BBM News & Muse Archives

A collection of news items, articles, travelogues, journal entries, and more from the Black Bear Moon team.

May 18, 2008: BBM at The Stone Church in Newmarket, NH! Workshop and Performance
May 7, 2008
The Black Bear Moon Rhythm Ensemble will be at The Stone Church in Newmarket, NH, for a special afternoon workshop and evening performance on Sunday May 18, 2008
author: BBM News Team | found in: Events & Happenings
West African Dance! February 28th Workshop, and Six-Week Course, March 13-April 17
February 23, 2008
Dancer Kerri Biller and members of NH’s own BBM Rhythm Ensemble lead a fun and invigorating journey into the world of West African dance through two special events: a special one-evening workshop, on Thursday February 28th, and a six-week dance series from March 13th through April 17th, 2008.
author: BBM News Team | found in: Events & Happenings
Album Review: “Fula Flute”
December 11, 2007
A favorite on the playlist here at BBM headquarters is the self-titled album by the group Fula Flute. Check out the video and album!
author: Dave Kobrenski | found in: Music Reviews
Fall 2007 West African Dance! Thursdays in Concord, NH, October 25 - November 29
October 18, 2007
We’re very pleased to announce our upcoming series of West African Dance Workshops, happening five Thursdays this Fall, in Concord, NH — with our good friend and dancer extraordinaire, Frank Anderson.
author: Dave Kobrenski | found in: Events & Happenings
The Joyful Sounds of West Africa return to the Common Man, in Ashland NH - October 5, 2007
September 29, 2007
The Black Bear Moon Rhythm Ensemble returns to the Common Man on Friday, October 5th for a special performance of traditional West African rhythms and songs.
author: BBM News Team | found in: Events & Happenings
The 2007 Pirate Party - September 28, 2007
September 18, 2007
Did you know that there is a direct correlation between the increase in global temperatures and the decreasing number of pirates in the world? You are invited to help us counteract this global problem — come dance, drink, and be merry by joining us at the 2007 Pirate Party at D Acres Farm in Dorchester, NH, on September 28, 2007.
author: BBM News Team | found in: Events & Happenings
Potluck and Equinox Jamm in Hartland VT, September 22, 2007
September 17, 2007
Join the BBM Rhythm Ensemble and friends on September 22, 2007 for a Potluck and Equinox Jamm at Damon Hall in Hartland, VT — a special evening of locally grown food and live music, with the music of the BBM Rhythm Ensemble, the Gully Boys, and Pete Meijer.
author: BBM News Team | found in: Articles & Essays
“Le Maître à Sangbarala” — the new painting by Dave Kobrenski
May 19, 2007
“Le Maître à Sangbarala” is the new watercolor painting by Dave Kobrenski, the first in a series depicting the traditional music and culture of the people of Guinea.
author: Dave Kobrenski | found in: News & Announcements
Dance Workshops Return! Special Series with Guest Artist, Frank Anderson
May 18, 2007
BBM is very pleased to announce a new series of West African Dance workshops this Spring 2007 with guest artist Frank Anderson, along with the BBM Rhythm Ensemble.
author: Dave Kobrenski | found in: Events & Happenings
Kéli the Wonder Dog Springs into Spring
April 22, 2007
Spring has Sprung in New Hampshire, and to celebrate, we’re posting a few of our favorite spring photos of the “un-official” BBM mascot, Kéli — aka, Super Dog.
author: | found in: Photos, Galleries, & Soundclips
Climate Change Day 2007: A Special Event with the BBM Rhythm Ensemble
April 9, 2007
The Black Bear Moon Rhythm Ensemble, in coordination with our friends at D Acres Organic Farm in Dorchester, NH, have organized a fun and educational event in conjuction with a national movement on April 14, 2007: Climate Change Day.
author: Dave Kobrenski | found in: Events & Happenings
Djembe Pre-Order Sale! Put your order in now…
April 8, 2007
We’ll be receiving a shipment of djembes this Spring 2007, direct from our good friends in Guinea. And, just for a short time, we’re taking a limited number of pre-orders, at a special discounted price.
author: Dave Kobrenski | found in: News & Announcements
Concert Notes: Toumani Diabaté’s Symmetric Orchestra in Boston, March 29, 2007
April 2, 2007
This past March 29, 2007, kora virtuoso Toumani Diabaté was in Boston with his newest project, the Symmetric Orchestra, featuring a collection of West Africa’s finest musicians. The BBM Team wasn’t going to miss this one…
author: Dave Kobrenski | found in: Music Reviews
April 2007 Photo of the Month: Sofa Festival, Guinea
April 1, 2007
Our April 2007 Photo of the Month comes from the village of Sanankoro in the Hamanah region of Guinea, and displays a unique festival featuring the Sofa rhythm.
