Bring some joy and relaxation to your day with this fun and friendly music and movement session, followed by time to chat over a brew!
Explore a range of music and movement styles, from the uplifting rhythms of traditional African Zulu music and dance to the relaxing notes of the piano as we stretch.
The perfect ‘pick-me-up’ for your body and mind!
No experience necessary. This is an accessible session suitable for all adults.
Schedule
Friday lunchtimes
Southgate Church, Langdale Street, Elland. HX5 0JL
All sessions run:
12pm – 12.45pm: movement and music workshop
12.45pm – 1.30pm: time for a brew
FREE!
October
1st October – Zulu music and dance from South Africa – with Sandile
8th October – relax, stretch, and breathe with live keyboard and guitar – with Rosie and Matt
15th October – Zulu music and dance from South Africa – with Thanda and Sandile
22nd October – create some sound and get moving with guitars – with Kieran and Matt
November
5th November – relax, stretch, and breathe with live keyboard/piano – with Rosie and Matt
12th November – relax, stretch, and breathe with live keyboard/piano – with Rosie and Matt
19th November – relax, stretch, and breathe with live keyboard/piano – with Rosie and Matt
26th November – final session celebration with songs, ukulele and piano – with Abi, Sam and Matt
Meet the Musicians
Thanda Gumede
Thanda is the founding and managing member of the touring freelance cast known as Zulu Tradition all the way from Durban South Africa. He has been touring the UK for several years to perform in festivals, theatres and high profile events including the first ever Nelson Mandela Day at the British Museum in London (sanctioned by the U.N.); the Theatre Royale in West End for Her Royal Highness Princess Alexandra and an exclusive performance for all the 44 members of the British Royal Family in Buckingham palace, to name a few. Thanda is also part of Ubunye-Unity band currently touring the UK as part of the 2017-2018 Northern Line Jazz Rota and headline act of the 2017 Manchester Jazz Festival. Additional projects include Opera North Lead Artist 2019, The People’s Lullaby Project.
Sandile Duma
Sandile Duma is a native of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa and is now based in England. He is a befittingly respected vocalist, dancer and drummer who specialises is traditional African music and choreography. Sandile is a seasoned and experienced performer with live and TV appearances across Africa, Europe and the Middle East with the dance troupe Zulu Tradition as well as Africo Productions. He has performed for the British Royal Family on several occasions. He also performed for Nelson Mandela and has shared the stage with the legendary Ladysmith Black Mambazo. In addition to festivals, theatres and high profile events, his repertoire includes community outreach through workshop facilitation designed around his Zulu heritage.
Rosie Doonan
Rosie Doonan hails from Wakefield, West Yorkshire. Born into a large family of traditional folk musicians, it was inevitable that she would join the family heritage. Raised on the traditional folk music that her grandfather, father and uncles played in The Doonan Family Band, and more recently The Mighty Doonans, she then sang and played saxophone in the family soul band, The Solicitors from an early age. She then went on to forge a musical career in her own right, as a solo artist – releasing many critically acclaimed folk albums and as one half of the Rosie Doonan and Ben Murray duo, who were nominated for a BBC folk award. Her most recent project “The Lullaby Sessions” is album of atmospheric, relaxing original lullabies for adults and children, released in May 2020.
Abi Austin
Abi Austin is a local Community Music Group leader. She runs the Hipperholme Community Choir and the Ripponden, Stainland and Greetland Community Choir, as well as the Brighouse Beginner Ukulele Group and also music classes for babies and toddlers. It is her baby and toddler classes where her name, ‘Abi Ukulele’, came from! She has also been leading the Orange Box Choir. Originally from Carlisle, she studied music at Huddersfield University and stayed mostly around the area, aside from a year spent teaching Kindergarten in Thailand. Abi loves to be involved in Community Music, making music fun and accessible for everyone!
Kieran West
Kieran originally is from Bracknell in Berkshire but moved north to study at the Northern School of Contemporary Dance in Leeds, and graduated in July 2021. He is now a freelance dancer and musician looking to find pathways into each of these art forms, blending them together. For Rhythm & Brews, Kieran will be providing opportunities to explore creating sound with guitars and pedals, plus we’ll be moving to the sounds we create too!
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What do I need?
Comfy clothes – layers can be helpful, particularly for the relaxation sessions.
Footwear you can easily move in, or bare feet/socks for relaxation sessions.
You might like to bring some water to stay hydrated too.