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People often ask if I can you play Hawaiian music for a concert or private event.
The short but inadequate answer to this question is that yes, I do play Hawaiian music. I play ukulele and sing songs you would hear in Hawaii, and even a few that include some version of the Hawaiian language. I also play marimba and steel drum, which are associated with tropical and Hawaiian music. The problem is that the definition of Hawaiian music that the person asking has will determine whether they ultimately think that I am playing Hawaiian music.
That said, I have never had an unhappy customer for a Hawaiian event where I have performed. In fact, quite a few of them have had me back for many years for their annual luau!
As someone with an academic background in music and musicology and who has been performing professionally for decades, deciding what someone means when they say they want Hawaiian music is not as simple as it seems like it should be. The issue is that, just like in every other area of life (cuisine, agriculture, technology, and especially language), music in any culture is constantly evolving with the influx of influences from other cultures, technological innovations, etc.
If you define Hawaiian music as what existed pre-European contact you are referring to a music that includes mainly shark-skin drums, flutes, a gourd percussion instrument called an "ipu", shackers, and, especially, chanting.
Here is an example of what this music may have sounded like:
This would likely have been accompanied by hula dancing, but only by big muscular men. I have only worked with one group in the Pacific Northwest that offers entertainment similar to this. I do not believe that they are still performing, however.
If your idea of Hawaiian music is ukuleles with beautiful vocal harmonies, that type of music is really a product of the colonial era and of the accelerated cultural exchanges that any seafaring society experiences. The use European harmonies in singing was mainly introduced by missionaires. The ukulele was introduced by Portuguese settlers to Hawaii in the late 19th century.
Or maybe your idea of Hawaiian music is the Hawaiian-born Don Ho, most famous for his song and album Tiny Bubbles. Ho was of very mixed ethnic origins, as are most contemporary Hawaiians. His ancestors were native Hawaiian, Chinese, Portugues, Dutch and German. Or maybe your concept of Hawaiian music includes Elvis Presley songs. Maybe it includes Jack Johnson, a popular, Hawaiian born-and-bred musician of the past several decades... or Bob Marley since his music and reggae in general are very popular in Hawaii... or maybe Jason Mraz, who's music also seems to lend itself to a Hawaiian vibe. And then of course there is Israel Kamakawiwo'ole, who's incredible voice is so associated with Hawaiian music, except that some of his most popular songs are covers of North American popular music: Over the Rainbow, What a Wonderful World, Country Road, etc.
Here are my ideas of Hawaiin music and how best to provide ambiance for a Hawaiian event.
Instruments: steel drums didn't originate in Hawaii or even Polynesia generally. However, they are a very common type of entertainment at Hawaiian-themed parties. They are also common now in Hawaii. Steel drums and marimbas have a lot in commin with the log drum, which is a very traditional Polynesian instrument from the pre-European era. I consider that, at this point, steel drums, marimbas, and vibraphones are part of the Hawaiian tradition. One important proponant of marimba and vibraphone in Hawaiian music is Arthur Lyman. Lyman was an Hawaiian jazz vibraphone and marimba player who's group popularized a style of faux-Polynesian music during the 1950s and 1960s which later became known as exotica. Check out the video below for an example:
Song Selection:
In terms of repertoire, my approach to Hawaiian-themed events is to generally select songs that audiences associate with a tropical vacation and, most importantly, are probably familiar with. People almost always prefer to hear songs they know! I perform a good helping of songs by Hawaiian artists like Iz and Jack Johnson, as well as others, such as songs from the Hawaii-focused Disney film Moana. I also typically perform Jimmy Buffett, Bob Marley, and other non-Hawaiian artists who are nevertheless associated with tropical sounds and VERY well known and loved by audiences.
If you want an accurate musical representation of pre-European-contact Hawaiian music I am not the best choice. However, if you want some very accessible and fun entertainment for a Hawaiian event my solo or group performances are a great option with decades of experience and happy Hawaiian-event-planning clients!
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[Verse]
G Em
Almost Heaven, West Makaha,
D C G
high-ridge mountain, crystal-clear blue water.
Em
All my friends there hanging on da beach,
D
young and old among them,
C G
feel the ocean breeze.