author: Dave Kobrenski | found in: Photo of the Month
Album Review: Sila Laka, by Mamady Keita
March 21, 2007
The BBM Team reviews the album “Sila Laka” by internationally known percussionist Mamady Keita, from Guinea, West Africa.
author: Dave Kobrenski | found in: Music Reviews
March 2007 Photo of the Month: Dununba Dancers
March 20, 2007
Our March 2007 Photo of the Month comes from a Dununba festival during Tabaski, in the village of Sangbarala, Guinea (near Kouroussa), in the Hamanah region.
author: Dave Kobrenski | found in: Photo of the Month
Presenting…the Newest Addition to the BBM Tribe
March 6, 2007
This past Sunday (March 4, 2007), we added the newest addition to our family: Kéli, a beautiful chocolate lab/golden retriever puppy! We’ve uploaded a (growing) slideshow of our pics…
author: Dave and Kerri | found in: News & Announcements
Guinea, West Africa: New Hope for Reforms?
February 27, 2007
According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, “Guinea’s union leaders on Tuesday once again suspended a nationwide strike after President Lansana Conte agreed to appoint a new prime minister approved by civil society.”
author: Dave Kobrenski | found in: World News
Crisis and Conflict in Guinea: A Safe Return Home, and a Plea to the International Community
February 20, 2007
This past Friday, February 16, I returned home from a nine week stay in Guinea, West Africa. Guinea has recently been the scene of a large-scale uprising and violence in response to the corrupt regime of President Lansana Conté.
author: Dave Kobrenski | found in: Travelogue & Journal
February 2007 Photo of the Month: BBM at the Back Creek Harvest Fest
February 17, 2007
This month’s Photo of the Month comes from the Back Creek Harvest Fest, where the BBM Rhythm Ensemble performed this fall, shortly before the crew departed for Guinea.
author: Dave Kobrenski | found in: Photo of the Month
Members of BBM Rhythm Ensemble to travel to West Africa, study traditional music and culture
November 24, 2006
In an ongoing effort to learn from and preserve the traditional musical forms of West Africa, several members of the BBM Rhythm Ensemble will be traveling to Guinea, West Africa, to study with renowned djembe master, Famoudou Konaté.
author: the BBM News Team | found in: News & Announcements
Concert and Dance Party with the BBM Rhythm Ensemble: Friday, December 8, 2006
November 23, 2006
Join the BBM Rhythm Ensemble at beautiful Stone Gardens on Straits Road in our own New Hampton, NH for an evening of music, dancing, and friends, featuring an upbeat selection of West African rhythms and songs as performed by the BBM Rhythm Ensemble.
author: BBM News Team | found in: Events & Happenings
Drumming for Peace: Concord NH Peace Rally, September 30, 2006
October 1, 2006
Concord, NH was the scene of a peace rally this September 30, 2006, where 800 people gathered to protest the war in Iraq and stand together for non-violence. The BBM Rhythm Enseble was there to share music with a performance and Drum-in…
author: Dave Kobrenski | found in: Events & Happenings
BBM to peform at D Acres Annual FARM DAY 2006 on Saturday, August 19
August 12, 2006
Join the masses for D Acres annual Farm Day celebration featuring live music, great food, a raffle, and tours of the farm. August 19, begins at 5pm.
author: BBM News Team | found in: Events & Happenings
All Walks of Life Festival, Rumney, NH: August 10-13, 2006
August 10, 2006
Join the BBM Rhythm Ensemble and Friends for a weekend of fun, music, camping, and more in Rumney, NH this August 10-13, 2006. (BBM performs Saturday, August 12)
author: BBM News Team | found in: Events & Happenings
The Sounds of West Africa return to The Village Perk with the BBM Rhythm Ensemble: July 15, 2006
June 27, 2006
Dont miss this special evening of music, culture, and dancing at New Hampshire’s “Best Regional Hangout” — The Village Perk, in Meredith, NH.
author: BBM News Team | found in: Events & Happenings
BBM Rhythm Ensemble at Longhaul Farm’s 4th Annual “Taste of the Farm,” July 5, 2006
June 26, 2006
The Longhaul Farm and Black Bear Moon are inviting our friends and neighbors to once again join us for a night of festivities and taste testing at the farm in Holderness, NH. Live music provided by the BBM Rhythm Ensemble and the Crunchy Western Boys.
