Newly Signed Artists

Toca Artist Update

Kalani Universal Rhythms Spur Olympic Torch Bearer

Kalani

Kalani joined local percussionists in Canberra, Australia, generating communal pulsations that transcended the banner-waving crowds and harsh voices raised in protest. After playing for almost four hours during the Olympic torch run, Kalani led a thunderous community drumming ensemble that spurred on Olympic torch bearer Ian Thorp through the last leg of his run. Then, to the delight of the cheering assembly, Ian completed the ceremonial lighting of the Olympic cauldron.

Toca is particularly proud to sponsor our artist Kalani on his musical outreach. Toca itself is the official percussion sponsor of the multi-cultural youth-driven Beijing Olympic Orchestra. We know that when governments lock horns, and when people become inextricably entangled in struggle, the calm may come from the heralding of trumpets and the thundering of drums. Kalani holds this vision and this hope -- both at the Olympics and well beyond. When he gathers participants for communal drum activities, the result is peace, harmony and a rare sense of well being.

Significantly, the torch run coincided with the World Rhythms Festival, a five-day educational event led by Gary France, director of percussion at Australia National University. Kalani was an invited participant and was conversant on the role of various indigenous and world rhythms.

Taking stock: A week-long percussion summit melding of rhythms, and a peaceful passage of the Olympic torch through adversity! Kalani and his many followers see this as no coincidence. Rhythm always establishes the pace for harmonious interaction.

Toca is a proud of Kalani's activities and we salute our artist for employing Toca percussion instruments in activities that unify diverse peoples. With his participation, perhaps the Olympic theme, one world one dream, will take a step closer to realization.

Artist Tours


Chad Butler Chad Butler with Switchfoot are headlining the Music Builds Tour this summer. Log on to Switchfoot.com for concert dates.

 

Charlie Chavez

Charlie Chavez Workshops


Learn to play congas, bongos, timbales and cajon every Tuesday evening:
Beginners 5:00 - 6:00 pm
Advanced 6:00 - 7:00 pm
Classes are only $5.00 per class!

Centro Cultural De La Raza
2004 Park Blvd,
San Diego, California
Info: Stefany de La Torre
Phone: 619.549.4538

Montreal Drum Fest 2008 Modern Drummer Festival Features Ndugu Chancler

Ndugu Chancler was one of the featured artists at this year's Modern Drummer Festival 2008. During his performance, he demonstrated various tribal, jazz and rock beats, illustrating why he's performed on Grammy-winning songs by Michael Jackson, Carlos Santana, Herbie Hancock, George Duke, Miles Davis, and countless others. He also emphasized why the groove is so important to the music, and the entire audience was thrilled to see him prove this point.

Wimberly

Michael Wimberly Presents The Power of the Drum III


Internationally acclaimed composer and percussionist Michael Wimberly presented his third annual Power of the Drum Festival at The Riverside Theatre in Manhattan on June 20, 2008. This year's performance featured African trio, Mar Gueye, Famoro Dioubate, Yacouba Sissoko; Brazilian drummer, Jorge Amorim; world-renowned conguero, Giovanni Hidalgo; New York underground rhythm duo, Philip Hamilton and Kenny Muhammad; along with the multi-talented percussionist, Jamey Haddad. Their virtuosic performances featured rhythms from Mali, Senegal, Brazil, Cuba, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Middle East, India and the contemporary sounds of New York City.

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