[Chorus]
G D
Country road, take me home,
Em C
to the place I belong,
G D
West Makaha, Mount Ka'ala.
C G
Oh, take me home, oh, country road.
[Bridge]
Em D
I heard a voice,
G
in the morning calm, she calls me,
C G D
as though to remind me of my Home far away.
Em F
Driving down the road,
C
I feel the Spirit coming to me,
D D7
from yesterday, yesterday.
[Verse]
G Em
All my memories hold Heaven on high,
D C G
brown-skinned woman, clear blue island sky.
Em
Daytime sunshine, oo-ooh so bright,
D C G
midnight moon a-glowing, stars up in the sky.
[Chorus]
[Bridge]
[Verse]
G Em
Almost Heaven, West Makaha,
D C G
high-ridge mountain, crystal-clear blue water.
Em
All my friends there hanging on da beach,
D
young and old among them,
C G
eating fish straight from the sea.
[Chorus] x4
[fade out spoken]
G D
Huuhuu. Huuu-tah.
Em C
Good fo' be back.
C D
White san', clean watah.
C G
Hô boy, the mountain...feel the makani...
whew, what a place.
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Yesterday, just before doing my regular Sunday Steel Drum Party, I participated in a pre-mothers' day Zoom performance for the Tabernacle M.B. Church in Tallahassee, Florida. It was a blast!
Spring has sprung and I am back in Seattle for a few days to perform at the Boats Afloat Show on Lake Union, tomorrow, Saturday!
Please pardon the new newsletter formatting. I am getting the newsletter set up on a new platform.
I will only be around for about a week, into the very beginning of May. If you have been thinking about throwing a party between now and around May 12th, please reach out and let's get you some live, tropical music to take your party to the next level!
How about a Cinco de Mayo party!?!
Please let me know before Monday, May 2nd. After your party :) I'm heading back to Guadalajara for several weeks, then I'll be back at the beginning of June. Lot's of demand for June, but there are still dates available from June through the rest of the summer. Let's enjoy life this summer!
Upcoming Shows
***Boats Afloat Show
4/30/2022 3pm to 6pm, Chandler's Cove, 901 Fairview Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109
I'll be playing for a yacht christening party at the Outer Reef Yachts booth.
Artist: Ian Dobson Solo
Click Here for Tickets and Details
***Ian Dobson's Virtual Steel Drum Party
5/1/2022 4pm to 4:30pm PST
Please click here to get your free ticket!
Keep dancin’
Ian Dobson
CLICK HERE for full schedule
Spring has sprung, and so I announce the sprouting of a tiny bud of an idea I have been thinking about and planning for years. But first, a quick note about a great show tomorrow…
SHOW
***Kent Regional Library-Ian Dobson's Steel Drum Party-Solo
3/26/16 3pm to 3:45pm, Kent Regional Library, 212 2nd Avenue North, Kent, WA 98032, United States
Artist: Ian Dobson
Free!
Details: Culture, Music, Creativity, Technology
Dance, clap, and stomp along to live steel drum music! This rhythmical journey uses music, dance, and movement to inspire resourcefulness, creativity, confidence, and an interest in exploring other languages and cultures. Ian has performed it hundreds of times all over the United States for young audiences large and small. Ian is performing as part of the King County Library System’s “Many Voices, One Land” 2016 program.
And now back to my big announcement!
RHYTHM ACADEMY
My Rhythm Academy offers educational music performances and workshops, but it has always been my plan that, at its heart, the Rhythm Academy would offer innovative percussion curriculum that can be accessed anywhere.
The overall goal is to create adventures in music by making learning music accessible, affordable and social. The strategy is to leverage the number of students I can reach by encouraging peer mentoring through socialnetworking. The on-line, social-network-based curriculum includes:
*Peer Mentoring
*Frequent Instructor Evaluation
*Step-By-Step Curriculum
*Gaming Elements
I am just trying out this teaching concept for the first time and eager to see how it works and what sort of feedback I receive. For now the on-line curriculum/rhythm game is just for minors, but requires an adult to sign up for my web site on behalf of the minor. If you are already signed up for my web site it is easy to add a minor to your account.
SO, WHO WANTS TO BE AN INTREPID ALPHA TESTER?!