author: BBM News Team | found in: Events & Happenings
June 2006 Photo of the Month: Numun Festival, Guinea, West Africa
June 25, 2006
Our photo of the month for June 2006 comes from the Numun Festival — the Blacksmith’s festival — in Guinea, West Africa.
author: Dave Kobrenski | found in: Photo of the Month
BBM Rhythm Ensemble: Summer 2006 Performance Schedule
June 24, 2006
Summer is the time for live music and dancing! Be sure to catch the sounds of the West African djembe, dunun drums, Fula flute, and more at these great summer events…
author: BBM News Team | found in: Events & Happenings
BBM Rhythm Ensemble performs at the Common Man on Friday, June 23, 2006 (Ashland, NH)
June 12, 2006
The lively sounds of the West African djembe, Fula flute, dunun drums, and more return to the Common Man in Ashland on Friday, June 23, 2006 with the Black Bear Moon Rhythm Ensemble.
author: BBM News Team | found in: Events & Happenings
West African Drumming Workshop and Performance: Campton, NH’s “Music in the Spring” Festival, May 20, 2006
May 2, 2006
Black Bear Moon will be offering an all-levels West African Drumming workshop, followed by a performance by the BBM Rhythm Ensemble, at Campton’s “Music in the Spring” Festival on May 20, 2006. Workshop registration includes festival admission.
author: BBM News Team | found in: Events & Happenings
Potluck and Performance with the BBM Rhythm Ensemble, to benefit Nicaragua Club
May 2, 2006
The BBM Rhythm Ensemble will be in Plymouth, NH, on Saturday, May 13th, for a groovy potluck and performance to benefit the PSU Nicaragua Club.
author: BBM News Team | found in: Events & Happenings
New BBM Rhythm Ensemble Soundclips posted
April 30, 2006
We’ve just posted some new mp3 soundclips of the BBM Rhythm Ensemble, featuring the African flute playing of Dave K and the rhythm work of the Ensemble crew: Kerri, Doug, Alexis, Audrey, Lexy, and Keith. Enjoy!
author: BBM News Team | found in: Photos, Galleries, & Soundclips
Guinea, West Africa: Photo Slideshow!
April 21, 2006
For your viewing pleasure, I’ve just finished uploading a collection of photos from my last couple of trips to Guinea, West Africa. Enjoy!
author: Dave Kobrenski | found in: Photos, Galleries, & Soundclips
BBM Rhythm Ensemble performance: Saturday, March 25, 2006 at The Village Perk
March 20, 2006
Meredith NH’s coolest new café and live music spot — the Village Perk — is where the BBM Rhythm Ensemble will be on Saturday, March 25, 2006, performing two sets of West African music.
author: BBM News Team | found in: Events & Happenings
“Legends of West Africa” to make Boston debut
March 15, 2006
April 10 and 11, 2006, an explosive troupe of dancers and drummers from Guinea celebrate West Africa’s ethnic heritage in their Boston debut of their full evening show. Mamady Keita: Artistic Director; Moustopha Bangoura, Choreographer.
author: BBM News Team | found in: Events & Happenings
The Middle Earth Music Hall hosts BBM Rhythm Ensemble: Thursday, March 16, 2006
March 12, 2006
The Middle Earth Music Hall in Bradford, VT will be host to the contagious rhythms of the BBM Rhythm Ensemble on Thursday, March 16, 2006 — featuring an all new set of traditional West African music!
author: BBM News Team | found in: Events & Happenings
Ali Farka Touré 1939 - 2006
March 7, 2006
African music legend Ali Farka Touré died this Tuesday, leaving behind a legacy of music and inspiration to the world. Across the deeply impoverished West African nation of Mali, people mourned Touré’s passing while the world music community took time to recognize the great musician’s contributions and achievements.
author: Dave Kobrenski | found in: World News
Back from Africa…lots of BBM Rhythm Ensemble performances coming up this Spring!
