November 28, 2023 
Lesson Sign Up Djembe Explore! Saturdays 12-1:15pm: Beginning djembe. Covers hand technique (bass, tone, slap), basic rhythms, and intro to dununs (the bass drums) in a low-pressuresetting. You will explore the polyrhythmic patterns of West Africa, learn supporting/accompaniment rhythm, as well as the breaks, signals and arrangements for traditional West African rhythms. Teachers will also discuss origins, context, and culture in this Ongoing/Drop-in group lesson. Limited to 8 students. Bring your own Djembe. Dununs will be provided. Taught by Caton Lyles Intermediate Djembe1:30-2:45pm: For those who have basic technique under their belt and 1 year of familiarization with djembe including basic accompaniment patterns, the intermediate course continues the West African rhythm journey with more complex rhythms, breaks, solo phrases, as well as use of dununs in a group setting. Students will study the works of master Djembefolas Mamady Keita and Famoudou Konate as well as specific rhythms played for harvest, fishing, courtship, marriage and other life-cycle ceremonies. This is Ongoing/Drop-in. Limited to 8 students. Bring your own Djembe. Dununs will be provided. Taught by Caton Lyles. Conga Explore! 3:30-4;45pm: Beginning Conga. Covers hand technique (bass, tone, open slap, closed slap, heel-toe), basic rhythms (Tumbao/Marcha, Rumba, Makuta, Comparsa) in a low-pressure group setting. Students will also learn the accompaniment clave, bell, and shekere instruments and patterns used in those rhythms. This is Ongoing/Drop-in course and will prepare students for the Afro-/Cuban Rhythm Lab where they continue their rhythmic journey by applying technique along with other percussion and rhythm section instruments. Limited to 8 students. Congas will be provided. Taught by Caton Lyles. Catón Lyles is an accomplished Pacific Northwest artist who is a night club and concert favorite. As an instructor for many years, Catón’s performance experience as a musician and actor has engaged and enriched the community. For over 30 years he continues to be a dance accompanist often working with several school districts, world-renowned choreographers and dance educators. While specializing in traditional West African and Afro-Cuban styles of hand drumming, he was the accompanying and lead djembe drummer for nearly 20 years with the internationally acclaimed Northwest Afrikan-American Ballet. 
Now that the dust has settled, we're inviting the public in to see what's new here at the Rhythm Traders. We are having a public Open House event Saturday Dec. 9th, 11-7 pm and we hope YOU can make it. There will also be special event pricing on all gear in the house. We will be adding more information about this exciting event as it comes in. If you have any questions, please feel free to give us a call at 503-288-6950 or contact us directly (info@rhythmtraders.com) and we’ll get you taken care of. And again THANK YOU, and we hope to see you Saturday! This is event open to the public so the more the merrier. Please feel free to forward this event and bring a friend. Open House Also in News
Zildjian 400th Limited Edition Alloy Snare DrumDecember 12, 2023 Innovation And Tradition United To Create One Timeless Instrument Zildjian invites you to experience the passion and craftsmanship that has gone into the creation of this snare drum, and are confident that it will inspire you in your musical journey. 
Rhythm Traders VIP Open HouseDecember 08, 2023 Wow! What a night. First of all, THANKS to all of our customers who have supported us through the 30+ years, four locations, the economic ups and downs and the changing trends which has allowed us to be Portland's #1 drum shop
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