Do you have children, grandchildren, or other kids in your life that might enjoy trying out a new way of learning music? If so, please click on the page below:
https://iandobson.ning.com/group/rhythm-academy-alpha-testers
Thank you!!!! I am very excited about this…
LEND YOUR COLORING SKILLS-NEW ARTWORK
My new artwork for the Ian Dobson’s Steel Drum Party show is so much fun!
But wait, do you or someone you know like to color? Here is an outline version of the above picture for you, your kids, or your friends to color in. Why not add in some musical notes while you’re at it?
please click here for a link to the coloring page for printing
If you are a member of www.iandobson.com I would love to see you scan (or take a picture on your phone) your colored page and post it on the site. Or just email it back to me at this address and I will post it.
Have fun!
I look forward to seeing you at the Rhythm Academy-either on line or at one of my shows or workshops!
Ian Dobson
Oh my it’s been a long time since I’ve sent out a newsletter. So much exciting stuff has been going on that I haven’t had a chance. I'm thrilled to give you an update now!
I had a very busy summer full of rewarding performances throughout the Puget sound area and beyond. This fall I had a great tour of schools in Washington, Montana, and Idaho. I am terribly excited about the creative possibilities of my very unique musical setup as I continue to master all this new technology.
I am hoping in about one week to have my first on-line, gamified lesson posted for Ian Dobson’s Rhythm Academy. Please keep your eyes out for a newsletter regarding that shortly. I would love for as many kids as possible to sign up and give it a try!
Please come and join me in the next several days for some creative, rhythmic, tropical fun. Here are some upcoming public shows:
***Tommy Bahama Spring Line Launch -Ian Dobson's Steel Drum Party-Solo
2/6/16 1pm to 5pm, Tommy Bahama, Bellevue Square (The Bellevue Collection), Bellevue, WA, United States
Artist: Ian Dobson
Tickets:
Free!
Details
Stop by the store if you are in the area. Ian will be doing a chilled-out bunch of sets creating an awesome island vibe. They are launching their new Spring arrivals from their new design team.
*** Redmond Regional Library-Ian Dobson's Steel Drum Party-Solo
2/7/16 1pm to 1:45pm, 15990 NE 85th St, Redmond, WA 98052, United States
Artist:
Ian Dobson
Tickets:
Free!
Details:
Culture, Music, Creativity, Technology
Dance, clap, and stomp along to live steel drum music! This rhythmical journey uses music, dance, and movement to inspire resourcefulness, creativity, confidence, and an interest in exploring other languages and cultures. Ian has performed it hundreds of times all over the United States for young audiences large and small. Ian is performing as part of the King County Library System’s “Many Voices, One Land” 2016 program.
*** Des Moines Library-Ian Dobson's Steel Drum Party-Solo
2/16/16 12:30pm to 1:15pm, 21620 11th Ave S, Des Moines, WA 98198, United States
Artist:
Ian Dobson
Tickets:
Free!
Details:
Culture, Music, Creativity, Technology
Same show as February 7th in Redmond, see description above.
Library Phone: 206-824-6066
This fall I created a bunch of remixes of live shows. I remixed all of my shows from my Montana/Idaho tour and a good number of library and festival shows and workshops from last summer. Please click here to check them out on my youtube channel.
If you saw one of my shows in 2015 and don’t see a remix of that show here please let me know if you would be interested in having one. If I get enough interest in a particular show I may be able to create a remix of it.
I have already booked a ton of library shows for summer 2016. I have a special show this summer in honor of the olympics called:
Clap Hands, Stomp Feet, Find Brazil’s Olympic Beat
Please click here to see all the shows and workshops I am currently offering.
I look forward to seeing you at one of these winter shows!
Oh my it’s been a long time since I’ve sent out a newsletter. So much exciting stuff has been going on that I haven’t had a chance. I'm thrilled to give you an update now!
I had a very busy summer full of rewarding performances throughout the Puget sound area and beyond. This fall I had a great tour of schools in Washington, Montana, and Idaho. I am terribly excited about the creative possibilities of my very unique musical setup as I continue to master all this new technology.
I am hoping in about one week to have my first on-line, gamified lesson posted for Ian Dobson’s Rhythm Academy. Please keep your eyes out for a newsletter regarding that shortly. I would love for as many kids as possible to sign up and give it a try!
