Photos by Alan Taylor and Dom Boyson

DRUMSCHOOL SHOWCASE 2007 The Full Moon, Newcastle Under Lyme, March 21st 2007 On Wed 21st March 2007, the first ever Planet Sound Drumschool showcase took place at the Full Moon music venue, Newcastle Under Lyme. The event festured five different groups, each playing several songs for the biggest audience the Full Moon has seen. Over 60 people performed as part of the show, coming from all over the North Staffs area. Each of the groups had practiced for the event from January 2007, and this was their chance to play material to a live audience. Nigel Booth returned as compere, and once again helped create an energetic atmosphere for the groups to perform in. Photos from the event Kasanti - St.Lukes / Mendiani - SMADP / Drumschool 1 Drumschool 2 / Planet Sound 1 / Planet Sound 2 To open the show, Kasanti from St.Lukes in Silverdale played gave a great performance featuring three pieces based around traditional west african rhythms. Led by Mech Carpenter, the group featured djembe and 2 dun dun players as part of the lineup. The group were well recieved, and have potential to grow even further in the future. Kasanti were soon followed by the group Mendiani, the performance group from the Staffordshire Moorlands African Drum project. The group performed the pieces Djole and Kuku to a high standard and gave discussion to the audience of the meaning of these pieces. The group meets every week and operates as a friendly community group embracing a wide range of ages and abilities. You can find out more by clicking here. Attention then shifted to the Planet Sound drumschool. First to play were the open level who treated the crowds to Nyabingi and Kuku. Led by West African master drummer, Jahman Sillah, the two pieces hailed from his tradition and he brought these to the group in Jan 2007. For many, this was their first public performance, and they gave an inspirational showing. This level of drumschool is open to all ages and abilities and runs at cartwright house on Sundays. Djembes are provided for anyone wishing to join. The intermediate level of drumschool then performed three pieces taking the show from strength to strength. Again led by Jahman Sillah, the group played "Kotoba" complete with solos and motifs from West African tradition. The group moved onto play "Concerte", another traditional West African piece, Jahman remarking this being the first occasion a group from the UK has actually completed the piece! The intermediate group finished their set with their arrangement of the piece "Makuru". Complete with original breaks composed by the group in Stoke On Trent, the piece had the crowd dancing and appreciating each member of the drumschool! To provide the finale for the event, the Planet Sound group played an energetic set! Led by Mr.Will the group featured all the great players from the showcase, as well as new additions Jack McCarthy, Teth Rowley and Kays Guznura. The group played several pieces, ranging from traditional West African piece Tiriba to original compositions by each member of the group. The group aims to bring together the music of West Africa with the talent and vision from musicians in the Stoke On Trent area to produce an original sound that couldn't be found anywhere else. The group finished with an interactive drumming performance, where everyone in the Full Moon danced and clapped rhythms in a full house performance! Planet Sound would like to thank the Full Moon, everyone who supported the night, and everyone who performed for making the first Drumschool showcase a truly memorable night! To find out more about drumschool and how you can get involved, click here. The next term will begin after Easter and will focus on the samba parade for Carnival. More great Links Kasanti - St.Lukes / Mendiani - SMADP / Drumschool 1 Drumschool 2 / Planet Sound 1 / Planet Sound 2 Drumschool website / Jahman Sillah site / Mendiani - SMADP Planet Sound group / The Full Moon