2021 WDC Concert: Rhythmic Resilience
Having produced twenty concerts since 2003, the Women’s Drum Center has a rich history of offering quality performances over the years. We have performed in a variety of venues, from the beloved Walker Community Church in Minneapolis to concert halls at Augsburg, St. Catherine, and Hamline Universities. Our concert not only brings our WDC community together, but it also offers a way to raise funds, and as a non-profit, this is quite important.
This year, our first online concert marks a new chapter in our history. Thanks to the hard work and creative adaptations of our board, teachers, and staff, and the faithful, ongoing support of our participants, the WDC community has continued to share the powerful connection of drumming during the pandemic. The 2021 concert theme: Rhythmic Resilience pays homage to this accomplishment.
Year after year, our annual concerts continue to strengthen the Women’s Drum Center community in solid, tangible ways. Besides bringing us together for an evening of fun, the concert is a time to share our love of percussion with you!
Special thanks to Will Hommeyer (videographer & editor at Blue Moon Productions) and George Leiter for making these recordings.
drumHeart
drumHeart members share three of their favorite songs for the "Brazilian" drums. Alex Connett leads the group, members performing on the video are Allie, Alyssa, Bettie, Brooke, Jeanie, Jo, Linda, Mary, Niki.
drumHeart plays tribute to the West African music drums playing two traditional songs: Fanga Alafiya, Kassa, and a modern song composed by Ubaka Hill - Fire in the mountain. Alex Connett is the director of drumHeart and has brought a bright new energy to the group!
Women Who Groove
Women Who Groove play three songs: Moribayassa, Mosolou and Woka.
Djembe Diyamu
Concert recording of Djembe Diyamu playing Djole, N'Goron, and Djembe Diyamu.
Djole comes from the Temine and Mandenyi people of Sierra Leone. It is a mask dance where the mask represents the face of a woman. Djole is a very popular rhythm played at weddings, baptisms, and other celebrations. Originally it was played on four square frame drums called siko. It has since been adapted to play on djembes and dununs.
N'Goron comes from the Senufo people of Burkina Faso & the Ivory Coast. It is played after the young girl's initiation and is a very important celebration for the Senufo. N'Goron is the name of the dance and the girls will dance with calabashes on their heads.
Djembe Diyamu is not a traditional rhythm. It is a rhythm created by Dan Engebretson while he was going through some major trauma and anxiety from a very serious accident. It kept him focused on something he loves to do and helped him to heal. The word 'Diyamu' means 'to speak' in the Malinke language and his group is also named Djembe Diyamu. This rhythm is Dan's way to honor and give thanks to all his African teachers, especially baba Mamady Keita, and to the culture of the djembe.
Adenkum
Alyssa, Brooke, Bettie, Alex, and Mary Z share traditional adenkum songs!
Gyil
The Gyil choir performs.
Middle Eastern Ensemble
Taikollaborative
Thank you for watching! If you enjoyed the concert, please consider purchasing a virtual ticket, $10 (suggested). Your gift helps us:
Keep our exciting classes and unique workshops affordable
Provide scholarships
Make drums available for students who do not own their own
Bring our drum circles to community groups, wellness gatherings, and non-profits
Expand our outreach programs for senior living centers and other residential facilities
Maintain our studio and our library of drums