peacefully on the hospital bed which was now flat. All the machines were pushed away. It was an
incredible feeling of resolve to see him without those stupid machines. Jim said he had pulled the tube out himself - "As soon as I left the room, he pulled it out," said Jim. "He always did things when I wasn't there. He always waited for me to leave."

Henry's last words were something like "I didn't want it like this" (before pulling out the tube). I think Jim wasn't there to hear them, but the nurse told him about it. I wonder if Henry said anything else before he passed...I think he tried to take a couple of labored breaths and then he just floated away - well, that's how I see it anyway - I'm sure everyone's interpretation is a different color. To me, Henry's spirit is green and brown and red and gold. But mostly green - bright green.

Myself and a few other rhythm workers played, so softly, with just the tips of our fingers. we played Mendiani, we sang "Roots" and "Air my Breath." I had been singing these two songs to henry while he suffered on the breathing machine the night before. I had told him how much I loved him and that we would always be together and not to be scared. I'm certain he WAS scared, though. That's what hurts the most - that he could not express himself (hence, "i didn't want it like this.")

In the middle of our playing, I took a shaker and came to his side and started shaking it vigorously, up into the air, with tears falling fast onto his body. I lifted my hand into the sky and shook for his spirit. For the love in my heart that will always remain. And I touched his heart with one hand, my own with the other.

-----------------

The first time my inner self released something, the first time the deep sadness could come out appropriately, was at Dance Place, on a Saturday, maybe that Saturday but maybe the one after that...it's very blurry. The men I drummed with were excellent. The dancers were full of joy and energy. The place was hot and full of energy. I played and played, until my hands bled, which felt good, and right somehow. I lifted my face to the sky and played and felt Henry.

More recently (Sunday evening 12/9/07) I was lucky enough to be part of another Cabaret led by Lady Dane. The AfroBlue Collective is what we're called - Dane's backing band. It was my first time playing without Henry. There was a lot of emotion, even though we were in a recital hall at Catholic U, which was very different from our usual spot at Mimi's. But a good 20 or so folks came. I played and played - congas on either side of my djembe - I played for Henry and for Jim who was there. And for Dane, who was going through a transformation before my eyes, with each song, interjecting jokes to ensure things stayed light, enough. Considering the circumstances. Our first time playing without Henry in the flesh. I brought the incredible piece of artwork my mom painted of Henry a few years ago - we put it in a small classroom and then went out to get supplies for the show. I didn't know it until the end, but the painting stayed in that little room the whole time. It never made it into the recital hall.

----------------

It's good - to have music in my life and people to play with - even better to have people willing to humor my sophomoric song-writing skills and help develop a piece as tribute to henry, my once lover, forever soul mate, eternal love. He even said so once, in an email, he signed it "your eternal friend and love." I think of that now for comfort.

This Friday again I will play for Henry. The words to my song - "Peace Honu"- are below (Honu - pronounced "Who Knew" is Henry's spirit name, it means Serene Turtle). For once I actually developed a decent melody to accompany them - luckily Mark Nickens (www.msawbe.com) and Katy Gaughan (www.musichealsus.org) were around to piece together chord progressions and a basic rhythmic structure. My old friends the Rhythm Workers are joining me in performing this on Friday night - Dec. 14th - at the Foundry Church at 16th and P Sts NW. The event, organized in part by my old friend Jay Marx, is a Washington Peace Center awards banquet. It's a banquet activist-style - a potluck. Pay $10 bucks (or less if you have to...or more if you want to...) and hear my song for Henry.

Come.

PEACE HONU

So full of a raging need
I came to your city
And I was sickly
From my heart’s own poverty

I looked right into your eyes,
Prompted only by your smile
Soul love at first glance
Though I knew you couldn’t be mine

I knew only
Your generosity
Your openness and understanding
I was amazed by your brilliant heart and mind
You surpassed all my sense of space and time

The deep sadness I felt
Melted in your warm embrace
And now I can’t think of anything
But your shining face, so…

(CHORUS)
Have Peace Henry
Your love set me free
Have Peace Honu
I know how to be me
Our love, henry
Stays in my heart so deep
For as long as I’m alive
And still when I finally sleep

I knew you might go before me
But love knows no boundaries

I know sometimes were so hard…
I couldn’t give you all of me

Sometimes it scared me…
Passion I thought I’d never see

I never knew, that through all of it
You’d just keep on loving me

(BRIDGE)
So full
Like a mountain you were to me
So there
Never imagined you wouldn’t be
Now I
Search for you in the moon and trees
Wishing I could touch you the way you touched me

CHORUS

I think of our work now
So many hours of love

Building a movement
In rhythm and struggle

You wrote me many songs
But I never shared my own

And now I would give anything just to
Sing you this song…So…

CHORUS (altered)
Have Peace Henry
Your love set me free
Have Peace Honu
You’ll always be with me
Have Peace Henry
Our love is so deep
For as long as I’m alive
And for eternity

(CHANT)
Honu
Serene Turtle Strong Spirit
My Warrior My Soulmate

DRUMLADY EVENTS OCT. 2007

2007-10-17T13:52:00.000-04:00

SUNDAYS through DEC. 16 Drumlady teaches a Hand Drumming for Women class at Circle Yoga!
BEGINNERS WELCOME. Sign up online - DROP-INS WELCOME ANYTIME; 12-1:15 p.m.

FRIDAY, OCT. 26: ONE COMMON MOON GATHERING! 7-11 p.m. at St. Stephens Church, 1525 Newton St NW, Washington, DC 20010. Relax, Unwind, and tap into the healing energy of the FULL MOON with YOGA and DRUMMING workshops, followed by a community jam session. All Levels welcome - bring a yoga mat, drum and/or instrument if you have one. Yoga taught by HawaH and Drumming by DrumLady. $10-$20 sliding scale gets you both yoga and drumming! Show up for just the community jam and donate $5. All proceeds benefit ONE COMMON UNITY and the YOUNG WOMEN’S DRUMMING EMPOWERMENT PROJECT. Please invite friends!

EVERY FIRST TUESDAY OF THE MONTH The Rhythm Workers Union (RWU) meets at Emergence Community Arts Collective (ECAC) from 7-9 p.m. (7-8p.m.=workshop; 8-9p.m.=jam session) 733 Euclid St NW, 2nd floor. Please bring a donation to help pay for the space.

DRUMLADY CALENDAR!! Sept. 07

2007-09-11T16:20:00.000-04:00

SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES and EVENTS!!!!!

Friday, September 14th, OmegaBand show at the DC Shorts Film Festival
Opening Night Reception in the glorious courtyard of Poste Brasserie
www.omegaband.net

Sunday, September 16th (and every Sunday thereafter until Dec. 16th),
Drumlady teaches a Hand Drumming for Women class at Circle Yoga!
Sign up online or drop-in; 12-1:15 p.m. More info at www.circleyoga.com

Saturday, Sept. 22, 7 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 29, 7 p.m. and Sunday, Sept. 30,
3 p.m.: Don’t
Miss the YWDEP Final Performances!!!! At the Patricia M. Sitar
Center for the Arts www.youngwomendrum.org

Saturday, September 29th, World Beat Ensemble performs at the Brookland
Community Festival, 1:30 p.m. on 12th and Monroe Sts NE

Young Women Lift their Hands and Voices in "Empowering the Souls of Today"

2007-09-11T16:17:00.000-04:00

WHO: The Young Women's Drumming Empowerment Project

WHAT: 3rd Annual Final Performances: "Empowering the Souls of Today"

WHERE: Patricia M. Sitar Center for the Arts

WHEN: Sept. 22 7 p.m.; Sept. 29 7 p.m.; Sept. 30 3 p.m.

Directions/Other www.sitarcenter.org

The Young Women's Drumming Empowerment Project, a community-based organization that uses drumming, spoken word poetry, song, movement and performance to empower young women, is excited to announce its 3rd Annual Final Performances.

The performances, entitled "Empowering the Souls of Today," will be held at the Patricia M. Sitar Center for the Arts, at 1700 Kalorama Rd NW, on Saturday Sept. 22 at 7 p.m.; Saturday Sept. 29 at 7 p.m.; and Sunday Sept. 30 at 3 p.m.

YWDEP is thrilled to announce the graduation of four young women, who will be performing alongside graduates from both of YWDEP's previous summer programs as the “Sway2Beat Rhythm Prophets.”

"This summer we faced great challenges and learned the power of trust and commitment," said Kristen Arant, Project Founder and Director. "I have seen these young women grow in leaps and bounds, and couldn't be prouder to share the stage with them."

The performance includes a total of 11 young women ages 13-18 performing African, Afro-Cuban and Go-Go beats on hand drums and percussion, along with their own poetry, movement and songs. Their voices illuminate their perspectives and experience, projecting wisdom, righteousness, disillusionment and hope.

