Description
Shake the Ground
Spring Edition 2026 (Vol 3)
Saturday 26 September 2026 at Speers Point
An immersion into Drum, Dance and Connection at Lake Macquarie
Feel the rhythm. Move with power. Connect to the beat of the earth. Find Joy!
Join us for the first ever Shake the Ground at Lake Macqaurie, Spring Edition 2026 (Vol 3). An energising day of African drumming and dance that will uplift your spirit and get your body moving! Whether you’re starting out with dance or picking up a drum for the first time—or you’re already experienced and looking to go deeper—there’s something here for everyone.
Our special guest for the very first Shake the Ground is none other than the fantastic Bangourake, Mohamed Bangoura, African griot, master drummer and dancer.
🔥 What’s On the Program:
- Intro to Djembe Drumming Workshop– A friendly, beginner-focused class that welcomes you into the world of West African rhythms and djembe drumming with djembe instructor Ben Pfitzner.
- Dundun Dance Workshop – Experience the powerful fusion of movement and rhythm as you dance with the drum. Energetic, great fun and beginner friendly, led by Sophie Jiang.
- Experienced Drumming Workshop – Dive into the djembe with more complex rhythms, solo phrases and sharpen your skills in a high-energy, collaborative class for player with a bit of experience behind them. Find your expression with Master drummer Bangourake, Mohamed Bangoura!
- African Dance Workshop – Feel the joy, move with freedom, and connect with the group through an energetic African dance with the one and only Bangourake.
When & Where
Saturday 26 September 2026 at Speers Point Public School, Bell St, Speers Point NSW 2284
- Intro to Djembe Drumming Workshop: 9:30am – 10:45am
- Dundun Dance Workshop: 11:00am – 12:15pm
- Experienced Drumming Workshop: 1:15pm to 2:30pm
- Dance Workshop: 2:45pm – 4:00pm
Cost
Workshops:
- 1 workshop: $30
- 2 workshops: $55
- 3 workshops: $75
- 4 workshops: $95
Drum hire:
- $5 per dundun drum for Dunun dance class
- $5 per djembe for drumming classes if required
Experience
🎶 No experience needed for beginner friendly classes, (which is everything except the Experienced Drumming Session) – just bring your curiosity, your energy, and your love of rhythm!
For the experienced drumming class, you should have a handle on the basics (bass, tone and slap) and be able to play at a moderate speed. If you’ve done a couple of terms of classes, or a handful or workshops then you should be fine.
Let’s do it!
Come alone and join the group or come with friends – everyone is welcome in this vibrant, inclusive community celebration of joy, togetherness and earthing through movement and rhythm.
Let the rhythm move you. Let’s come together and Shake the Ground!
A Special Concert on Friday 25/09/2026
You are in for a treat!!!! A few amazing west African artists will be presenting a heart-warming music and culture experience for the audience, with Djembe, Kora, balafone, singing and dancing. At The Place Charlestown! A rare opportunity to have at Lake Mac. might as well make it a whole weekend of unforgettable experience! Ticket link HERE:
Experience West African Music at The Place in Charlestown featuring Bangourake & Friends
