24th to 26th August 2024
Big Bang 2024 marked 30 years since the original Big Bang Festival of Rhythm in 1994 which changed the face of communal drumming in Ireland forever. We were delighted to continue to celebrate the festival with the help of our partners Dublin City Council, Dublin City Council Culture Company, Catherine Young Dance, The African Dance Centre, Gandharva Loka, The National Concert Hall and Slí Na Croí.
the Workshops
We began 2024 with taster drumming workshops in January in Richmond Barracks. In July our main programme of dance and drumming workshops free for participants in Richmond Barracks. Dance workshops were accompanied by live drumming and facilitated by Catherine Young (Irish), Godfred Asare (Ghanaian), Amir Sabra (Palestinian), Daria Asieieva (Ukrainian), Tatiana Santos (Brazilian) and Laura Lundy (Irish). Drumming workshops were facilitated by Brian Fleming (Irish), Nicolas Severin (Chilean) and Barra O Flannaigh (Irish). Many participants were in the 30-60 age bracket but several regular participants 70+ and occasional participation from children with parents and a wide range of nationalities.
the Workshops
We began 2024 with taster drumming workshops in January in Richmond Barracks. In July our main programme of dance and drumming workshops free for participants in Richmond Barracks. Dance workshops were accompanied by live drumming and facilitated by Catherine Young (Irish), Godfred Asare (Ghanaian), Amir Sabra (Palestinian), Daria Asieieva (Ukrainian), Tatiana Santos (Brazilian) and Laura Lundy (Irish). Drumming workshops were facilitated by Brian Fleming (Irish), Nicolas Severin (Chilean) and Barra O Flannaigh (Irish). Many participants were in the 30-60 age bracket but several regular participants 70+ and occasional participation from children with parents and a wide range of nationalities.
big bang
On August 24th we had the Big Bang final workshops at Richmond Barracks, followed by a ‘Céilí Afro Dabke Ukraine,’ involving several of the facilitators from previous weeks along with the ‘CADU’ live band, including Aindrias De Staic and members of Kila. Special guest on the day was renowned Guinean percussionist ‘Petit’ Mamady Keita.
There were two workshops in the National Concert Hall, one with ‘Petit’ Mamady Keita, the other with Masamba, both extremely well attended, culminating in both sets of participants being brought together for a finale performance.
big bang
On August 24th we had the Big Bang final workshops at Richmond Barracks, followed by a ‘Céilí Afro Dabke Ukraine,’ involving several of the facilitators from previous weeks along with the ‘CADU’ live band, including Aindrias De Staic and members of Kila. Special guest on the day was renowned Guinean percussionist ‘Petit’ Mamady Keita. There were two workshops in the National Concert Hall, one with ‘Petit’ Mamady Keita, the other with Masamba, both extremely well attended, culminating in both sets of participants being brought together for a finale performance.
Resonate
Since 2022, it has been the policy of the Big Bang to share some of the benefits of our visiting guests beyond the Dublin area, beginning with Co Clare, where Kakatsitsi from Ghana and Monette and Nasira Marino Keita have performed and given workshops. This year ‘Petit’ Mamady Keita performed and gave workshops in both Dublin and Clare as part of the festival.
Resonate
Since 2022, it has been the policy of the Big Bang to share some of the benefits of our visiting guests beyond the Dublin area, beginning with Co Clare, where Kakatsitsi from Ghana and Monette and Nasira Marino Keita have performed and given workshops. This year ‘Petit’ Mamady Keita performed and gave workshops in both Dublin and Clare as part of the festival.
Aftershocks
On Monday August 26th there was a final bodhran workshop with Dermot Sheedy in Gandharva Loka on Georges St, full to capacity. In October some of our facilitators performed again for IWERA in Inchicore as part of an emerging Samhainn tradition.
Aftershocks
On Monday August 26th there was a final bodhran workshop with Dermot Sheedy in Gandharva Loka on Georges St, full to capacity. In October some of our facilitators performed again for IWERA in Inchicore as part of an emerging Samhainn tradition.
FREE
Big Bang Dance Project, curated by Catherine Young Dance
Teachers; Catherine Young, Godfred Asare, Amir Sabra, Daria Asieieva, Tatiana Santos and Laura Lundy.
West African, Afro Brazilian and Palestinian Dabke dance. Every class is accompanied by live drumming. Bring water and dress to sweat!
Finale Performance at ‘Céilí Afro Dabke Ukraine,’ Richmond Barracks 2pm, Sat August 24.
Come earlier at 10am for free drumming workshops.
(Children over 12 are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult., limited places, booking essential).
.11.30am to 12.45pm
Sat 13th July to 10th Aug & 24 Aug
Garden at Richmond Barracks
FREE
West African Drumming workshops
Led on various weeks by drummers Brian Fleming, Nicolas Severin, Barra O Flannaigh and Petit Mamady Keita as part of the Big Bang Festival of Rhythm, the workshops will start with warm ups and technique tips. They will concentrate on the rhythms of the Mandingue people of West Africa, rhythms made for the popular hand drum, the djembe and the less well known accompanying dun duns.
