Djembe’s Beat Issue 2 - 28th June to 12th July 2010 Editor ’ s Comments
Spirited Away?
Once again we feel we should offer an apology to our readers. You know the phrase “give them an inch and they‟ll take a mile”? After giving Dean a column („Ask Dean‟) he takes an entire page! And I do not remember asking Dean anything! The voices in his head must be acting up again. We will have to talk with his therapist and get his medications checked. I should also point out that the views expressed in Dean‟s column are purely his own (or those of the voices in his head) and not those of this publication. In future issues we will be exploring the drum, and Dean intends to write an article on the Hang (hopefully nothing like the Ask Dean column!). Another development is the appointment of Andrew Rutherford as Head of Research and Development in Dean‟s current quest to find new (and home made!) instruments. Andy is now spending a lot of time in his shed and some strange noises are emerging. Keep an eye on this space. We must also offer apologies for the vacancy advertised in the last issue. Dean decided that he wanted to be Keeper of the Sacred Pot and refused to allow any other applicants. So far the mythical pot has yet to make a public appearance, although Russ has been searching enthusiastically. He commented “All pot is sacred, but something called sacred pot must be something really special. I must find it!”
The Djembe’s Beat
A Sound Intention Publication
Where was Russ (again!)… and Mike? A lovely June evening at the Maritime Experience, where Dean, aka the Big Marmite, was running a drum circle for Hartlepool Carers during National Carers Week. Russ and Mike had come along to help with the entertainment. After a short warm up with the didgeridoo and the healing Hang, The Big Marmite found himself occupied with showing people how to play djembe and getting the circle started. But where were Russ and Mike? After the orb and alien experience mentioned in the last issue, Dean believes that they were press-ganged by the ghosts haunting the HMS Trincomalee. “They were last seen walking past the Trincomalee armed only with two didgeridoos,” Dean commented. They were never seen again that evening. Andrew Rutherford, aka Big Andy, was dismayed upon learning that there was a barbecue. “I‟ve just gotten two barrels of sausages from the local butcher. I need to eat the sausages so I can make big barrel drums, and if I‟d known I‟d have put the sausages on the barbecue. I haven‟t had my tea yet and I‟m hungry!” Dean rolled his eyes at this, and told us “The phrase „I‟m hungry‟ is all I get when we go busking from Andy, Russ and Mike. I have to take a portable barbecue with us so they can have a constant supply of burgers and sausages.”
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Most winners' medals: Pelé Brazil - 3 Most goals scored: Ronaldo (Brazil 1998 – 2006) - 15 Most goals in a single tournament: Just Fontaine (France, 1958) - 13 Most goals in a match: Oleg Slanko (Russia vs Cameroon, 1994) - 5 Most wins as a coach: Vittorio Pozzo (Italy 1934 and 1938) -2 Highest attended match 199,854 Uruguay vs Brazil, 16 July 1950 Maracana Stadium I would also suggest that you talk enthusiastically on these facts within the groups you attend and they will make you a big hit. I know that girls particularly enjoy talking football and love it being on our TV screens continually during a world cup summer. Many see it as a lovely break from soaps, woman’s chat shows and the QVC channel.
Ask Dean
Reading through the current literature on modern man’s predicament, the question of how to achieve a balance between doomsday pessimism and irresponsible optimism emerges as a central theme. Peter Gretener, geologist. The Vanishing of a Species? With the above in mind Dean has kindly agreed to provide the benefit of his wisdom to us all in this Ask Dean section. If you have any concerns that you would like to raise with Dean please contact the editor. Question from George Hollis My belief systems have been shaken recently by Terry‟s claims that the moon is made of green cheese. Dean can you please advise Dean replies: The Moon is made of green cheese" is a statement referring to a fanciful belief that the Moon is composed of cheese, or as in its original formulation, the perception of a simpleton who sees a reflection of the Moon in water and mistakes it for a round cheese, is a proverb and metaphor for credulity with its roots in fable, and that has also found its way into children's folklore and into popular culture. It is a popular misconception that this was once a serious belief. Although it would not surprise me that Terry holds this belief I would tend to suggest that it is in fact the perception of a simpleton. Question from Terry The world cup is upon us and I wondered if you could give me some World cup facts that I can use and continue to be the centre of attention at drum, sound, dance and writing get togethers. Dean replies: Most appearances: Brazil - all 18 Most wins: Brazil - 5 Most runners-up: Germany - 4 Most final appearances: Brazil and Germany - 7 each The Djembe’s Beat
All you think about is football Wife: 'Football, football, football! That's all you ever think about! If you said you were going to stay at home one Saturday afternoon to help with the house' work, I think I'd drop dead from the shock!' Husband: 'it's no good trying to bribe me, dear.' Question from Ruth Question After following your advise in a previous newsletter I now find my washing Machine will not fill with water what do you advise Dean replies: Ruth you bring to mind the story of Robert De Bruce and the spider. As he lay, suddenly his eye was caught by a spider - the creature was hanging by a long silvery thread from one of the wooden beams above his head, and trying to swing itself to another beam. The spider tried again and again, failing every time. Six times, counted Robert, the spider tried and failed. ‘Six times,’ thought Robert to himself, ‘have I fought against the English and failed.’ Robert looked at the spider more intently. ‘Now if this spider fails again on the seventh attempt, I too shall give up the fight for Scotland.’. Ruth you must not give up. In 2009, the semi-official newspaper of the Holy See, pronounced the washing machine an important milestone in the liberation of women. It frees all women to carry out far more household duties. Think of Gill, she is now free to dig the allotment, carry Tony’s drum and tend to his every need Anyway this is what you must do : Turn off washing machine...Press and hold temperature button turn on machine whilst still de-pressing temperature, holding down both buttons, let them both up together, press soil type for 2 seconds, then turn off and message should go.....Repeat if necessary.