February 21, 2006
BBM Director Dave K has just returned from a month-long stay in West Africa, and he and the BBM Rhythm Ensemble have been hard at work, gearing up for a busy spring. Here are some of our upcoming performance dates…
author: Dave Kobrenski | found in: Events & Happenings
BBM Rhythm Ensemble performs at the Common Man in Ashland, NH: January 7th and February 18th, 2006
November 29, 2005
The BBM Rhythm Ensemble will be performing twice at one of our favorite hangouts — the Common Man in Ashland, NH. Sure to be some great times…don’t miss ‘em!
author: BBM | found in: Events & Happenings
BBM Rhythm Ensemble performs at the Middle Earth Music Hall: December 21, 2005
November 28, 2005
The BBM Rhythm Ensemble will be the featured performers at the Middle Earth Music Hall on Wednesday, December 21, 2005. Don’t miss this special evening of music, dancing, great food and drink, at an awesome venue!
author: BBM | found in: Events & Happenings
West African Dance Workshop: Friday, December 9, 2005, in Concord NH
November 26, 2005
Dancer Kerri Biller and members of NH’s own BBM Rhythm Ensemble lead this fun and invigorating journey into the world of West African dance. Always to awesome live drumming, our dance workshops are a great way to stay fit and have lots of fun at the same time. All levels welcome.
author: BBM | found in: Events & Happenings
BBM Presents…an Evening of West African Drumming: Workshop, Potluck, and Film, on December 2, 2005
November 19, 2005
Join BBM director Dave Kobrenski and members of the BBM Team for a fun-filled, all-levels excursion into West African drumming — along with a community potluck and special film showing!
author: BBM | found in: Events & Happenings
BBM Rhythm Ensemble Performance at the Village Perk: Saturday, October 8, 2005
October 4, 2005
On Saturday, October 8, 2005, the BBM Rhythm Ensemble will bring their unique and energetic blend of traditional West African music back to the Village Perk in Meredith, NH. Bring your dancing shoes!
author: BBM | found in: Events & Happenings
BBM Rhythm Ensemble to Perform at Timberman Triathlon event at Ellacoya State Park: Sunday, August 21, 2005 (Rain or Shine!)
August 19, 2005
On Sunday, August 21, 2005, the Black Bear Moon Rhythm Ensemble will be providing their joyous and energetic renditions of traditional West African drum rhythms at the Ellacoya State Park, on the banks of Lake Winnipesaukee in Gilford, NH, as part of the festivities for the 5th Annual Timberman Triathlon taking place throughout the weekend. (Rain or Shine event!)
author: BBM | found in: Events & Happenings
Fall 2005 West African Drumming and Dance Schedule Announced!
August 19, 2005
This fall 2005, join Dave, Kerri, and the BBM Rhythm Ensemble for our BEST session yet of traditional West African djembe and dunun drumming and dancing classes and workshops. From awesome 10-week courses, to drop-in workshops, we’ve got the events that will keep rhythm in your life throughout the season!
author: BBM | found in: Events & Happenings
July 6, 2005: BBM Rhythm Ensemble to perform at Long Haul Farm’s 3rd Annual “Taste of the Farm” Event!
July 3, 2005
The BBM Rhythm Ensemble will be presenting their upbeat renditions of traditional West African djembe music at the Long Haul Farm’s delightful “Taste of the Farm” event on Wednesday, July 6, 2005. Great eats and great music at a terrific outdoor summer location in Holderness, New Hampshire.
author: BBM News Team | found in: Events & Happenings
BBM’s Summer 2005 Raffle: Win an Ivory Coast djembe and other great prizes!
June 17, 2005
We’re celebrating BBM’s fifth birthday by raffling off some great prizes! Including: Ivory Coast djembe, krin drum from Guinea, signed book of photos from West Africa, gift certificates! Read on to find out how you can buy your raffle tickets and win!
author: BBM | found in: News & Announcements
Sneak Preview! BBM Rhythm Ensemble recording CD of traditional rhythms from West Africa
June 14, 2005
The BBM Rhythm Ensemble has been hard at work on a new recording of traditional music from West Africa. Here’s a sneak preview from the first sessions.
author: BBM | found in: Photos, Galleries, & Soundclips
BBM Rhythm Ensemble: Summer 2005 Performances
June 7, 2005
Join the BBM Rhythm Ensemble for these exciting upcoming summer performances of traditional West African music, featuring the djembe and dunun drums and music of the Malinke, Susu, and Baga of Guinea, West Africa!
author: BBM | found in: Events & Happenings
Special workshop and sale on West African Krin Drums
June 6, 2005
BBM announces special workshop and sale of West African Krin (log) Drums, from Guinea, West Africa. Buy a krin drum, learn to play it!
author: BBM | found in: News & Announcements
The official…BBM “Top Ten World Music” List!