Please come and join me in the next several days for some creative, rhythmic, tropical fun. Here are some upcoming public shows:
***Tommy Bahama Spring Line Launch -Ian Dobson's Steel Drum Party-Solo
2/6/16 1pm to 5pm, Tommy Bahama, Bellevue Square (The Bellevue Collection), Bellevue, WA, United States
Artist: Ian Dobson
Tickets:
Free!
Details
Stop by the store if you are in the area. Ian will be doing a chilled-out bunch of sets creating an awesome island vibe. They are launching their new Spring arrivals from their new design team.
*** Redmond Regional Library-Ian Dobson's Steel Drum Party-Solo
2/7/16 1pm to 1:45pm, 15990 NE 85th St, Redmond, WA 98052, United States
Artist:
Ian Dobson
Tickets:
Free!
Details:
Culture, Music, Creativity, Technology
Dance, clap, and stomp along to live steel drum music! This rhythmical journey uses music, dance, and movement to inspire resourcefulness, creativity, confidence, and an interest in exploring other languages and cultures. Ian has performed it hundreds of times all over the United States for young audiences large and small. Ian is performing as part of the King County Library System’s “Many Voices, One Land” 2016 program.
*** Des Moines Library-Ian Dobson's Steel Drum Party-Solo
2/16/16 12:30pm to 1:15pm, 21620 11th Ave S, Des Moines, WA 98198, United States
Artist:
Ian Dobson
Tickets:
Free!
Details:
Culture, Music, Creativity, Technology
Same show as February 7th in Redmond, see description above.
Library Phone: 206-824-6066
This fall I created a bunch of remixes of live shows. I remixed all of my shows from my Montana/Idaho tour and a good number of library and festival shows and workshops from last summer. Please click here to check them out on my youtube channel.
If you saw one of my shows in 2015 and don’t see a remix of that show here please let me know if you would be interested in having one. If I get enough interest in a particular show I may be able to create a remix of it.
I have already booked a ton of library shows for summer 2016. I have a special show this summer in honor of the olympics called:
Clap Hands, Stomp Feet, Find Brazil’s Olympic Beat
Please click here to see all the shows and workshops I am currently offering.
I look forward to seeing you at one of these winter shows!
Oh my it’s been a long time since I’ve sent out a newsletter. So much exciting stuff has been going on that I haven’t had a chance. I'm thrilled to give you an update now!
I had a very busy summer full of rewarding performances throughout the Puget sound area and beyond. This fall I had a great tour of schools in Washington, Montana, and Idaho. I am terribly excited about the creative possibilities of my very unique musical setup as I continue to master all this new technology.
I am hoping in about one week to have my first on-line, gamified lesson posted for Ian Dobson’s Rhythm Academy. Please keep your eyes out for a newsletter regarding that shortly. I would love for as many kids as possible to sign up and give it a try!
Please come and join me in the next several days for some creative, rhythmic, tropical fun. Here are some upcoming public shows:
***Tommy Bahama Spring Line Launch -Ian Dobson's Steel Drum Party-Solo
2/6/16 1pm to 5pm, Tommy Bahama, Bellevue Square (The Bellevue Collection), Bellevue, WA, United States
Artist: Ian Dobson
Tickets:
Free!
Details
Stop by the store if you are in the area. Ian will be doing a chilled-out bunch of sets creating an awesome island vibe. They are launching their new Spring arrivals from their new design team.
*** Redmond Regional Library-Ian Dobson's Steel Drum Party-Solo
2/7/16 1pm to 1:45pm, 15990 NE 85th St, Redmond, WA 98052, United States
Artist:
Ian Dobson
Tickets:
Free!
Details:
Culture, Music, Creativity, Technology
Dance, clap, and stomp along to live steel drum music! This rhythmical journey uses music, dance, and movement to inspire resourcefulness, creativity, confidence, and an interest in exploring other languages and cultures. Ian has performed it hundreds of times all over the United States for young audiences large and small. Ian is performing as part of the King County Library System’s “Many Voices, One Land” 2016 program.
*** Des Moines Library-Ian Dobson's Steel Drum Party-Solo
2/16/16 12:30pm to 1:15pm, 21620 11th Ave S, Des Moines, WA 98198, United States
Artist:
Ian Dobson
Tickets:
Free!