YWDEP has hosted workshops every Wednesday and Saturday since mid-June, and received a total of 40 young women participants throughout the summer. The girls worked on poetry and spoken word with award-winning artists including Michelle Sewell, Regie Cabico and Sage Xaxua Morgan-Hubbard. They discovered the power of movement with Binahkaye Joy, and took rhythm and drumming classes with Kristen Arant, Holley Meyers and Abasi Johnson. They learned songs from Elise Bryant, and built their performance repertoire and technique with The Princess of Controversy, Anu Yadav and Patrick Crowley. In addition, they engaged in team building, improved their leadership and communication skills, and formed lasting bonds with one another.

Now, they bring an immense feeling of hope and joy to audiences who witness their incredible talent and courage. Please join us!

Admission: $10/$7 for valid student ID
DISCOUNT GROUP RATES AVAILABLE by calling 202-213-7810/email info@youngwomendrum.org
For more information, or to purchase tickets in advance: www.youngwomendrum.org

EXTRA ADDED OMEGA PERFORMANCE!

2007-07-18T00:22:00.000-04:00

WHO:OMEGABAND

WHAT:PERFORMANCE AT THE FRINGE FEST OPENING NIGHT PARTY!

WHERE:THE AVENUE - 649 New York Ave NW

WHEN:THURSDAY JULY 19, 11 p.m.

Directions/Other****NO COVER!*****

DRUMLADY UPDATE: performances, events!

2007-07-10T22:04:00.000-04:00

All - just a few heads ups ---!

OMEGABAND PERFORMANCE THIS FRIDAY! (7/13)
This Friday is a prime opportunity to check out the new band, OMEGABAND (www.omegaband.net) in a performance at Asylum in Adam's Morgan. I'll be playing percussion and singing harmonies. The band's songs are varied but you can expect rock, soul, and some ska and fusion. The event is actually called "Fringe Benefits," and features three bands performing to raise money for Miriam's Kitchen. Asylum is located at 2471 18th St NW; parking might be a little difficult, and it's a $7 cover at the door. The Originators and Chief Joseph are also performing. I think we're second on the list, which means a start time of around 10 p.m., most likely. Doors open at 9.

YWDEP PERFORMANCE AT THEARC THIS SATURDAY! (7/14)
The Young Women's Drumming Empowerment Project will proudly perform at THEARC this Saturday, as part of a benefit for Some Others Might Eat (SOME). Officially opened in October 2005, The Town Hall Education Arts & Recreation Campus (THEARC)is a $27 million, 110,000 square foot, state-of-the art campus located in Washington, DC's Ward 8 at 1901 Mississippi Ave SE, 20020. YWDEP will perform at 2:15 p.m. and will feature drumming and poetry from both our past and new members. All are invited!

SOULFUL YOGA & DRUMMING RETREAT IN NEGRIL, JAIMAICA! NOVEMBER 8th-13th, MARK YOUR CALENDARS!
My good friend Angelique Shofar of Spirit of Wellness and I will be joining forces for this incredible opportunity in November. Contact me for more information, or REGISTER HERE: http://www.spiritofwellness.org/NovRetreat.html

SACRED SOUL FIRE - West Virginia, Aug. 9-12
My friends and fellow drum goddesses Katy Gaughan and Mz. Imani are organizing an extraordinary event in August - I've attended in the past, and have literally had my mind, body and spirit transformed. Read on!

SACRED SOULFIRE
A weekend gathering that is focused on collaborative art and the
sacred all night fire circle.

August 9-12, 2007
Abrams Creek Campground, Elk Garden, WV
Event info/registration: http://www.consciouscollaborations.com/SSF
$95.00 Camping; $125.00 Lodge (only 18 beds); $25-$95, under 18,
accompanied by an adult.
Meal Plan - Omni, Veggie, Vegan Options - $60.
To view pictures of our site: http://www.abramscreek.com
Contact: Mz.imani, Mzimani@gmail.com 301.461.3214 /
Katy Gaughan, Katy@MusicHeals.Us 202.361.4095
We will help coordinate rides for all participants.
Carbon Tax for those who do not carpool.

The sacred all night fire circle is a journey that empowers
individuals within the embrace of a consecrated, community-supported
circle. The elemental alchemy that we co-create at all SoulFire events
encourages you to grow into your self - to push past limitations - to
embody your highest vision of self expression - to give - to receive -
to have fun - to have an ordeal - and to greet the dawn - in
community. Through drumming & music making, dancing, chanting, spoken
word and visual art, we undergo a mystical, magical journey that can
rhythmically awaken our unrealized potential, and help to make the
world a better place to be, One Fire At A Time.

YWDEP Rocked July 4th!!

2007-07-06T08:27:00.000-04:00

First I was so pleasantly surprised that when I showed up at the rendezvous point, at 8:45 a.m., there were already two young women there. ON TIME. many more arrived within the next 20 minutes making this a YWDEP record - all in all we had 11 girls come to pump up the July 4th Takoma Parade with their immense spirit - and almost every single one arrived ON TIME. I'm verclempt...really...it's extraordinatry.

We drove to our site in a caravan of 4 vehicles and somehow found parking slots right next to our HUGE TRUCK, sponsored by EDGE CONSTRUCTION and the wonderful man who volunteered to drive it for us. I'm not sure quite how big the truck actually was - but it held nearly 20 of us up there - girls, parents, henry and mark (my heroes, who basically lifted and carried stuff, and pounded out bass rhythms the entire time) and myself. And a big tub of ice sporting plenty of water, sponsored by the parade. There were around 15 chairs strapped with bungies to the sides of the truck. We began taking our seats around 9:45, after hanging our lovely shower curtain banners off the sides. We then waited for our turn in the line up to come - all were excited.

Only problem was that mark was standing up with his drums while everyone else was sitting, and the sides of the truck were pretty high. We were concerned no one would see us - that they would only see mark and therefore would think this was his harem, or something to that effect. So at mark's suggestion, we decided to stand, and lean our drums on the chairs, and face out to the crowd. The plan worked wonders - we started off, playing kuku of course, and got copious smiles and positive feedback the whole way. Of course there was some teenage craziness...but definitely no lack of spirit.
We weaved in and out of rhythms but always came back to go-go, which pleased the crowds especially since we implemented our chant, with 2007 embelishments: "Young women drummers got the go-go beat" (and embellishments...) "We Ballin!!!!"

I admit i couldn't resist the chanting myself.
Thank yous are in abundance -
to EDGE CONSTRUCTION and our wonderful driver...
to mary anne and mike who got us the truck and the chairs and set up this great opportunity up for us...
to the parents and guardians who brought the girls, picked them up, and some who stayed the whole time...
to henry and mark, for their diligence and commitment...
to staci, atolvise and shelia, who showed up late but were determined to find us, and did; and who helped us out so much by passing out fliers on the street...
and to the girls themselves, for really SHOWING UP, ON TIME, and for bringing such immense spirit to the day, even if their hands hurt (sorry ladies!! -- remember, ice 'em!)

Hope to do it again next year!!!
Who's with me?

Debut with OmegaBand rocked!

2007-06-22T11:37:00.001-04:00

Chief Ike's wasn't exactly boomin last night...

I was a little concerned.
This was my first ever public performance with OmegaBand - with whom I've enjoyed 4 total practice sessions after being accepted into the group. Basically I saw them at Artomatic and loved the sound, lyrics and groove. So I straight up asked if I could join them and they said "sure."

This super cool bunch of folks gave me warmth from the beginning. They're extraordinarily unpretentious, for musicians especially, and so creative -- the lead singer, Ricke Betts (a.k.a. "Alpha Betts" writes knock 'm dead lyrics that, when read off a page, flow like existential poetry. Some are bold emotional funk ballads, others weave in and out of consciousness. All are accompanied by the solid boom-bap of drummer Bala, who I'm so happy to have grown on (it's an honor since he's got a discerning ear), bass man "white chocolate" Kirk Waldroff, also a visual artist, but who's bass riffs often light up my drums, and guitarist Earl, quirkster with an avant garde style and tons of flexibility in his playing.

At any rate, it wasn't too long (well, maybe 3 or 4 songs) after we took the stage that people started coming in from the street, which was cool. For a totally dead night, we "packed" the room - Rickie took the mic off stage and sang to the audience which was totally sweet. Her vocals beg for my harmony and I can't help but respond. We got lots of good feedback. I brought my djembe AND congas AND some shakers and bells so it was tight. I'm looking forward to more practices and future performances - this is what I've wanted for quite some time, to kick it with a good band in DC.

