Get ready for an immersive Cuban cultural workshop designed to get you playing the Cuban drums and speaking Spanish.
In one experiential workshop led by the Cuban singer and drummer Gerardo de Armas Sarria set in Waterstones' flagship space explore the country of Cuba through music and language. Every guest receives a FREE Cuban travel guide.
Learn to play basic rythms on three iconic Cuban instruments central to Rumba music: the Cuban cajon, the cata and the clave; explore the origins of Cuban music with story-telling from from the tutor and get speaking Spanish with the Stripey Spanish crew. A night perfect for all those that love Cuba, music and Spanish alike.
This is a night suitable for complete beginners - no knowledge of Spanish or playing the drums is needed. Intermediate and advanced Spanish speakers will also gain plenty from this immersive dual language workshop.
When? Thursday 26 October | 7pm-9pm
Where? Waterstones Tottenham Court Road | Tube: Tottenham Court Road
The teacher: Gerardo de Armas
Gerardo is a master percussionist and singer who has lived and breathed Afro-Cuban music, and Rumba in particular, since birth. He is an ex-singer of the world-renowned Grammy winners Yoruba Andabo, with whom he performed both at major venues and festivals in Cuba and internationally. His voice is easily distinguished on the recordings of such great bands as Irosso Obbá and The London Lukumi Choir. Gerardo is the founder and leader of the band Gerardo y su Rumba Aché, based in London. In the UK, he has performed at venues like the Royal Opera Hall, the Jazz Cafe and the Forge. His collaborations as percussionist and singer include artists like Eliel Lazo and Giovanni Hidalgo. Gerardo has led percussion and singing workshops in various cities across the UK and Europe.
Here’s a glimpse of the magic:
6.45-7pm Arrive, register and settle in.
7-7.20pm Introduction to the core lingo. Micro-lesson from the crew.
7.20-8.45pm Drumming workshop delivered in Spanish with English translations.
8.45-9pm Wrap up and raffle.
RAFFLE PRIZES: A Spanish courses voucher worth £50 will be raffled at the end of the night.
All enrolments of January 12-week Spanish courses made on the night will receive an exclusive 10% discount and a free gift of an iconic book exploring Cuba's musical heritage.
“Amazing organisation, ran smoothly. Resources very useful, clear, professional. Had fun. Looking forward to the next one.” Attendee of Andalusia Alive