There will be a performance on the final Saturday afternoon August 24th and participants will be welcome to join the professional drummers, including Petit Mamady Keita for part of the performance.
You can book each date you want to attend below. Beginners and improvers are welcome, drums can be supplied. Stay after for the free dance workshop from 11.30-12.45!
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(Children over 12 are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult., limited places, booking essential).
.
10.00am to 11.15pm
Saturdays 13th July to 10th August and 24 August,
Garden at Richmond Barracks
whats on
whats on
24th, 25th & 26th Aug 2024
24 Aug · Dublin
presents
CÉILÍ AFRO DABKE UKRAINE
This vibrant, upbeat world music Céilí dance conceived by Catherine Young & The Welcoming Project, will feature dance styles from around the world including Palestinian Dabke dance, African dance and Ukrainian folk dance, finishing off the evening with some of the traditional Irish Céilí dances.
Energised by world class live musicians, this event is open to everyone to join in, try something new, dance together and meet our neighbours from around the world.
2pm
Sat 24th Aug
Richmond Barracks, Dublin
Admission – FREE
hello@bigbangfestival.ie for more details
24th Aug
West African Drumming with "Petit’ Mamady Keita"
Presented by Big Bang Festival of Rhythm in association with the NCH
WORKSHOP 1
Learn West ~ African percussion with one of the greats of the tradition. Bring your own djembe or dundun or learn with ours. Beginning with some basics and moving to intermediate rhythms and phrases over the course of 2 hours, this is a unique opportunity to learn from the best.
‘Petit’ Mamady who makes his first visit to Ireland is know to djembe players worldwide for his famous cameo as a three year old prodigy in the 1991 documentary ‘Djembefola’ about the legendary Guinean djembe master Mamady Keita. where he appeared with the area Mamady and Famoudou Konaté.
5.00pm
Sat 24th Aug
Kevin Barry Room
National Concert Hall, Dublin
24th Aug
Introduction to Afro Brazilian percussion with Masamba
Presented by Big Bang Festival of Rhythm in association with the NCH
WORKSHOP 2
5.00pm
Sat 24th Aug
Kevin Barry Room
National Concert Hall, Dublin
County Clare
West African Drumming in West Clare
West African Percussion performance with ‘Petit’ Mamady Keita from Guinea, in performance with Slí Na Croí.
_Admission by donation
4pm – 6pm (Sunday)
Aug 25th
The Barn, Miltown Malbay, Co. Clare, V95 NY02
Places are limited, but you can email us to secure a spot. hello@bigbangfestival.ie
County Clare
West African Percussion workshop with ‘Petit Mamady Keita, from Guinea
Learn West ~ African percussion with one of the greats of the tradition. Bring your own djembe or dundun or learn with ours. Beginning with some basics and moving to intermediate rhythms and phrases over the course of 2 hours, this is a unique opportunity to learn from the best.
_15 euro
7pm – 9pm
Aug 26th
The Barn, Miltown Malbay, Co. Clare, V95 NY02
26 Aug · Dublin
Bodhran Workshop
With Dermot Sheedy
Learn to play the bodhran, the heartbeat of Irish music with one of Ireland’s masters; Dermot Sheedy of Hermitage Green fame.
Dermot, a virtuoso of the Bodhrán, holds seven All-Ireland titles. Globally captivating audiences with Hermitage Green, his three top 5 albums and sold-out shows span Ireland, the US, Australia, Canada, the Middle East, and the UK. Dermot collaborates with luminaries like Dónal Lunny, Síomha, Beoga, Kíla, The Kilfenora Céilí Band, Stockton’s Wing, Strange Boy, and Susan O’Neill.
Bodhrans will be supplied.
6.30pm (2 HOURS)
Mon 26th Aug
Gandharva Loka, 62
Sth Gt George Street, Dublin
30 July · Dublin
Intermediate to Advanced
Intermediate and Advanced West African Drumming
With Monette Marino Keita & Nasira Marino Keita
14 years since the historic visit to the NCH and Big Bang by the late great Guinean percussion icon, Mamady Keita, two extraordinary drummers, his then wife Monette and his daughter, Nasira, make a return vist to continue his teaching.
An evening of Indian percussion.
An evening of Indian percussion.
2.30pm – 4.00pm
Sun 30th July
National Concert Hall, Dublin
Dublin
Drumming Workshops
Join us for free drumming workshops on Saturday mornings with Brian Fleming and Nicolas Severin as part of the Big Bang Festival of Rhythm.
Following warm ups and technique tips, the workshops will concentrate on the rhythms of the Mandingue people of West Africa, rhythms made for the popular hand drum, the djembe and the less well known accompanying dun duns.
Final workshop is led by Monette and Nasira Marino Keita!
10am
June 24th
July 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd
Richmond Barracks
These workshops are free, but you must register to book a place.
Dublin
African Dancing
Join us for free African Dance workshops with Catherine Young Dance and Godfred Asare of the African Dance Centre, as part of the Big Bang Festival of Rhythm. Every workshop is accompanied by live drumming. Bring water and dress to sweat!
11am
June 24th
July 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th
Richmond Barracks
These workshops are free, but you must register to book a place.
AFRICAN
DANCE
CENTRE