Here are the future shows (the next one is thursday next week, fyi):

Thursday, June 28th 9PM - The Red and The Black, 1212 H St NE (Atlas Corridor)

Friday, July 13th, 9PM - Asylum, 2471 18th St NW (Adam's Morgan)
This is an event entitled Fringe Benefits - it's a benefit show for Miriam's Kitchen. $7 cover. We'll be recording live too, so come out and holla for a good cause!

Thursday, July 26th, 7:15PM - Fort Reno, 3950 Chesapeake St NW, http://www.fortreno.com/about.html

Hope to see you there!
Peace
Kristen

SUMMER DRUMMIN' - drumlady events calendar

2007-06-19T16:27:00.000-04:00

Hey everybody -

So here's the DRUMLADY update. (Drumroll please.......)
-while the drum is rolling...if you would like to read this later it's all available on my blog, www.drumlady.blogspot.com. Thank you.-

1. HAND DRUMMING FOR WOMEN CLASSES
The Circle Yoga drum class LIVES ON. If you haven't taken classes from me yet, and have been wondering what all the fuss is about, come check it out!!!

Hand Drumming for Women
In this class students will explore West African drums
and rhythms with djembe artist Kristen Arant, learning
basic notes of the djembe, parts to traditional West
African polyrhythms and will build confidence,
strength, and joy by playing improvisationally through
listening and bonding with one another. Drums provided
or bring your own.
classes at CIRCLE YOGA
3838 Northampton Street NW
Washington 20015
202-686-1104
SUNDAYS, 12-1:15 p.m., June 25- Aug. 19 2007
SIGN UP or DROP-IN; more info at www.circleyoga.com

2. SUMMER CAMPS/DRUM PARTIES
Drumlady is still available to teach drumming workshops at summer camps for kids (well, and adults...) and for parties - indoor, outdoor, BBQ, Birthday, wedding, whathaveyou -- order a drum workshop or drum circle tailored to your guests' desires. OR request the World Beat Ensemble - the high-energy West African drum-song-dance ensemble i play with that features Mark Francis Nickens, Henry Moses, and (when I can get 'em), Katy Gaughan on djembe and dancer Binahkaye Joy - the Mother of Movement. Whatever your tastes are, please remember to order them SOON! Schedule is filling up with love very quickly. (:

3. I'm playing in a new group called OMEGABAND
(see www.omegaband.net) - the band is SOLID with rock, funk, ska and soul songs, ALL ORIGINALS. I'm playing copious amounts of percussion and providing harmony vocals at some interesting venues. here's the schedule, hope you can make some shows!

OMEGABAND UPCOMING PERFORMANCES...

Thursday, June 21th 9pm - Chief Ike's Mambo Room, 1725 Columbia Rd, NW (Adam's Morgan)

Thursday, June 28th 9PM - The Red and The Black, 1212 H St NE (Atlas Corridor)

Friday, July 13th, 9PM - Asylum, 2471 18th St NW (Adam's Morgan)
This is an event entitled Fringe Benefits - it's a benefit show for Miriam's Kitchen. $7 cover. We'll be recording live too, so come out and holla for a good cause!

Thursday, July 26th, 7:15PM - Fort Reno, 3950 Chesapeake St NW, http://www.fortreno.com/about.html

4. PRIVATE LESSONS
I have 3-4 private students at any given time and LOVE working with my students one on one. Be prepared to learn technique, learn new and sometimes complex rhythms, and work diligently to improve your skills on the djembe. Beginners-Intermediate level players all welcome. Advanced players - give me a call. Let's barter a lesson for a lesson and learn each other's moves.

5. WHAT PEOPLE SAY ABOUT DRUMLADY
Well, here's the quote of the year for me, thanks so much to its author, who holds wild drum parties at her home and invites friends:

Dear Kristen,

Thanks so much for sharing this with us!

I hope you understand what a profound impact you have had on me and, I am certain, every one of us! You have brought to us an experience that not many women (at our advanced ages!) will ever, ever have! You give us the opportunity to try out new 'skins' (goat and otherwise!), to be uncomfortable at times, and to be with friends in a way that I have not experienced. What we do (for certain) and how we interact with each other during drumming is just different than how we interact in other venues - whether it be at home, at work, at neighborhood parties, at book groups, or through our kids'
events. I wish I could articulate precisely the energy that flows in that room but I can't - and perhaps I shouldn't try!

Anyway, those events are special for all of us - because you, Kristen, bring it to us!

Thanks thanks thanks!

6. THE LIST
if you want to get off my list, it's okay. i won't take it personally. just let me know.

Thank you all for your time and commitment to this beautiful drumming movement-

Peace
Drumlady Kristen Arant
202-213-7810
www.drumlady.com

Young Women Drum Up Empowerment in YWDEP's 3rd Annual Summer Enrichment Program!

2007-06-14T14:31:00.000-04:00

WHO:YWDEP

WHAT:Summer Program Kick Off!

WHERE:St. Stephens Church, 1525 newton st NW 20010

WHEN: Saturday, June 16 12-3 p.m. and thereafter....

Directions/OtherColumbia Heights metro/S2-S4 busline

For the third year in a row, the Young Women's
Drumming Empowerment Project (YWDEP) is preparing to
serve up loads of empowerment-infused expressive arts
workshops this summer, ending in a final public
performance that's sure to drop jaws.

YWDEP uses drumming, spoken word poetry, song,
movement and performance to empower young women's self
expression, self esteem, communication and leadership
skills, and strives to create a safe space for a
diverse group of young women to build camaraderie and
acceptance. YWDEP was founded in 2005 by
artist-activist Kristen Arant, and has grown immensely
over the past two years.

"I applied for a grant from the DC Arts Commission in
'04, basically after encouragement from a friend. I
didn't think I would get it," remarks Arant, 32, who
started out playing oboe and picked up the drum when
she became an activist. "Basically, I know what it's
like to be a teenager - all the challenges young women
face - and I know what brought me through that period.
It was music, dancing, and writing poetry."

After its first summer program in 2005, YWDEP held 4
public performances that simply astounded audiences.
"The young women found a safe space at YWDEP. They
flourished - their voices came out and loud; their
creativity soared. Their brilliance had the
opportunity to finally be seen and heard," Arant said.

The performances include everything the young women
study during the summer program. They take workshops
with incredible artists in poetry, song-writing,
movement, performance technique and more. Arant
teaches them how to play the djembe, a West African
drum that she has studied for seven years. Each year a
new group of young women get to know each other
through team building and working collaboratively to
produce their own performance. The young women come
from all over DC and some from Prince George's County,
MD. The group is diverse in every way - girls who
would not have spoken to one another in school
hallways become friends. They support one another and
build up each other's confidence.

This year, YWDEP boasts extraordinary workshop leaders
including local poet and publisher of Girl Child
Press, Michelle Sewell; Performing hip-hop artivist
The Princess of Controversy; Award-winning actress and
playwright Anu Yadav; Labor Chorus leader Elise
Bryant; Sol y Soul poets Sage Xaxua Morgan-Hubbard and
Regie Cabico; and the Mother of Movement, dancer
Binahkaye Joy.

In the past two years, YWDEP held its summer workshops
every Saturday afternoon; this year it is adding a
Wednesday evening session called "All Drumming, All
the Time."

"We spend a lot of time on Saturdays in team building
and engaging in our poetry, song, movement and
performance workshops," Arant said. "We realized that
drumming needed more attention, so we've devoted an
evening to it."

In addition, YWDEP houses a Mentorship Program, which
trains girls from previous years to mentor new girls.
The goal is for newbies to feel engaged and suppoorted
from the start. This summer, Nancy Umanzor, a
first-year YWDEP graduate, will be serving as the
project's Mentorship Coordinator.

"As the mentorship coordinator, I feel that it's a
huge resonsibility, but I know the YWDEP staff and
mentors will support me throughout the summer," said
Umanzor, 18. "I'm enthusiastic about meeting the new
group of girls who will join YWDEP this summer, and am
confident that our mentors will be able to meet the
challenges that YWDEP will have in store."

YWDEP is still taking applications for young women
ages 13-18. Young women must agree to attending the
majority of summer workshops in order to be accepted
into the program. An application is available online
at www.youngwomendrum.org.

Sessions are every Saturday 12-3 and every Wednesday
evening 6-8 p.m. from June 16-Aug 26. Performance
dates are TBA, but will likely be during the last week
of August. All sessions take place at St Stephens
Church, 1525 Newton St NW in Columbia Heights, DC.

Donations to help support YWDEP are always appreciated
- more information as well as a paypal option are on
the website.

YWDEP hosts info session for young women, June 2

2007-05-14T16:56:00.000-04:00

WHO:YWDEP

WHAT:INFO-SESSION

WHERE:ST. STEPHENS CHURCH, 1525 NEWTON ST NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20010

WHEN:JUNE 2, 12-3 P.M.