Details:
Culture, Music, Creativity, Technology
Same show as February 7th in Redmond, see description above.
Library Phone: 206-824-6066
This fall I created a bunch of remixes of live shows. I remixed all of my shows from my Montana/Idaho tour and a good number of library and festival shows and workshops from last summer. Please click here to check them out on my youtube channel.
If you saw one of my shows in 2015 and don’t see a remix of that show here please let me know if you would be interested in having one. If I get enough interest in a particular show I may be able to create a remix of it.
I have already booked a ton of library shows for summer 2016. I have a special show this summer in honor of the olympics called:
Clap Hands, Stomp Feet, Find Brazil’s Olympic Beat
Please click here to see all the shows and workshops I am currently offering.
I look forward to seeing you at one of these winter shows!
Oh my it’s been a long time since I’ve sent out a newsletter. So much exciting stuff has been going on that I haven’t had a chance. I'm thrilled to give you an update now!
I had a very busy summer full of rewarding performances throughout the Puget sound area and beyond. This fall I had a great tour of schools in Washington, Montana, and Idaho. I am terribly excited about the creative possibilities of my very unique musical setup as I continue to master all this new technology.
I am hoping in about one week to have my first on-line, gamified lesson posted for Ian Dobson’s Rhythm Academy. Please keep your eyes out for a newsletter regarding that shortly. I would love for as many kids as possible to sign up and give it a try!
Please come and join me in the next several days for some creative, rhythmic, tropical fun. Here are some upcoming public shows:
***Tommy Bahama Spring Line Launch -Ian Dobson's Steel Drum Party-Solo
2/6/16 1pm to 5pm, Tommy Bahama, Bellevue Square (The Bellevue Collection), Bellevue, WA, United States
Artist: Ian Dobson
Tickets:
Free!
Details
Stop by the store if you are in the area. Ian will be doing a chilled-out bunch of sets creating an awesome island vibe. They are launching their new Spring arrivals from their new design team.
*** Redmond Regional Library-Ian Dobson's Steel Drum Party-Solo
2/7/16 1pm to 1:45pm, 15990 NE 85th St, Redmond, WA 98052, United States
Artist:
Ian Dobson
Tickets:
Free!
Details:
Culture, Music, Creativity, Technology
Dance, clap, and stomp along to live steel drum music! This rhythmical journey uses music, dance, and movement to inspire resourcefulness, creativity, confidence, and an interest in exploring other languages and cultures. Ian has performed it hundreds of times all over the United States for young audiences large and small. Ian is performing as part of the King County Library System’s “Many Voices, One Land” 2016 program.
*** Des Moines Library-Ian Dobson's Steel Drum Party-Solo
2/16/16 12:30pm to 1:15pm, 21620 11th Ave S, Des Moines, WA 98198, United States
Artist:
Ian Dobson
Tickets:
Free!
Details:
Culture, Music, Creativity, Technology
Same show as February 7th in Redmond, see description above.
Library Phone: 206-824-6066
This fall I created a bunch of remixes of live shows. I remixed all of my shows from my Montana/Idaho tour and a good number of library and festival shows and workshops from last summer. Please click here to check them out on my youtube channel.
If you saw one of my shows in 2015 and don’t see a remix of that show here please let me know if you would be interested in having one. If I get enough interest in a particular show I may be able to create a remix of it.
I have already booked a ton of library shows for summer 2016. I have a special show this summer in honor of the olympics called:
Clap Hands, Stomp Feet, Find Brazil’s Olympic Beat
Please click here to see all the shows and workshops I am currently offering.
I look forward to seeing you at one of these winter shows!
I think making music out of recycled oil barrels is really cool. I also think this is really cool! https://youtu.be/B8AYZaKBsoQ
This represents one complete show (video from two different performances) and includes two of the optional activities: the cup song and inventing musical instruments out of recycled materials. Ian Dobson's Steel Drum Party is one of the summer reading programs that I am offering to libraries for summer 2016. The optional activities can be done by library patrons at home before the show or the librarian can organize them as activities at the library prior to the show.
Enjoy!
