Workshops & Events
Wooden Roots’ latest events and experiences for this year.
The Wooden Roots Experience is a completely immersive and interactive, authentic West African Drum & Dance event. It is accessible to ages 8 to adult and is a ticketed event. The event is organised by Wooden Roots and is an annual event that runs over a a full weekend in August. 2025 see’s us at a new venue called DANCEEAST, located on Ipswich waterfront in Suffolk UK, just a 50 minute train ride from London. We work with top class teaching artists from around the world and this year have already announced huge names such as Melissa Hie, Monette Marino, Harouna Dembele, Aida Diop, Sidiki Dembele & Mohamed Gueye – with more names to be announced!
We hold regular djembe and other West African percussion workshops such as N’Goni and Dunun at Wooden Roots and often with guest or resident artists from West Africa. Our workshops range from 90 minutes to 2.5 hours and we always set the skill level as a guide for you. Generally mixed level is open to everyone, however, if you are a complete beginner we suggest that you come to our FREE INTRO, which we hold once a month. The cool thing about doing the free intro is that you get to meet the Wooden Roots team too! All our workshops are fun, exhilirating and uplifting and require no musical experience at all.
You will find all upcoming workshops listed below and if you have any questions or concerns please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Drum Workshops
We hold regular djembe and other West African percussion workshops such as N’Goni and Dunun at Wooden Roots and often with guest or resident artists from West Africa. Our workshops range from 90 minutes to 2.5 hours and we always set the skill level as a guide for you. Generally mixed level is open to everyone, however, if you are a complete beginner we suggest that you come to our FREE INTRO, which we hold once a month. The cool thing about doing the free intro is that you get to meet the Wooden Roots team too! All our workshops are fun, exhilarating and uplifting and require no musical experience at all.
You will find all upcoming workshops listed below and if you have any questions or concerns please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Free Introduction to Traditional West African Drumming
April 26th, May 10th, May 31st
Learn the rhythms and techniques of traditional West African drumming!
MIXED LEVEL DJEMBE WORKSHOP: Seydou Kienou
April 26th 10.30am – 1:00pm
Mixed Level Djembe drumming with Seydou Kienou. Come and join us for this fun and in depth workshop.
IMPROVER / INTERMEDIATE LEVEL DJEMBE WORKSHOP: Seydou Kienou
April 26th 2:00pm – 4:30pm
Improver / Intermediate Level Djembe drumming with Seydou Kienou. Come and join us for this fun and in depth workshop.
Rhythm @ Roots: PARKINSONS
Rhythm @ Roots PARKINSON’S, is a fun and uplifting drumming workshop designed for anyone living with Parkinsons. FREE to carers and £10 for attendees.
Student Led Practice Sessions
April 15th, 29th | May 13th, 27th 7pm-8.30pm
Enjoy this student led practice session and hone your drum skills. Suggested Donation is £5 minimum towards our Bursary Programme
MIXED LEVEL DJEMBE WORKSHOP: Aboubacar Konate
May 10th 10.30am – 1:00pm
Mixed Level Djembe drumming with Aboubacar Konate. Come and join us for this fun and in depth workshop.
IMPROVER / INTERMEDIATE LEVEL DJEMBE WORKSHOP: Aboubacar Konate
May 10th 2:00pm – 4:30pm
Improver / Intermediate Level Djembe drumming with Aboubacar Konate. Come and join us for this fun and in depth workshop.
Rhythm @ Roots Mini Dunun workshop “ballet style”
31st May 12:30pm – 2:00pm
Calling all kids and adults – feel the beat of the drums at Rhythm @ Roots – The Dunun drums are an integral part of traditional West African rhythms.
Rhythm @ Roots Djembe & Dunun workshop
May 31st 10:30am-12:00pm
Get ready to feel the beat of the drums at Rhythm @ Roots – Djembe & Dunun, where we’ll be grooving to traditional West African rhythms.