Directions/OtherS2/S4 BUSLINE and COLUMBIA HEIGHTS METRO STOP

The Young Women's Drumming Empowerment Project (YWDEP)
invites young women ages 13-18 to an info session on
Saturday, June 2, 12-3 p.m. at St Stephens Church,
1525 Newton St NW (Columbia Heights metro/S2-S4
Busline.)

YWDEP uses drumming, spoken word poetry, song,
movement and performance to empower young women's self
expression, self esteem, communication and leadership
skills. YWDEP also strives to create a safe space for
a diverse group of young women to build camaraderie
and acceptance.

The info session will include an introduction to
drumming with Founding Director Kristen Arant, and
will feature interactive presentations from our summer
instructors Michelle Sewell, Regie Cabico, Sage Xaxua
Morgan-Hubbard, Anu Yadav and the Princess of
Controversy. Snacks will be provided, and young women
who entered the project in 2005 and 2006 will share
their experiences and answer questions.

YWDEP is now accepting applications for its third
annual Summer Enrichment Program. The program runs
from June 16-August 26 2007 and includes expressive
arts activities on Saturday afternoons; drumming
workshops on Wednesday evenings; peer mentoring and
team building; and four final performances open to the
general public. Applications are available on our
website - www.youngwomendrum.org - or by mail or email
on request.

Please forward this announcement to any young woman
who might be interested.

Many thanks,

Kristen Arant
Young Women's Drumming Empowerment Project
1525 Newton St NW
Washington, DC 20010
202-213-7810
info@youngwomendrum.org
www.youngwomendrum.org

women's DRUM CIRCLE to support YWDEP!

2007-04-21T11:25:00.000-04:00

Women's DRUM CIRCLE to support YWDEP's 2007 Summer
Enrichment Program!

candles - incense - refreshments - rhythms
DRUMS

$30 - ALL PROCEEDS SUPPORT YWDEP (see description
below)
this fee automatically qualifies individuals as a
MEMBER of the organization

7-8:30 p.m.
St. Stephens Church
1525 Newton St NW
Washington, DC 20010

Please bring a drum if you have one (we will supply
the rest)

FUUUUUUUUUUUUUN!

IN RHYTHM-
kristen arant
www.drumladydc.com
202-213-7810

About YWDEP:
The Young Women's Drumming Empowerment Project (YWDEP)
is a youth arts empowerment organization that strives
to create a safe environment free of fear and
intimidation in order to assist young women in the
examination of their own experiences, emotions and
opinions, and to aid in their development of
leadership, self-confidence and self-awareness. YWDEP
offers a free Summer Enrichment Program for DC young
women ages 13-18, bringing in area female artists to
teach West African hand drumming, poetry/spoken word,
song writing/singing and performance/stage technique
while supporting a core group of young women in the
process of creating their own set list of original
works for an end of the summer community performance.
This performance serves as a graduation or â€œrite of
passageâ€ for its new members each year. YWDEP seeks to
sustain its programs during the school year as well.
Through its Mentorship Program, YWDEP builds young
womenâ€™s leadership skills by training graduates of the
summer program to mentor new girls entering the
program each year. In addition, YWDEP offers
school-year drumming workshops throughout DC schools
and youth centers, and offers performances for area
events throughout the year.

YWDEP Features at Teen Dating Violence Conference

2007-03-29T19:48:00.000-04:00

WHO:Young Women's Drumming Empowerment Project

WHAT:PERFORMANCE at the ACT NOW, CHOOSE RESPECT Teen Dating Violence Conference

WHERE:The HRC Building, 1640 Rhode Island Ave NW, in the Equality Center

WHEN:Saturday, March 31st, 9:30 a.m.

Directions/Otherwww.breakthecycle.org

Act Now, Choose Respect Teen Conference
March 30-31, Washington DC.

Break the Cycle, The DC Rape Crisis Center, My
Sister’s Place and Women Empowered Against Violence
present the 4th Annual City-Wide Teen Dating Violence
Conference, "Act Now. Choose Respect” in Washington,
DC. The mission of the conference is to inform teens
about dating violence and provide resources so that
teens could make more empowered decisions about their
relationships.

YWDEP will be featured as the OPENING ACT at this
important conference. We'll be performing at 9:30 a.m.
on Saturday, March 31st at the Equality Center in the
Human Rights Campaign Building, 1640 Rhode Island Ave
NW (near 16th and M intersection).

PeAcE and thanks for your support -

Kristen Arant
YWDEP Founding Director
www.youngwomendrum.org

UPCOMING DC-AREA DRUMMING EVENTS!!!

2007-03-28T21:46:00.000-04:00

Friends!
I'm writing to let you know about several upcoming
events of interest! FYI all of these are available on
my blog: www.drumlady.blogspot.com should you choose
to skip over this email for now.

A. This Saturday: Amazones: Women Master Drummers of
Guinea at the Rosslyn Spectrum Theatre in Arlington,
VA

B. Spring women's drumming class at Circle Yoga!
Sign up!

C. Afro-Latin Rhythm Circle at Art-o-Matic - May
5th!

D. New drumlady.com website launching on my b-day
(April 4)!

E. BUMBADA women's drumming conference April 27-29: HELP A YOUNG WOMAN FROM YWDEP ATTEND THE CONFERENCE THROUGH OUR SPONSORSHIP PROGRAM!

F. SUPPORT RENEE BOWSER! Event at Blair Mansion Inn
TOMORROW!(featuring myself and henry on drums!)

Please see below for brief descriptions of all of the
above - thank you for your time and attention!

in RHYTHM!!
Kristen Arant
www.drumlady.com
www.youngwomendrum.org

A - AMAZONES!
These women are miraculous. Check their website:
http://www.amazoneswomandrummers.com/ - the photos are
incredible.
Amazones: Woman Master Drummers of Guinea
Saturday, March 31, 2007, 8 p.m.
Rosslyn Spectrum
1611 N. Kent Street
Free Parking in the building garage, access from
Arlington Ridge Road
Directions/Map to Rosslyn Spectrum
Tickets $20 through Ticketmaster (703-573-SEAT or
www.Ticketmaster.com)
General Seating
Information: 703-228-1850
TTY: 703-228-1855

B - SPRING WOMEN'S DRUM CLASS!
see www.circleyoga.com under "spring schedule." The
class starts on Sunday April 15 and runs through June
10. It's every Sunday from 12-1:15 p.m. Drop-in for
$18 per class or sign up for the semester and pay
less. The class is averaging around 10 women per
session now - very exciting, FUN and educational!

Hand Drumming for Women
In this class students will explore West African drums
and rhythms with djembe artist Kristen Arant, learning
basic notes of the djembe, parts to traditional West
African polyrhythms. Students will build confidence,
strength, and joy by playing improvisationally through
listening and bonding with one another.

C - ART-O-MATIC AFRO-LATIN RHYTHM CIRCLE! MAY 5, 8-10
p.m. Art-o-Matic is taking two floors of an unused
office space in Crystal City, VA this year, with huge
windows overlooking the metro, train tracks and the
airport. One floor will feature walls full of local
artists' work; another is devoted to sculpture and
live art forms. Bars and live music are on the
schedule for the weekends. I'll be hostng an
Afro-Latin rhythm circle there on May 5 - i'll have
drums but feel free to bring your own. More at
www.artomatic.org.

D - WEBSITE LAUNCH ON APRIL 4TH!
I am celebrating my 32nd birthday, and will be
launching a new website, built in collaboration with
Alexandra Silverthorne. Please
remember to check it out! www.drumlady.com

E - The BUMBADA all-women's drumming weekend is
FANTASTC. All levels come and experience workshops
ranging from djembe technique to drum circle
facilitation to shekere building and african dance.
April 27-29 - sign up by April 1st for the discounted
rate. The infamous UBAKA HILL will be presenting there
this year! It's a no-miss:
http://www.bumbadawomenweekend.myevent.com/

P.S. if you are interested in helping to SPONSOR A
YOUNG WOMAN FROM YWDEP to attend the BUMBADA
CONFERENCE this year, please call me: 202-213-7810 or
email me: kristen@youngwomendrum.org.

F - SUPPORT RENEE BOWSER!
I don't usually pass along information about political
events - but Renee is a friend and a Young Women's
Drumming Empowerment Project member-supporter. She's a
Washingtonian by choice, a part of the DC community
for nearly 24 years, served two terms as a
Commissioner on the DC Commission on Human Rights,
tutored homeless children for seven years and raised
scholarship money for college-bound DC youth. She's
also a Union lawyer who has fought to advance the
rights of working people, building on her experience
as a civil rights investigator. She's now in her 5th
year as an ANC Commissioner and her goals are all
about bringing consistent, effective ward-wide
constituent services to Ward 4.