Affro Reggae does great work in Brazil and elsewhere, particularly in the slums ("favelas") of Brazil. This is a great video just in time for the climate summit in Paris. They are going around their community and collecting plastic materials and creating music with those materials.
Two or three times now I’ve played for a wedding where I’m dealing with the family for months and only find out when I am at the wedding performing that the groom’s father is a celebrity. Last night’s wedding was particularly fun in this way…
Groom: “can my dad sit in with you guys on some Santana tunes”
Me: “sure” (thinking to myself, “now just let me get back to setting up!”)
Groom: (Trying to get my attention) “let me tell you the reason why, my dad played for Santana from 1976 to 1987.”
Me: “what, is your dad Michael Shrieve?” (beating my brain now thinking that the last name "Lear" sounded very familiar).
Groom: “no he’s Graham Lear”
Modern drummer articles from my youth about Graham Lear flood back to my memory, as well as seeing him play with Santana in the mid 1980s.
So Graham Lear of Santana and REO Speedwagon and , currently, of Paul Anka, sat in with us for about 30 minutes. We had a blast! Graham and Ernesto Pediangco were rockin some exact percussion quotes from the Santana recordings.
Graham is a superb musician and a very nice guy to boot!
During my two gigs today I noticed a particular awesome new resonance to my belly during the body percussion portion of my show. Much like a concert bass drum. In COMPLETELY unrelated news I have been super busy performing so have stopped going to the gym... and am eating ice cream every night.
I've got another bunch of great kid-friendly shows this week, a number of teen-friendly workshops, family-friendly concerts at various locations, and one over 21 show. Starting with the family-friendly....
what are you doing for the 4th of July? You don't know you say? Why not head up to Suncadia resort with the family and enjoy Splash Fest!?
Or, if you are in the Issaquah area on Saturday, July 11th, you can catch me performing at Grand Ridge Plaza. Here are details about these two events:
***Splash Fest at Suncadia Resort -Ian Dobson's Steel Drum Party-Trio
7/4/2015 1:30pm to 3pm
Village Amphitheatre and Pavilion, 270 Big Hill Drive, Cle Elum, WA 98922
Artist: Ian Dobson, Ernesto Pediangco, Christian Krehbiel
Tickets: Free!
Details
Ian Dobson’s Steel Drum Party performs from 1:30pm to 3pm, but festivities go on all day, from 10am-4pm. Besides the irresistible summer music, you get: • Waterslide Bouncy House (Free) • Build-A-Boat 10:00am($60/boat) • Water Balloon Toss (Free) • Dunk Tank (Free) • Foam Party (Free) • Surf Machine (Free) • Make Your Own Bubbles Craft ($5) Come out to a lovely location on a beautiful day and celebrate the 4th of July with Ian Dobson!
***Grand Ridge Plaza-Ian Dobson's Steel Drum Party-Solo
7/11/2015 2pm to 5pm
Plaza Fountain, Grand Ridge Plaza, 1451 Highlands Drive Northeast, Issaquah, WA 98029, United States
More information at: http://www.grandridgeplaza.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/GRP_SummerConcerts-3.pdf
Details: Ian will perform three sets of irresistible summerry music at the Plaza Fountain at Grand Ridge Plaza. Come enjoy Ian's music as well as the strolling musicians and entertainers that will be in the plaza. Ian will feature his super unique setup and perform on steel drums, electronic marimba, ukulele, percussion, and voice.
Below is one of my few over-21 events:
***Bahama Breeze-Ian Dobson's Steel Drum Party-Solo
7/4/2015 6pm to 9pm
15700 Southcenter Pkwy, Tukwila, WA 98188
NO COVER CHARGE! Just the price of your food/drink.
Details
Ian hasn't performed at the Bahama Breeze in several years. They are bringing him back to spice up some of the Saturday nights this summer. We are pretty sure he'll be performing out on the deck where the live music usually happens. Come on down and enjoy the Caribbean food and fun atmosphere!
