The Muhtadi Drum festival was on this past weekend. I’ve attended it in other years to hear the performances, but this is the first year I attended with my own Djembe. The first day was rainy, but on the second day of the festival I brought my Djembe, Antara, with me.

Since buying Antara last August, I’ve been practising regularly and jammed a few times in the drum store, but I haven’t played in a drum circle. It was late in the summer when I started and by the time I felt ready, it was already getting chilly out. My hope for the festival was that I might find a few open drum circles and possibly even find a regular group to jam with.

Both of my wishes came true! I had several opportunities to join in circles, and I drummed until my hands hurt! ;-) I’ve heard more than once that the best way to improve your drumming is to play with other people and it’s definitely true! In those few hours, I learned so much and gained loads of confidence in my drumming. I know that this will be the way for me to move forward as a Djembe player.

The festival itself was fantastic – lots of vendors, amazing performers from all around the world, including the Djembe Master Amara Kante from the Ivory Coast. The whole experience was inspiring. And it was really special to me to attend this festival as a drummer. Can’t wait for next year!!!

(the image is of Amara Kante)