FYI - My drumming partner Henry and I will be
performing at this event

SUPPORT RENEE BOWSER:
Spring Bash for Renee
Thursday March 29, 2007
Time: 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Blair Manison Inn, 7711 Eastern Ave. (near Georgia
Ave. & Kalmia Sts. NW)
Join Renée and friends for an evening of live
entertainment at this magical and historical DC
location. Tasty appetizers will be served. Cash bar.

Voluntary donations for Renée's Ward 4 Campaign will
be accepted.
RSVP requested at 202-291-3080

Community Fundraiser Supports Young Women's Leadership Development

2007-03-05T01:36:00.000-05:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 5, 2007
Contact: Kristen Arant, 202-213-7810
kristen@youngwomendrum.org

Community Showcase to Support Young Women's Leadership Development

The Young Women's Drumming Empowerment Project (YWDEP) - a youth development organization that uses expressive arts and teambuilding to boost its participants' self esteem, self awareness and leadership skills - is hosting a Community Showcase on March 10, 2007 from 4-7 p.m. at Edmund Burke High School, to raise funds for its summer programming.

YWDEP, founded in 2005 on a small grant from the DC Arts Commission, is planning its third summer Enrichment Program (SEP), which employs DC artists and youth workers to teach interactive workshops in hand drumming, poetry, song-writing, movement, team building and more throughout the summer months, resulting in a yearly end of the summer performance
that has stunned audiences. (See YWDEP show reel at: http://www.youngwomendrum.org gallery.html).

Currently YWDEP is supported through its community membership program, and is fiscally sponsored by One Common Unity, a registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization.

YWDEP is organizing outreach programs that will span the entirity of DC in order to build its youth membership base for the SEP. YWDEP is also expanding its mentorship program, which was initiated in 2006 when its first group of participants expressed an interest in mentoring new girls entering the second annual SEP.

YWDEP's own Nancy Umanzor, 18, an original project participant, has graduated to staff and will be serving as the Mentorship Coordinator this summer.

"This year we have a lot more staff and volunteers who have experience working with groups of adolescents," She said.

"With their help we'll be able to push forward our Mentorship Program, which will be a huge success because we'll have a diverse group of girls learning how to become leaders and demonstrating to our new members what women can do in today's society."

The showcase, which includes $500 worth of raffle prizes from local businesses, will be hosted by
hip-hop artivist the Princess of Controversy, and features community arts and youth groups such as Sol y Soul and Interstages - an organization that provides artistic and academic opportunities for early adolescents in low-income neighborhoods. Entertainment also includes a Brazilian Quartet, local poets and singer-songwriters, WeDance Ensemble, and members of YWDEP and the Intergenerational Women's Drum Choir.

The event will be held on Saturday, March 10 from 4-7 p.m. at Edmund Burke High School's new auditorium - 4101 Connecticut Ave NW, Van Ness/UDC Metro, corner of Connecticut and Upton Sts. Limited garage parking and street parking are available. $10 suggested donation.

For more information: www.youngwomendrum.org

Drum Lady @ The Black Cat

2007-02-28T01:34:00.000-05:00

WHO: Kristen!

WHAT: The Drum Rhyme

WHERE: The Black Cat

WHEN: December 2005

Directions/Other

Don't Miss YWDEP's SECOND ANNUAL COMMUNITY FUNDRAISER!

2007-02-21T16:20:00.000-05:00

JOIN US!

YOUNG WOMEN'S DRUMMING EMPOWERMENT PROJECT's
SECOND ANNUAL COMMUNITY FUNDRAISER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

AWESOME PERFORMANCES, FOOD, RAFFLE!

SATURDAY, MARCH 10 2007
4-7 P.M.
BURKE SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL
4101 CONNECTICUT AVE NW (Van Ness/UDC Metro stop - red
line)
$10 Suggested Donation - All Proceeds go to support
YWDEP's Summer Enrichment and Mentorship Programs

----FEATURING!----

HIP-HOP & SPOKEN WORD:
The Princess of Controversy
Sol y Soul
Tehila Wise

MUSIC:
Singer-Songwriters Naudy Martinez and Julie Beth
The Brazilian Quartet
The young women of INTERSTAGES

MOVEMENT: WeDance Ensemble

THEATRE: Actress and Playwright Anu Yadav

DRUMMING!!!
The Young Women's Drumming Empowerment Project
The Intergenerational Women's Drum Choir

AND FEATURING LIBERIAN STORYTELLER: Vera Oye Yaa-Anna

For more information:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XUIbfmG7wsk
www.youngwomendrum.org
202-213-7810
RSVP Appreciated to: info@youngwomendrum.org

To send donations via mail:
Young Women's Drumming Empowerment Project
1525 Newton St NW
Washington, DC 20010

The Young Women's Drumming Empowerment Project (YWDEP) is a multidisciplinary, multicultural performing arts program dedicated to empowering young women in greater Washington D.C. through creative self-expression. YWDEP seeks to build young women's self esteem by offering workshops with area female artists in West African hand drumming, poetry/spoken word, song writing, team building and performance/stage techniques well as supporting a core group of women in the process of creating their own set list of original works to perform for the community at large. YWDEP seeks to sustain this mission by offering a free summer program along with school year programming for young women in area schools and youth centers. YWDEP is sponsored by One Common Unity, Inc, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.

On the Front Page

2007-02-13T15:32:00.000-05:00

...The Eagle, American University's student newpaper, featured YWDEP's February 6th performance at AU on the Front Page. Check it out...and double click to enlarge!

Performing with Storyteller Auntie Oye - this FRIDAY

2007-02-01T00:20:00.000-05:00

At the Smith Farm Healing Arts Center: www.smithfarm.com

Priestess Rising - Saturday February 18th

2007-02-01T00:07:00.000-05:00

Drummin at COEUS International and WILSON HS

2007-01-18T15:41:00.000-05:00

Schools have sure changed - and then again, some haven't changed at all.

My own memory conjures large, loud cafeterias smelling like a combination of pepperoni and bleach, providing young people with "ham"burgers containing probably 60% soy protein; mac n cheese made with velveeta; canned green beans; square pizza with extra grease. Libraries containing practically no books about politics or other cultures, except for the encyclopedia, where you could learn about the continent of Africa in less than 8 pages. Hallways with identical rows of lockers; classrooms with identical desks; history and English classes without a pinch of critical thinking added. Memorization was all the class required for a good solid A. In fact, too much analysis might make the teacher suspicious. I suppose all of this is why I leaned towards music. Though being in band was like leaving behind any hope or dream for popularity and stepping into eternal geekdom, well i really didn't care. Music was a way to express myself and get away from the mundane, reptitious, colorless, cultureless enviornment that for the most part was SCHOOL for me.

Lucky for me to have landed here in DC 6 years ago and to have fallen in love with the djembe, for it seems everyone else can't help but do the same. Everywhere I go with my car brimming over with drums (10, 20, 30...), no matter how much toil and trouble i go through to get there, it's always worth it. The way children (and adults!) respond to the drums - with vigor, excitement, enthusiasm ... enough to actually FOCUS for more than 2 seconds ... makes my life a blessed one.

On Wednesday, i took a trip to the COEUS International School to provide a drumming workshop for 20 of their students, mostly 5th and 6th graders. The school requires that students work towards fluency in one other language besides their first. Taking up one floor of an otherwise very regular-looking building near UDC, the school is shaped like a donut and, as you walk around, you come across rooms that are more like little cultural centers; Cantonese, Spanish, French, Arabic, and the list goes on. The school houses roughly 80 kids at this time. The 20 I was lucky enough to have in my circle were of many different backgrounds - in these new schools, it seems to go without saying that the student body EMBODY diversity. it's quite beautiful to see all of the children working together, as if they had forgotten their own barriers without necessarily denying each culture's significance.

One of the first things I ask the kids to do is explore their drums - feel the skin, feel the wood, turn them over and look inside, smell them, make a noise inside the hollow part (this one is always hilarious). Then, i have them begin a roll with both their little hands in the center of the drum. it gets louder - and louder - and louder - their faces become red and smiley - their eyes bulge - it's a phenomenon all it's own. I could see two of the teachers look at each other and point upward, as if concerned about the upstairs tenants. this always makes me smile, because i firmly believe drumming should simply be allowed to resonate anywhere it likes...well, within some reason of course. at the end of the class, one question I get at almost every one of these workshops is - doesn't it hurt your hands? And then comes the best part of the day...when all the children jump out of their seats to come feel my callouses and ooh and ahh at their marvelousness. after this particular session, the Spanish instructor asked to interview me. Two very young women asked me a couple of excellent questions and I gave answers, which will be posted on the COEUS Podcast in the next couple days - so be sure to check that out! www.coeusis.org.