June 1, 2005
From time to time someone at a performance or workshop will ask me what musicians I frequently listen to for inspiration, and in particular, for recommendations in the “world music” category. Since I’m almost always listening to music of some sort (sort of like I’m always breathing), I tried to think of what albums have been most frequently in the rotation over the years here at BBM. So, here — according to the iTunes playcount here at BBM headquarters — is the official and current “BBM Top Ten List.”
author: Dave Kobrenski | found in: Music Reviews
BBM Rhythm Ensemble Performance: Saturday, March 26 at the Village Perk in Meredith, NH
March 24, 2005
Bring some dancin’ shoes and join the BBM crew for a fun-filled evening, featuring the sounds of West Africa as the BBM Ensemble performs lively renditions of the music of the Malinke, Susu, Baga, and Manian of Guinea, Mali, and more! At the Village Perk Coffee House, 48 Main St. (across from Town Hall) in Meredith, NH.
author: BBM | found in: Events & Happenings
Kerri and Dave Announce their Engagement!
February 24, 2005
Yes, folks, you heard it right: Kerri and Dave announce, with great glee, their plans to be wed. (Caution: utterance of the “M” word too loudly may cause convulsions, fits of giggles, raucous cheering, or other unexpected results.)
author: Kerri and Dave | found in: News & Announcements
Africa, here we come again!
January 5, 2005
As part of our continuing commitment to furthering our knowledge and understanding of the traditional music and dance of West Africa, Kerri and I are VERY excited to be traveling to Guinea for over a month to immerse ourselves in studies and culture.
author: BBM | found in: News & Announcements
Fall 2004 Drum and Dance Celebration: Sunday, November 21, 2004
October 25, 2004
BBM is pleased to announce our Fall 2004 Drum and Dance Potluck/Performance/Celebration in Concord, NH on Sunday, November 21, 2004.
author: BBM News Team | found in: Events & Happenings
BBM Rhythm Ensemble performances this September, 2004!
September 9, 2004
Don’t miss the contagious rhythms and electrifying drumming of the BBM Rhythm Ensemble this September at the Laconia Multicultural Market Day (September 11) and at the seventh annual Newmarket Heritage Festival (September 18).
author: BBM News Team | found in: Events & Happenings
Nii Tettey Tetteh and the Kusun Ensemble to teach, perform in New Hampshire
July 12, 2004
This July 27th and 28th, 2004, the BBM Music and Cultural Project is hosting the Kusun Ensemble, an extraordinary group of musicians and dancers from Ghana, West Africa for two evenings of workshops, followed by a special performance.
author: Black Bear Moon News Team | found in: News & Announcements
“Dancing to the beat of the drum in Plymouth: West African drumming, dancing offered by world musician.” Laconia Citizen feature article
June 7, 2004
BBM’s West African Drumming and Dance program, and BBM director Dave Kobrenski, were recently the subject of a feature article in the Laconia Citizen.
author: Bethany Gordon | found in: Articles & Essays
Mascoma High School students participate in Spring Drumming and Song Residency with BBM
April 19, 2004
For five days [April 12-16, 2004], BBM worked intensively with more than 60 Mascoma Valley Regional High School Experiencing the Arts and Chorus students on producing a concert featuring traditional West African drumming and song.
author: Christopher Morse | found in: Articles & Essays
Travel Commentary: BBM in Guinea West Africa 2003-2004
March 11, 2004
This past December 2003 and January 2004, BBM director Dave Kobrenski travelled to Guinea, West Africa, to study the traditional music and culture of the Malinke. Here is his personal commentary on the trip.
author: Dave Kobrenski | found in: Travelogue & Journal
West African Style Dance Workshop: Saturday, February 28, 2004!
January 20, 2004
Don’t miss this invigorating exploration into rhythm and movement this February 28! Featuring the dance to Soli, a Malinké rhythm from Guinea, and the live drumming of the BBM Ensemble and friends.
author: BBM | found in: Events & Happenings
BBM IN WEST AFRICA!
November 25, 2003
This December and January, BBM director Dave Kobrenski will be travelling to Guinea, West Africa, to study with renowned djembe master Famoudou Konate…
author: BBM | found in: News & Announcements
AUTUMN 2003 DRUM AND DANCE CLINICS
October 16, 2003
The Black Bear Moon Rhythm Ensemble will be offering a series of clinics in both West African Drumming and Dance, this November and December, for all levels and experience…
author: BBM | found in: Events & Happenings
BBM Rhythm Ensemble performing at PSU on October 25, 2003
October 11, 2003
The Black Bear Moon Rhythm Ensemble will be performing at Plymouth State University on Saturday, October 25 as a part of a Walk for Cancer fundraiser…
author: BBM News Team | found in: Events & Happenings
Black Bear Moon’s Dave Kobrenski featured on NH Public Radio
September 9, 2003
BBM’s own Dave Kobrenski featured on NH Public Radio’s talk show “The Front Porch”…
author: BBM News Team | found in: News & Announcements