Afro-Cuban Coro de Clave weekend, with Bombo Productions

We're teaming up with Bombo Productions once more, for a joyous weekend of workshops of Afro-Cuban singing, culminating in a scratch choir performance and after party.

Coro de clave is an Afro-Cuban choir tradition that proliferated in the black communities of Western Cuba from the last part of the 1800s until around 1920. They were mobile ensembles, often amassing over 100 members and would compete with other neighbouring groups. This choir tradition combines pleasingly simple harmonies with rich rhythm and percussion. Highly accessible, and uplifting, this really is music to put a smile on your face. But it's also part of a complex spiritual and cultural system that combines elements of both African and Spanish traditional beliefs. As well as teaching us the songs, our workshop leaders, Vicky and Dave, will provide insights into the context and background of this fascinating folk choral tradition.

We'll have workshops on Friday evening, and during Saturday and Sunday. Some learning materials will be provided in advance, so that we can come prepared to get the most out of the in person teaching sessions.

Then on Sunday evening we'll finish with an open sharing of the songs we've learned, followed by an after party with bar.

Music leaders
Established in 2007, Bombo Productions is a community arts organisation that believes in the power of community music to improve people’s lives. They specialise in Afro-Latin American music. The workshops will be led by two hugely experienced teachers and musicians:

Victoria Jassey
Founder and musical director of Bombo Productions, Vicky Jassey is a singer and percussionist who has specialised in Afro-Cuban drum and song music for twenty years in both secular and religious settings. She holds a PhD in Ethnomusicology, which focused on Cuban batá drumming. Vicky is also the director of Moving Voices UK, an organisation that provides support and group singing for female survivors of human trafficking.

David Pattman
David is one of the UK’s leading Latin musicians. He is a percussionist, arranger and composer who has worked with Paul McCartney, Jacob Collier, Omara Portuondo and Cachaito from the Buena Vista Social Club, Bebo Valdez, Tindersticks, Snowboy and the Latin Section, Cubanismo and many more.

David Pattman and Vicky Jassey have, through their combined experience, developed a teaching style which attempts to unlock the mysteries and complexity of Afro-Cuban music, making it accessible to all levels of experience and ability whilst conveying the profound musical beauty and transformative qualities of these culturally rich musical traditions.

'Highly recommended for anyone interested in Afro Cuban folkloric music...Dave and Vicky have figured out the perfect formula to share their very deep knowledge in a really fun and relaxed but also intensive and challenging way. Only thing to be aware of is that this might be addictive.'

'Dave and Vicky are wonderful teachers and people, who love sharing their knowledge and passion for music. I feel so much joy and gratitude after every class I take with them! I can’t speak highly enough of Dave and Vicky’s classes...Thank you, thank you, thank you!'

'10/10 Over the years I've done workshops with Dave, and it's always been a great and rewarding experience. Very warm, friendly and energetic teacher, with extensive knowledge of this music. Can't recommend the course enough...this side of Havana,  Bombo productions is the place to go if you want to learn the real essence of Afro Cuban drumming, music and culture.'

Ticket prices

We work hard to keep all of our events accessible to as many people as possible, while still adequately compensating our expert music leaders. To that end we offer a choice of three price bands, to suit your means, as well as a youth rate. In choosing the appropriate price band, we suggest the following guide:

Supporter: If you can comfortably afford to pay your bills, and more than one or two main holidays each year, please consider paying the supporter rate, which will help us to offer lower cost tickets to those who would otherwise be unable to attend.

Standard: If you can pay all your bills, but don't have a lot of disposable income for discretionary spend, the standard ticket price may be right for you.

Concessionary: For anyone on a low income, in receipt of income based benefits, or who would struggle to pay the standard rate.

Youth: 14-21 years old. Under 14s free, with responsible adult.

Workshops (Friday to Sunday) £100/85/70/50
Performance and afterparty. Pay what you can. Suggested amount £7.50

As always, if you are keen to attend but cost is a barrier for you, please contact us directly to discuss options. We aim never to turn anyone away on grounds of financial circumstances.

A 15% early bird discount can be applied up until the end of September. Enter the code Bombo26 at the checkout. (Case sensitive) 

If unable to attend due to Covid, or similar communicable disease, a full refund will be given. Refunds for other reasons are at the organiser's discretion. You may wish to consider taking out cancellation insurance, or if paying by credit card cover may be provided by your card issuer.

Timings

Workshops: Friday 18.30-21.20, Saturday 10.00-12.30, 14.30-17.30, Sunday 10.00-12.30, 14.30-17.30

Performance and afterparty (Sunday). 19.00-22.00

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