Today - Thursday - my friend and drumming student Laura Lee invited me to Wilson HS where her son's humanities class was carrying on a celebration and study of Africa in the auditorium. Much more similar to my own memories of school, but with much better technology of course, Wilson is a public school in good standing. One of the remaining few, unfortunately, but for more on that topic see www.saveourschoolsdc.org - my friend and cohort Zein El-Amine has created a wonderful coalition to help stop the privitization of education, wherever that's possible.

The student body at Wilson, some seemingly a bit stoned, still responded enthusiastically to the drums. When we arrived, a trio of young men were reading a strange script that included a little something about drugs and something else about money - I'd wished I'd been there for the intro - and then a couple of young women talked about beadwork and batik designs. There were some clouded over eyes but many of the students had really attempted to create the scene by wearing African garb of one kind or another, and bringing some interesting foods for a small buffet-style setup near the back.

I came on the scene, and Laura's son Christoph began passing drums around.
Leaning on my more recent conversations with Baile, my teacher, (www.bailesadw.com), and also a conversation I recently had with Liberian storyteller and healer Vera Oya Yaa Anna (http://www.storynet.org/Programs/Directory/view.php?id=1000815), I asked them not to touch the drums just yet - then launched into a calm (because it was morning) description of the power of the instrument. It can invoke the ancestors, fire up a room of people, even just one drum can affect the energy of an enormous crowd. They must come to the drum with that knowledge.

The kids learned kuku, but then forgot it as the dancers made their way into the center, singing a song I know, "Siya Humba," so Laura stepped in at the last minute to hold down KuKu part 1...afterwards I was able to briefly describe YWDEP, to which a professor promised a donation, and the day was complete.

Drumming catches on like a movement or a revolution, and in itself is NOT just drumming, NOT just music, but its own form of consciousness-raising, spirit-infused community building.

Drumlady Classes/Workshops in 2007!!

2007-01-03T18:19:00.000-05:00

WHO: Drumlady

WHAT: Workshops/Classes

WHERE: DC

WHEN: 2007!!

Directions/Other

What: Hand Drumming For Women
When: Every Sunday, 12-1:15 p.m.
Session Dates: January 8 - April 1, 2007 (12 weeks)
Where: Circle Yoga Studio, 3838 Northampton St NW, DC 20015

Register at www.circleyoga.com or call 202-686-1104
$180 for the semester or drop-ins welcome at $18 per
class.

In this class students will explore West African drums
and rhythms with djembe artist Kristen Arant, learning
basic notes of the djembe, along with parts to
traditional West African polyrythms and accompanying
songs. A guaranteed boost in strength, confidence, joy
and fulfillment!

PRIVATE DJEMBE LESSONS!
Now offering private lessons at your home or mine for
beginner-level students both male and female at
$30-$55 per class. Contact Kristen at 202-213-7810 or
kristen@drumlady.com to set up a time and date!

GROUP CLASSES - Drumming For the Soul
Offering classes for groups of 5-15 adults and/or
youth, both male and female - please see our price
lists for more information. Classes include drums,
drumming instruction including basics, cultural
context, songs, and rhythms, along with
improvisational drumming. Enhances joy, contentment,
relaxation and confidence! Contact Kristen to set up a
group class today! 202-213-7810 or
kristen@drumlady.com.

Drummin' in '07

2007-01-03T17:45:00.000-05:00

WHO: Kristen!

WHAT: Holiday NEWS

WHERE: EVERYWHERE!

WHEN: NOW!

Directions/Other

This blog post exists to describe how awesome it was to literally "drum in" 2007. It was my third night in a row waitressing at Coppi's Restaurant, first off. I was feeling a little tired you could perhaps say. And there was one fewer server than usual on the floor. Shouts of "Come On, Ladies!" came frequently from the management who obviously did not understand that being one server down with a whole floor was the reason. As my fellow server compadre stated so clearly, "I honestly couldn't work any harder." We did it though and I was finally starting to wrap things up around 11:30, feeling the nagging necessity that I had to be somewhere positive to ring in the new year. I really wanted to toast to prosperity - which is a huge ny's resolution if you believe in such things. There are just some things I want - more education and experience, mainly, but in order to get them, the great goddess of Prosperity must shineth upon me. Jeez. So -- my partner in crime Jaime and I rushed out in our ny's outfits, dresses over pants in both cases, and flew out into the rainy, balmy night that couldn't have been less than 55 degress out (see my friend james' global warming piece for solutions to this problem: http://heartspring.net/global_warming_greenhouse.html.)

At any rate, we arrove just minutes before the big event. enough time for me to find a bottle of champagne, which became my allegorical symbol of prosperity, and try to open it with no success. i wanted to pop it right on cue, but to no avail. i still got several swigs on it though before venturing at about 12:02 to my car, where i unearthed a drum from the hatchback (which i then used as my umbrella) and began my midnight drum-in. My good friend Mark, the street musician from Takoma Park, soon joined me until enough whooping drew us onto the deck in the back of Laurie and Chris' house on Sherman Ave, firebowl (large metallic bowl where scrap wood is burnt in lieu of a bonfire) going strong even in the rain. We marched up proudly and serenaded friends and beautiful people for what seemed like an eternity (but which in fact flew by like the wind) until our hands hurt and our drums were too wet to play.

Soon after, with the exception of a couple of too-drunk friends, we began reciting old pop-hop songs from the early nineties (you know the ones...sir mix-a-lot, young mc, etc), until jaime pulled me out to farragut, where she frequents ESL - the Eighteenth Street Lounge - a clubby place where an awesome reggae band plays. They're made up mainly of members of Theivery Corporation. They've let me sit in twice -- now that the smoking ban is in effect, i'm going to attempt more sit-ins as they give me an opportunity to practice my chops as well as get in on the action. On NY's eve, however, Farragut was simply flooded with corruption. Our 4-5-block walk noted such occurences as: couples fighting, women pissed off trying to walk in spike heels drunk, men tipping girlfriends over trashcans to puke, people yelling obscenties from across the street, and other such debauchery. Then -when we finally arrove- it was 40 bucks to get in. Seriously. I said no way - luckily jaime walked me back to the car until i drove her brave soul back to the scene and let her off, making it home by 3 or 4-ish, falling alseep to the percussive sound of a heavy rain on my roof and window paines. Perfect.

Other highlights from the holidays nclude two beautiful visits to my first home in St. Louis, MO where I spent quality time with my family in an especially (and dare i say suprisingly) positive vibe; seeing TWO theatre movies (which is usually all i see in a year); a lively drumming circle on NY's eve day that I facilitated at a home in Severna Park, MD on the Severn River to a group of family and friends who were celebrating there; a delicious potluck hosted by Rhythm Worker Bill Jenkins that also gave way to a lively drum jam plus an after-party where i was able to drag quite a crew down to adam's morgan where we danced at both tryst and madam's organ; AND watching Karate Kid with Alexandra in preparation for another drumming lesson with Baile -- which is TOMORROW!!!!

PEACE and PROSPERITY to all in the New Year. Think of the joy of experience - both good and bad - the lessons I am learning are so consistently rich and profound.

p.s. RECOMMENDED BOOK: "Don't Let's Go to the Dogs Tonight" by Alexandra Fuller
p.s.s. RECOMMENDED FILM: "Live and Become" and aw, heck, watch the Karate Kid for the 14th time. You'll be glad you did.

YWDEP at Mayorga Coffee Factory, Friday 12/8 7-10 p.m.

2006-12-06T16:39:00.000-05:00

WHO: Young Women's Drumming Empowerment Project

WHAT: Open-Mic for Youth Building Bridges

WHERE: Mayorga Coffee Factory, 8040 Georgia Ave., Silver Spring MD

WHEN:Friday, December 8th 2006 7-10 p.m.

Directions/Other www.mayorgacoffee.com // www.openingminds.org/events.html

Youth Building Bridges (YBB)
invites you to an
Open Mic Night!

Friday, December 8th 2006
@ the Mayorga Coffee Factory
8040 Georgia Ave., Silver Spring MD
Metro: Silver Spring (red line)
7pm-10pm

Let your voice be heard!

Fundraiser for YBB scholarships and programs
Ÿ All ages welcome Ÿ Sign up at the door to performŸ
Ÿ Suggested $10 general/$5 youth donation Ÿ
DOOR PRIZES!

Performances by members of
the Young Women’s Drumming Empowerment Project!

Opening Minds: The Washington Region for Justice & Inclusion is a nonprofit organization committed to upholding the values of equality, understanding, and respect for all people. Youth Building Bridges, our youth program, brings together teens, educators, and parents to identify and resolve issues caused by isolation and prejudice in their schools and neighborhoods. For more information, please visit us on the web at www.OpeningMinds.org or contact Abra Pollock, Director of Youth Programs, at (301) 650-2438 or apollock@openingminds.org.

