Images by Alan Taylor of Planet Vision Photography

MITCHELL CELEBRATIONS 2007 DRUMSCHOOL SHOWCASE OCT 22nd 2007 On Mon 22nd October 2007, the Mitchell Memorial Theatre hosted a Planet Sound drumming event as part of the 50th Anniversary celebrations. The evening opened up with some rhythmic audience participation led by the Planet Sound team, and were quickly followed by the group Kasanti, featuring the young people from Silverdale's St.Lukes primary school. The group played 3 pieces from their repetoire and gave a fantastic showing, many of them playing onstage for the first time! The next group to take to the Stage were Staffs Moorlands African Drum group "Mendiani", featuring talented djembe and dundun players the group played traditional West African based pieces, carrying the show from strength to strength. The crowd were then treated to an explanation of the djembe and its role in the West African Culture, with Jahman Sillah taking the audience through techniques, rhythms and his own personal experiences as an African Master drummer. The Planet Sound drumschool (open level) then took to the stage to play two West African pieces. Once again this was the first performance for many of the players, who were all eager to show what they had learned so far! After the interval, the intermediate level of Planet Sound Drumschool entertained the crowds with several pieces, once again led by Jahman Sillah and the Planet Sound team. The evening ended with the Planet Sound group playing a set consisting of traditional drumming pieces and original compositions. The group were joined by Teth's duo, and performed several songs to close out the show in style! The next performance will be at the Spectrums of Sound showcase on November 26th 2007. To book a ticket, click here to email us or call us on 01782 268780. Many thanks to everyone who contributed to the show and made it a fantastic event!! Free open Workshops for young people were provided throughout the day as part of the event, and were conducted by master drummer Jahman Sillah from 11am-4pm. Participants came from all across the North Staffs for a packed out and enjoyable introduction to West African Drumming. You can see a gallery of images by clicking here! Planet Sound Drumschool links! Gallery 1 / Gallery 2 Gallery 3 / Workshops gallery! Drumschool Website! / Mendiani website! Listen to drumschool recordings at the myspace site! Jahman Sillah website / Teth on myspace.com