***Make Music-Save The Planet (Children/Family Program)
Recommended for ages 4 through 14
Artist: Ian Dobson Solo
Details:
Come join the fun and dance, clap, and stomp along to live steel drum music! What do all super heroes have in common? They face challenges, learn to be creative, work hard and find solutions to problems. You can become a musical super hero as you learn how to invent your own instrument using materials you might throw away. Learn about music superheroes of the past and be a music superhero for the future and how you can use your superpowers to save the planet! Learn how you can be music superheroes by inventing your own way to make music out of recycled materials. http://kcls.org/calendar/detail_expanded.cfm?view=event&&kw=Make+Music+and+Save+the+Planet
1. 7/1/2015 11:30am to 12:15pm Fairwood Library, 17009 140th Avenue Southeast, Renton, WA 98058
2. 7/1/2015 4pm to 4:45pm (then performing in same location for Sammamish Farmers Market from 5pm to 6pm) Sammamish Library, 825 228th Avenue Southeast Sammamish, WA 98075
3. 7/7/2015 4pm to 4:45pm Vashon Library, 17707 100th Avenue Southwest, Vashon Island, WA 98065, United States
***Bucket Drumming Remix: Unmask your Drumming Talent!--THIS IS A WORKSHOP
Recommended for ages 11 through 18
Artists
Ian Dobson Solo
Details
How are the Caribbean Islands, physics, music, and computers related? Attendees will play bucket drums and help produce the Kent Library's Summer 2015 Bucket Drumming Remix and find out! In this program Ian Dobson shares how people waith few resources in various cultures have used their creativity and resourcefulness to engineer sophisticated musical instruments from recycled materials. The primary example used in the show is the Caribbean instrument called the steel drum. Ian begins the show by performing on the steel drum, getting attendees involved with dancing and rhythmic games, providing a bit of cultural and historical background, and introducing the musical concept of “syncopation” which is so prominent in Caribbean music. He then presents a section on the physics of the steel drum with the cognitive learning objective of students being able to explain a sound wave and how multiple different pitches are achieved on one piece of material. Recycled buckets are then given to the students and they are asked to explore the sounds of the bucket themselves, apply the physics learned from the steel drum to the sounds created by the bucket, and be able to explain the basic physics of how the bucket sounds are made. Ian then explores syncopation more deeply by teaching students basic bucket drumming with the physical learning objective of students being able to demonstrate syncopation. To finish up the show Ian introduces digital technology into the mix so that attendees can relate their workshop experience more to the contemporary digital music that teenagers listen to. Attendees perform acoustic sounds that Ian then captures digitally with the cognitive learning objective of being able to explain what happens to the sound wave when it becomes digitized. Attendees collaborate with Ian to decide which digital processes to apply to these acoustic sounds and a final acoustic/digital performance is created.
1. 7/2/2015 2:30pm to 4pm Graham Pierce County Library, 9202 224th Street East, Graham, WA 98338
2. 7/9/2015 2pm to 3:30pm Woodinville Library, 17105 Avondale Road Northeast, Woodinville, WA 98072, United States
I look forward to seeing you at some of the many shows this summer!
Keep dancin’
I had a blast performing at the Experience Woodinville event yesterday! It was a very successful, sold out event and, as previously when I have worked with the awesome people at the Barking Frog, there was a wonderful improvisational element to the evening. I got to interact with and musically enhance the proceedings, lead by Chef Bobby Moore, as they held a very entertaining cook off between Chef Brett Teegardin from Purple Café and Wine Bar, Chef Bobby Moore from Barking Frog and Barking Frog Mobile Kitchen, and Chef Seth Fernald from Novelty Hill-Januik Winery. Judges included a former Mariner and a former Sea Hawk and the entire event had a wonderful vibe. It was the perfect opportunity to create improvised music live with my totally unique, Ableton-Live-powered percussion, steel drum, marimba, ukulele, and voice setup.
I always love performing in the gardens there too!
Hello Steel Drum Fans!
I wanted to let you all know about a slew of fun upcoming public shows. In fact there are so many that I’ll just give you one weeks worth. Lot’s more the week of June 22nd. And these don’t even include all the private events!
***URGENT URGENT URGENT
Come on down to Crossroads Bellevue tomorrow (Saturday) for a really great time, and bring an invented recycled instrument so we can feature you on the show!
6/13/2015, 6pm to 7pm
15600 NE 8th Street Bellevue, WA 98008
Age Limit:
Geared to Kids!