YWDEP features at OCU CREATIVE SHOWCASE, Dec. 2

2006-11-30T12:33:00.000-05:00

WHO: Young Women's Drumming Empowerment Project

WHAT: CREATIVE SHOWCASE

WHERE: St. Stephens Church, 1525 Newton St NW

WHEN: Sat Dec. 2 6-9 p.m.

Directions/Other

I'm writing to invite all to the One Common
Unity CREATVIE SHOWCASE happening this Saturday, Dec.
2 from 6-9 at St. Stephens Church in Washington, DC -
1525 Newton St. NW.

The young women of YWDEP, along with a host of other
creative acts will be featured. The event is a
membership drive for OCU, which is the fiscal sponsor
of YWDEP and other organizations who are working
through arts and media to build a more peaceful and
sustainable planet. The event will offer $10
vegetarian plates from Whole Foods, and the show is
planned to be broadcast on PUBLIC ACCESS TV. See below
for more details and hope to see you there!

One Common Unity Hosts Creative Arts Showcase & Membership Drive Saturday, December 2nd
------------ --------- ---------

Washington, DC – One Common Unity, Inc. (OCU), a DC-based 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization, whose mission is "to create sustainable communities through innovative peace education, arts and media," will host a creative program showcase & membership drive featuring various initiatives and projects currently sponsored and supported by OCU.

This creative showcase will take place on Saturday, December 2nd, 2006, from 6pm until 9:00pm at St. Stephen and the Incarnation Church, 1525 Newton Street, NW , Washington , D.C. A donation of $5 - $10 is suggested for admission. Vegetarian Dinner plates, graciously donated by Java Green & Whole Foods Tenleytown Market, will be available for $10. Proceeds will benefit OCU. All are invited to attend.

The purpose of this showcase is to build One Common Unity's membership base through increasing the number of annual donors; while simultaneously, introducing the Washington, D.C. community to OCU's strategic partnerships, creative projects and youth initiatives sponsored, including Revel Youth Shine (RYS), the Young Women's Drumming Empowerment Project (YWDEP), ShantiSalaam, The Movement, DC Guerrilla Poetry Insurgency (GPI), DC-ICE (Inner City Excitement), Beyond the Global Divide, and Share a Moment of Love.

This showcase community event will celebrate ShantiSalaam' s, OCU's first international, arts-based innovative peace education project, departure on December 3, 2006, for South Asia, specifically India and Pakistan, to promote peaceful relations between the two countries. With an anticipated return to DC on January 27, 2007, Indian and Pakistani artists and musicians in this program, will unite under the titled "ShantiSalaam" and together tour universities located in their
respective countries to promote unity and conflict resolution.

In attendance will be OCU's Board of Directors and members of its Advisory Council. The dynamic evening, filmed by DC Public Access Television video cameras for the creation of a special documentary, will be interlaced with musical performances, poetry, live community mural painting, and a special art auction. During the Creative Showcase, an official announcement will be made to herald the launch of OCU's new website and the opening of its newly founded "Creative Arts and Healing Center," in partnership with Abram's Creek Retreat and Campground, Allegheny Mountain, West Virginia.

Founded in 2000, OCU initially was focused on providing alternatives to violence for DC youth through community events and festivals, as well as facilitating workshops in public schools, fostering creative self-_expression through poetry & music. Now in its sixth year, OCU has expanded its mission to include peace education, conflict resolution, cross-cultural and intergenerational engagement, and creative activities that immerse young people in nature, cultivating respect for themselves, others and the natural world, while also learning about new and innovative ways to make their communities more sustainable and environmentally friendly.

By sponsoring an array of projects, OCU continues to expand upon its network of peace educators and creative artists both locally and internationally in an effort to fulfill its mission of sustainable community development.

For more information about One Common Unity's Creative Showcase & Membership Drive, please call Hawah Kasat, Executive Director, at (202) 529-2125 or email hawah@onecommonunity.org.
###

Ladies DRUM Night ROCKS

2006-11-30T11:32:00.001-05:00

WHO: Women of the Palisades

WHAT: Ladies Drum Night Out

WHERE: The Home of the Illustrious Laura Lee

WHEN: last Tuesday, Nov. 28 2006

Directions/Other

Laura Lee, an amazing lady I know through my drumming classes at Circle Yoga Studio loved drumming so much that last year she decided to invite all of her cool friends to a drumming party at her home in the Palisades neighborhood of DC. And thus began LADIES DRUM NIGHT OUT (LDNO).

These sort of became a phenomenon all their own and i doubt they exist in many other places - at least not quite in the same way. The women come - most of them in their 40s and with crazy busy lives. Laura's place is beautiful and she always has a spread. Several different kinds of wine plus hors d'oervers (sp?). Not snacks - hors d'oervers. There's a lot of catching up and chatting when I arrive with my 15 or so large West African djembes. Laura plays some music on the stereo - usually something with a good beat to get folks revved. Everyone's affectionate, curious, excited for what's to come. They put down their wine glasses when i enter - and they come outside to my car to pick up drums, weighing anywhere from 10 to 30 lbs.

We heft the drums back to the house and start moving furniture around. Laura's got a beautiful cracklin fire going - there's always a decision to make about where to put the wine/food altar. This time - which was our 5th LDNO - I insisted that the food go outside the circle so that the energy could flow better. This necessitated a couple of wine breaks during the session, which is always welcome and fine, regardless of the awkwardness of drums and wine together.

This is something I want to explore further as well. In the West African drumming communities from which I've acquired knowledge and understanding, I have never seen beer or wine mixed with drumming. It's a very spiritual practice and one in which a person must be grounded BEFORE playing, as well as maintain proper posture and body composition and breath support WHILE playing. In a word, it's a sobering act - though it brings you the kind of natural high that can never be gained through a substance. Perhaps because it IS substance.

Regardless, you gotta give these ladies CRED. FULLY.
How many women approaching middle age from wealthy neighborhoods DO this sort of thing? And so much is offered to me - and I consider all of it a form of a blessing - including the wine. So we all partake - with wine breaks in between drumming - though the altar is outside the circle the bottles slowly move to the center, and while I'm going around the circle teaching them the "slap" by demonstrating it on the other side of their drums, i knock the wine over on the carpet, and laura doesn't even flinch. she's cool - very down to earth lady and i am constantly amazed at her ability to stay that way.

So I talk about the culture because it's very important to me to relay what I know - we are not playing drums we are playing DJEMBES. And Ashikos, plus my one wonderful Bougarabou. Then I talk a little about how the drums are used to heal in today's culture. They get a laugh at my reference to how drumming helps to stave off Alzheimer's disease and helps improve nerve function in Parkinsons patients...and how it can keep off dimentia. None of them are even close but I enjoy the laughter. I always give my plug too about YWDEP - and this past drum night out we gained a new YWDEP member to my delight.

We learn the basic notes of the instrument and I teach them a rhythm - 2 parts usually and they play them together. We sound good. We raise the freakin roof. Then we jam - we add one drummer in at a time and bring out the bells and shakers and make it happen. I "woo!" here and there and remind folks to listen, use my voice to change the dynamics and end with a solid heartbeat and everybody's eyes are closed and we fade out - then begin a roll that starts on the bass and moves to the tone and then the slap, louder and louder, until we are looking up at the ceiling and screaming (or wanting to). And everyone stops and in the silence you can feel molecules of positivity and joy.

They hoo-rah. I feel complete.
And then they give me hug.
And they pay me WELL.

Though I marvel at watching the girls in YWDEP grow and become incredible young women drummers and poets, though I would never even think to compare the two situations, the feeling I get after coming from the LDNO is one I want more of, because it is completely regenerating.

Thanks, Laura.

Truth from Sophie B.

2006-11-20T02:45:00.000-05:00

Check out this audio clip about women and drumming from groovemaster Sophie B. Hawkins.

