This workshop series will enhance your connection to rhythm thru hand drumming. Drumming is a wonderful way to revitalize your spirit, rejuvenate your body, and connect with others while playing in community. Drumming is an ancient tradition. Some believe women were the first drummers before they were forbidden to play.

In our classes, you will learn basic techniques, hand patterns, and traditional rhythms on the West African djembe drum. You bring the interest and inhibition, and I will bring the drums and instruction. Together we will build a drum community. Come and Drum SistaDrum!

Each class is $15 with a part of the proceeds going to BookWoman. To reserve a drum contact  sistadrums@yahoo.com or call BookWoman.

Tonya "Onye" Lyles is a multi-instrumentalist based in Austin Texas. She founded SistaDrums to rejuvenate, invigorate and uplift a community through teaching the art of hand-drumming and movement linked to traditional world rhythms. Her first drum was a tambourine played in a gospel choir where she sang and performed weekly. In 1994, her path converged with the West African djembe drum in Las Cruces, NM. Her drumming style has been greatly influenced by her teachers, Babatunje Olatundje Alseny Sylla, Karuna Warren, Edwina Tyler, Mohamed Camara, M'bembe Bangora, Ibrahim Diakate, Mouminatou Camara, Abdoulye Diakate, and Moussa Taore.

She has been playing and performing traditional rhythms on djembe since 1994 and currently teaches in Austin, Texas. Her performance experiences range from solo artist to member of a sixteen piece West African drum and dance ensemble. Drum on Sistas Drum!