AFR0-FRAME DRUM! Exploring African (Ewe) Dance & Rhythms on the Frame Drum

In college, I had the privilege of studying traditional drumming and dance of the Ewe people (warriors from Ghana, Togo and Benin). For over 8 years, I learned from Master African Drummers Kobla and Alfred Ladzekpo and became one of the few women to learn the lead drum parts. It was an amazing experience that is still engraved in my soul and inspires many elements of the music that I play today (on frame drum, flute etc).

Come enrich your heart in soulful rhythm and movement from the birthplace of humankind…

HERE’S WHAT WE WILL EXPLORE IN THIS NOT-TO-BE-MISSED WORKSHOP:

EWE (AFRICAN) DRUMMING & DANCE:

⍟ Traditional Ewe 6/8 bell pattern (so much fun!)

⍟ Coordinating the Ewe 6/8 bell pattern with syncopated beats (polyrhythms)

⍟ Learn traditional Ewe dance steps to "CIRCLE ATSIA" (Traditional Ewe piece)

FRAME DRUMMING:

⍟ Learn frame drum techniques in the Free Hand style — beginner-friendly, with inspiring challenges for intermediate players.

⍟ Learn to play " CIRCLE ATSIA" (Traditional Ewe piece) on the frame drum.

PLUS:
⍟ Connect, groove, and smile with drummers from all corners of the globe
⍟ And of course, a few surprises along the way!

WHO IS THIS FOR?
⍟ Everyone! All ages, all levels.

WHAT TO BRING?
⍟ Frame Drum (if you’re drumless, grab a book, box or pot)
⍟ An open heart and dancing feet!

_____________________________________

DETAILS:

DATE:
⍟ December 7, 2025

TIME:
⍟10:00 am-12:00 pm PT (Pacific)

CONTRIBUTION:
⍟ Sliding scale: $27- $47
(Eventbrite adds a small fee at checkout)

YOUR TICKET INCLUDES:
⍟ Lifetime access to the workshop replay
⍟ A handy PDF with all the rhythms we’ll cover
⍟ MP3 of the 6/8 bell pattern to keep you grooving at home

Can’t attend live? We’ve got you covered!
All participants will receive a recording and a PDF of the workshop ~ with Lifetime Access.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

For now, I’ll leave you with a favorite quote from one of my heroes:

“The curious beauty of African music is that it uplifts even as it tells a sad tale. You may be poor, you may only have a ramshackle house, you may have lost your job, but that song gives you hope.” ~ Nelson Mandela

I can’t wait to come together in rhythm, hope, and joy.

I offered a similar workshop like this in 2021; In this class, we’ll be diving into completely new material. Join us!

Love, Marla x

P.S. Below is a video of the song and dance we’ll be learning — shared by a colleague of mine. We studied African music together back in college.