Drumming with Baile

2006-11-16T13:46:00.000-05:00

WHO: Drumming Lesson

WHAT: Baba Baile

WHERE: Baile's African Drum Works

WHEN: Last Tuesday night

Directions/Other somewhere in Forestville, MD

I've been looking for a private drum instructor for some time - someone to lock down my djembe technique - tell me the truth - get me up to speed with everything i need to know to move ahead with my playing. I first came to this conclusion after taking 4 group djembe lessons with djembe master Mahiri Keita. Son of Guinean Djembefola Mamady Keita. After the first lesson with Mahiri I had learned 3 new drills to practice - all of which I've incorporated into my planning. I learn fast and practice diligently when I have someone watching over me and lending guidance. So i wrote Mahiri a letter on Aug. 25 - the subject line was, literally, "will you be my teacher?" Outlined in this email I explained all the reasons why I want a private teacher. In short:
A. Improve my technique
B. Gain a greater understanding of the instrument and of the culture
C. Expand my repertoire of rhythms and drills

An excellent teacher must also be an excellent student - I'm a strong believer in that philosophy. Unfortunately, I never received a reply from Mahiri or any sort of acknowledgement of the email I had sent him. So - I called Tammi Hessen. Tammi and I had one private lesson together, in addition to my joining her all-women's Baltimore-based drum troupe BUMBADA on a couple of shows. We go way back - travelled to the 2005 Catskill Mountain Women's World Drum & Percussion Happen'n, which was in itself a bonding experience. In short, Tammi rocks, and is the woman who most inspired me to get my own women's drum class up n runnin. So i asked her what might be up with Mahiri - "he's probably busy," she said, "and email's not the best way, did you try calling him?" I hadn't. Maybe I didn't have the guts or something. She said he would probably refer me to his group classes at Joe's Movement Emporium. Then she said - "What about Baile?"

Baile. I remembered taking 6 very small djembes to Baile in the spring of '05. I'd purchased them from Ken at Eyeclopes Studios in Fredericksburg, VA. That was quite a memory in itself - trekking out to Fredericksburg late one night with Alexandra - through some pretty scary tree-lined, skinny highways, getting lost, stopping at a weird rockabilly diner and winding up singing "black water" by the doobie brothers for kareoke - so so strange. But at any rate, I was hoping Baile wouldn't mind helping me out with tuning them.

When I got there - a tall man with thick glasses and thick eyebrows led me in and sat me down. Here's what I remember from that evening:
-Being questioned on my motives for wanting to teach drumming to DC inner-city youth (fair enough)
-Being told my drums were for babies - not adult-sized people - and that the physics of smaller drums made it so that the "bass" sound character showed up in the tone and slap
-Philosophical discussions that ran wild for over an hour - about culture, race, youth, modernism, tradition, gender, etc....

I left having my mind blown, basically.
Or at least my cover.

I had a couple friends take Baile's group class last year, however, and they wound up as much better players. I remembered that. So regardless of my slight trepidation, I called up Baile. We talked for 45 minutes. He asked why I wanted to take lessons (see points A, B and C above). He then asked why I wanted to take them from him. Then he asked had I ever seen The Karate Kid, The Golden Child, or Romancing the Stone? He instructed me to view these movies as soon as possible, for they all had some common bits of wisdom which he would not relate to me at that time - okay. He then asked me what I took from the phrase "through the eyes of a child" (my apologies to Baile here - the phrase was along these lines, but slightly different). He was sizing me up, let's just say. But by the end of the conversation we had set up a time to meet.

TUESDAY NIGHT - NOV. 14
I began my trek to Forestville by attempting to take PA Ave all the way out until it meets with Forestville Rd. This was a huge mistake. i was perhaps 1 mile from crossing the DC/MD line when I pulled over on Potomac Ave, convinced I should get off and take the metro. I called Alex for some consultation, and found that to take public transportation I would need to take a train to a bus, wait for a bus for about 20 minutes, and then get on a bus. Anyway, it would take just as long as driving. So I called Baile - and he gave me a very succint alternate route via Suitland Parkway. It was still hell, but much better. I arrove 30 minutes later than our original meeting time. But it was OK.

First he wanted to know what I knew about my drum.
What kind of wood was it made of?
"I don't know" is what I told him. "That's a good answer," he said.
I told him I wanted to say walnut, b/c that's what it looked like, but that I didn't think walnut was a popular wood type found in West Africa. As it turns out, the wood is called Khardi. I went back to the website where I bought my drum to get the spelling right. He complimented my drum. Then he asked what I knew about drums from Guinea. I referred to their recognizable shape (more bowl-shaped), and he shot that down too. There are many tribes in Guinea. It's a big country. Drums are built and used for many different purposes. I told him that my information came from a few different sources - but understood what he was saying. You cannot pinpoint where any drum is from unless you have a deep knowledge of the tribes and their cultural practices.

"We are all part of this bigger picture. Some people see it's shaped as a circle; to others it's egg-shaped. We all fit into this somewhere - our natural tendencies and backgrounds and everything that makes us who we are - all of this puts us into a certain place in the whole picture. You have to decide where you belong in that picture - and it may be that where you THINK you belong is actually not where you belong. Do you follow me?"

Somehow - I did - I really was following him, seeing as how I am currently attaining self knowledge right now by necessity - I am creating space for myself to grow - trying to fend off patterns of abuse of the past. I am emerging, you could say. I think this is what he was talking about, in some respects -- where do I plan to EMERGE?

Finally, after about an hour of this type of discussion, he asked me to play. When I brought the drum close, he asked what I knew of the spine of the animal - I think he was a little more impressed by my answers to these questions. The spine of the animal is in the center of the drum head - purposely - because it is the strongest part of the drum, and it is recommended that a djembe player play on either side of the spine - though I'm not sure why - possibly because there is greater resonance when the drum is played here.

He corrected my tone.
He corrected my slap.
He gave me 4 solid drills to practice, and I was very happy and I told him so.

I'm going back on Dec. 2 for my 2nd attempt to impress the unimpressable -- Baba Baile.

YWDEP Performs at AU - Thursday Nov. 9

2006-11-07T13:55:00.000-05:00

WHO: Young Women's Drumming Empowerment Project

WHAT: The Goddesses of Rhythm perform "Elements of the Drum" to benefit Women for Women International

WHERE: American University's Battelle Building Atrium, on the main quad

WHEN: Thursday, Nov. 9 at 7:30 p.m.

Directions/Other

Friends -

Just writing to inform all of you that the Goddesses of Rhythm will be sharing their work with audiences at American University this Thursday Nov. 9 as part of a benefit for Women for Women International. We're thrilled to have this opportunity to perform our entire show once again - if you missed the show at DC Arts Center this past September, then we'd love to see you there!

WOMEN'S "raise the roof!" COMMUNITY DRUM CIRCLES THIS FALL!

2006-10-23T12:01:00.000-04:00

You are hereby invited to attend/participate in a couple of ongoing all-women's drum circles that I'm planning this fall. These circles will include drum basics, rhythms, songs, improvisational drumming and dancing, and are for the purpose of creating a space that harbors full self-_expression and contributes to our collective healing.

Drumming is a proven tool to counteract stress, anxiety, anger, depression and even addiction. Plus it's FUN. So come 'n get your drum on this fall, and please forward this to any other women who might like to do the same. DANCERS are also highly encouraged to attend.

See below for details -

WOMEN'S "Raise the Roof" DRUM CIRCLE at ST. STEPHEN'S CHURCH

Friday evenings, 7-9 p.m.
1525 Newton St NW (corner of Newton and 16th sts NW)
Columbia Heights metro stop or S2/S4 busline
$10 suggested donation OR bring a food or beverage to share
drums provided or bring your own
Nov 3, 10, 17
Dec 1, 8, 15

WOMEN'S RHYTHMS - SECOND SATURDAYS at SANGHA

2nd Saturday women's drum circles at Sangha, 1-3 p.m.
7014 Westmoreland Ave, Takoma Park, MD
Takoma metro stop
$10 suggested donation
Hot beverages provided
Drums provided or bring your own
Nov 11, Dec 16, Jan 13, Feb 10, March 10, April 14, May 12

2006-09-28T17:16:00.000-04:00

Hi and welcome to my blog! I'm a DC-based musician and activist. This blog is an attempt to keep y'all updated with my various activities. I grew up in Missouri and attended the University of Missouri, Columbia, where I got degrees in music, women's studies, and journalism. I first moved to DC in 2001 to work as a Research Assistant for a labor union. I quickly co-founded the Rhythm Workers Union with several friends and fellow musicians, and later began working as an organizer for several peace groups. During this time, I also got involved with The Guerrilla Poetry Insurgency and began teaching drumming workshops to youth through Panorama Community Arts.

In October 2004 with the support of my friends and a grant from the D.C. Commission on the Arts & Humanities, I founded the Young Women's Drumming Empowerment Project (YWDEP). This grassroots organization seeks to to empower a core group of young women living in the District by guiding them in a process of learning how to play African and Latin hand drums and percussion, along with expressing their opinions and telling their stories through spokenword, poetry, song, movement, and team building. Two years later we are still going strong and just wrapped up our second season with 4 amazing performances at the D.C. Arts Center.

Aside from YWDEP, I also teach drumming throughout the area and perform regularly as well. You can visit my website at www.drumlady.com. Be sure to check back often to find out what I've been up to and where I'll next be!

peace,
kristen

p.s. Below is a collage of some of my musical adventures...mouse-over each individual image to read the caption.