New developments! The countdown has begun as Dean‟s/our journey continues into its most exciting stage yet - integrating group drumming in integrative medicine Watch this space.
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The above map shows places around the north of England where we have drummed. It will be updated as new areas are explored.
Ruth Kitching
Drummer Jokes Now that you‟re a drummer you‟d better get used to these. How can you tell if there's a drummer at the door? The knocking speeds up. What's the difference between a drum machine and a drummer? You only have to punch the information into the drum machine once! If thine enemy wrong thee, buy each of his children a drum. (Not so good if thine enemy lives next door!) What do you say to a drummer in a 3-piece suit? “Will the defendant please rise.”
The person once behind the scenes making sure everything runs smoothly at events and circles. After a successful showcase and attendee requests Ruth now makes occasional appearances at our events playing the most amazing Native American flutes. Her recent pieces have included the haunting “Prayer” which was written by Laughing Crow (Richard Maynard from Tucson, Arizona), the person Ruth sources her flutes from. Ruth also has a business selling such items as incense, incense holders, crystals, hand held percussion instruments, and much more. She will be running a stall at Freeda Robson‟s psychic fair/crafts event on Saturday 26 June.
The Djembe’s Beat
What do you call a drummer without a girlfriend? Homeless and without a car.
For Sale Dean intends to sell off the wooden Jammer djembe range currently used by the drum circle. Available are: Jammer Swirl (black and natural), Jammer Tribal (black and natural), Jammer Rough Bark (dark and natural), all 12 inch diameter heads. RRP is £110.99 plus around £15 delivery. Dean is selling for £90, and anyone interested can choose their own at the drum circle. Also available is Ianto Thornber‟s book and CD, The Djembe Guide, for £18.
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Forthcoming and Ongoing Events
Djem T-Shirts
Drum and Sound Circle Most Friday evenings Families First, Greatham Street, Hartlepool Drum Circle runs from 7pm to 9pm, in 2 halves, first half exercises and drills for technique, second half is fun with intuitive playing along to music and/or music videos. Cost from 1st June £3.50. Sound Circle runs from 9pm to 10pm and is an exploration of sound with instruments such as didgeridoo, singing bowls, gongs, with meditation. Cost £2, concessions £1.
HeartDance Every Tuesday evening 8-9:30 pm Hart Village Hall. Give in to your inner rhythm and let yourself go in the relaxed atmosphere created by this group. HeartDance is freeform and individual, no one watching, no one judging, no one telling you what to do. Everyone expresses themselves as they want to with rhythmic movement and dance. Cost £2.
Mind Body Spirit/Craft Saturday 26th June 2-5pm Seaton Holme, Easington Village, County Durham A small Mind Body Spirit event organised by Freeda Robson with taster sessions from therapists, temporary tattoos, some stalls. Readings will be done in the Library. Cost of admission £2.50 which includes a raffle ticket with a prize of a therapy session.
Hartlepool Quest Lightworkers Mind Body Spirit Group Thursday 24th June 6.45-9pm Hartlepool Central Library Guest speaker is Freeda Robson, celebrated local medium and author of Insight into Spirit channelled by her guide Running Water. This will be a very interesting evening especially for those who wish to know more.
Social evening for drum circle, Hartlepool Quest group and the HeartDance group Friday 16th July 7pm The Causeway An informal get together for fun and laughter, with a buffet and spot prizes. Cost £5.
T-shirts are now available in all sizes and colours. New T-shirts are currently being designed. Front: Djem, our drumming mascot. Back: I‟M A SWEET DJEMBE BEATSTER
Astro-Shamanic Dance
Shakers
Saturday 14th August 1-4pm ‘A Place in the Park’, Ward Jackson Park, Hartlepool If you'd like to experience astrology & shamanism through lively, fun dance, this new, exciting afternoon experience could just be for you! Tickets for sale now from George Hollis. For further details see www.heartways.co.uk on the Events and Community page.
The Djembe’s Beat
Could everyone who has shakers please bring them along to the drum circles each Friday? If you have any stories or events for the Newsletter, please contact Dean or Ruth on 01429 423872 or email kitching2@ntlworld.com, or Terry on 07851379224 email terrydobson001@hotmail.com. Also check out the Sound Intention group on
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