Link for Further Information:
http://www.crossroadsbellevue.com/SpecialEvents/2ndSaturdays
Artists:
Ian Dobson's Pan Leggo Trio with Ernesto Pediangco and Christian Krehbiel
Details:
This is part of Crossroads new-and-very-successful Family First events. If you haven’t been to Crossroads it is probably the coolest “mall” around. They have a great stage in the middle of the building and have many live music and cultural events there. Ian and his trio will perform one hour of family-friendly fun!
As usual, Ian’s show will be very participatory. We would love for you to bring a “Recycalypso” instrument, one that you have invented out of recycled materials. If you make one and bring it we will feature your instrument in the show and make fascinating music with it!
For more information on how to do the “Recycalypso Challenge” please go to the link below:
http://www.iandobson.com/pre-assembly.html
Translated from Caribbean English, Pan Leggo means “steel drum party.” In the program Ian shares the joy of exploring other cultures through music by recounting his quirky musical journey from Seattle grunge kid to Steel Drum musician. In the process audiences learn some music and cultural history and gain insight into being resourceful and creative. Ian’s interactive web site provides learning opportunities before and after the show.
***6/13/2015 1pm to 3pm
Tommy Bahama, Bellevue Square, 575 Bellevue Square, Bellevue, WA 98004
Details:
If you are in Downtown Bellevue tomorrow afternoon Maui Jim is having a sunglasses event at Tommy Bahama and Ian will be performing in the store as part of the fun. Come down and check out his new setup! Kinda like having a DJ and a steel drum player all rolled into one. For more information please call 425.274.0268
Artists:
Ian Dobson's Pan Leggo-Solo
***All the shows below are FREE and are billed in various ways, but essentially they are all Ian’s “Recycalypso” show. The show is very participatory and parents and their kids are encouraged especially to do the “Recycalypso Challenge” before the show, that is invent instruments out of recycled materials, then bring the instruments to the show so Ian can feature them. Also anyone who wants to practice or learn the cup song should do so before coming to the show. You might get to perform the cup song with Ian! More information on how to prepare here:
http://www.iandobson.com/pre-assembly.html
***6/17/15 3pm to 3:45pm
Tacoma library system
7001 6th Avenue, Tacoma, WA 98406
***6/18/15 10am to 10:45am
La Conner Library
614 Morris St, La Conner, WA 98257, USA
***6/18/15 3pm to 3:45pm
Mount Vernon City Library
315 Snoqualmie Street, Mount Vernon, WA 98273
***6/18/15 6pm to 6:45pm
Presented by Central Skagit Library
Clear Lake Elementary School, 23631 Lake Street, Sedro Woolley, WA 98284
***Friday, June 19, 2015 1:15pm to 2:05pm
Les Gove Park, 1005 12th Street SE
The perfect day for any child! Live entertainment, inflatable rides, arts & crafts, face painting, over 80 activity & information booths, miniature golf, an ArtRageous hands-on art experience, DARE Expo, food concessions and much more.
Attendees can enjoy pony rides, bungy trampolines and the paintball target range for a nominal fee. Valley Medical Center will be offering free helmet fittings and low-cost helmet sales at the festival.
Leashed, licensed and well-behaved pets welcome.
http://www.auburnwa.gov/things_to_do/community/kd_s_p206.htm
In other news…
I have yet to finish my blog entries about my tour this past winter. It was such a great experience with so many great tales to tell. That will have to wait.
In the mean time I am working on a new recording to release and to use as on pre-show radio intervies as an example of what people might hear at our concert for Vashon Allied Arts in August. Creating new material takes a lot of effort, but it sure is rewarding!
Browsing through posts of my musician friends over the past several months I have noted that many former members of my bands are doing amazing things in music, particularly members of the swing band that I founded in the late 1990s. This group doesn't exist anymore but was called the Jackson Street Swing Band, the name being a homage to Seattle music history and to the area where I grew up in the city. Here is a link to a recent article on one of the piano players I had in the band, Carmen Staaf. Carmen Staaf http://revive-music.com/2015/04/06/6-young-pianists/. Also Michael Glynn, Emily Asher, Tina Richerson, Michael Cabe, are all tearin' it up in music in NY, Washington, and around the world. So proud to have had you guys in the band!
I look forward to seeing you at some of the many shows this summer!
