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AfroCubaWeb
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| La
Timbala - WORKSHOP NEWS September 2003,
Manchester, UK & Cuba
Roots of Carnival 2003, Cuba, 1/03 Afrocuban Study Course in Havana March 2003: all star lineup of musicians RHYTHMS AND SONG OF THE
ARARA IN CUBA, 1/15, Manchester |
Orquesta Timbala ~ La TimbalaThese groups are based in Manchester & Halifax, UK: Orquesta Timbala - A ten piece band performing Mozambique/Son. La Timbala - A six piece acoustic rumba group performing new rumbas and sacred afro Cuban possession music. They are under the umbrella of La Timbala Dance and Music, which also organizes workshops both in the UK and in Cuba. |
| NB. new date for the Arara
workshop.
Contents. 1. MONTHLY AFROCUBAN PERCUSSION WORKSHOPS IN MANCHESTER. 2. RHYTHMS AND SONGS OF THE ARARA IN CUBA. 3. LA TIMBALA'S RESIDENTIAL AFROCUBAN MUSIC AND DANCE COURSE, HAVANA, CUBA 2003. MONTHLY AFROCUBAN PERCUSSION WORKSHOPS IN MANCHESTER. Below are the dates of forthcoming sessions up to February 2004. Please read the information below for the latest news. I have lowered the cost of these sessions to try to make them more accessible to people on low incomes and I am also trying to build a more permanent base and long term outlook for the workshop group. Workshop description. These monthly sessions are designed for people who would like develop their knowledge technique, ability and confidence in playing Afrocuban percussion and voice based music. Rather than covering a specific style of music in each workshop the series concentrates on identifying the things that will benefit you most, by you talking to me and by me assessing your playing. Through these workshops I will teach and develop instrumental technique for a range of percussion instruments, group playing abilities and improvisational skills. By using specific examples of traditional and modern Afrocuban percussion, and teaching all the parts needed for each style, I will provide an insight into the performance of these styles and increase your ability to interpret a range of musical forms. The workshop group encompasses a range of abilities from intermediate to advanced players and the sessions emphasise the importance of group playing. Students are encouraged to learn from playing with other more advanced students as well as assisting those less able than themselves so that the group can begin to develop more stable and long term ambitions. Instruments covered - Congas, Cajones, Bata, Cata, Bells and Shekere. Musical examples covered include - Rumba, Conga, Salsa, Mozambique, Abakua, Guiro and Bembe. Enrolment. If you are interested in joining the workshops please contact me before hand to discuss your interests and to find out more about what the workshops offer. Dates. · Sat. October 25th. · Sat. November 29th · Sat. December 20th · Sat. January 24th · Sat. February 28th Location. Moolah Rouge Studios, 4th floor Hallam Mill, Hallam St., Stockport, Manchester. Times. 11am to 6pm. Cost. 30 GBP per one day workshop. You can also buy four workshops in advance and pay 100 GBP in total (25 GBP per session), this will save you 20 GBP, you can then attend any four sessions you like (they don't have to be four in a row) until your credit runs out. RHYTHMS AND SONG OF THE ARARA IN CUBA. This workshop series will be taking a little excursion to Cuba from the 8th to the 21st of November 2003 for a two week intensive course on Arara music which will run at the same time as La Timbala's annual Residential Afrocuban Music and Dance Workshop in Havana. More information is available on both these course by contacting me on the phone or by e mail (below). The next session in the UK will be just after the course in Cuba. Dates. Sun. November 30th. Times. 11 am to 6pm. Fee. 35 GBP. Location. Moolah Rouge Studios, 4th floor Hallam Mill, Hallam St., Stockport, Manchester. This is the continuation of the series of one day workshops on Arara drumming from Cuba. The workshops will concentrate on the intricate a beautiful toques (sacred rhythms) of the Arara Savalu from Matanzas. Originally from the Dahomey/Benin region of West Africa this powerful music holds a high reputation in Cuba where it forms part of the worship of the pantheon of West African Orisas. As well as teaching new material in each session we will continually revise everything that we have learnt, working towards performance standard for all of the material covered. This workshops is strictly by prior booking only. If you would like to join the workshop group please get in touch. If you would like to participate in both this session and the Afrocuban percussion workshop the previous day a reduced price of £50 is available by booking in advance. LA TIMBALA'S RESIDENTIAL AFROCUBAN MUSIC AND DANCE COURSE, HAVANA, CUBA 2003. La Timbala's annual Residential Afrocuban Music and Dance Workshop in Havana 2003 will be running concurrently with the two week intensive in Arara music. Course Title: Two Week Residential Afro Cuban Study Trip. Level: Intermediate to Advanced Percussionists, Singers and Dancers. Dates: November 8th to 21st. Times: 10am to 5pm on study days, Weekend free. Location: Central Havana, Cuba. Fees: All inclusive fee: 1300 GBP. Includes return flight from the UK, visa, transport from the airport in Cuba, 13 nights accommodation (see below), all workshops, trips and activities. Fee without flight: 700 GBP. Includes 13 nights accommodation (see below), all workshops, trips and activities. Course fee only: 430 GBP. Includes all workshops, trips and activities over the 13 day period. In Brief: Eight days of intensive classes and workshops with some of Cuba's' finest percussionists and singers, based in Central Havana. Trips to Santeria fiestas, rumba gigs and folkloric performances. Accommodation either in self-catering, bed sit apartment, shared house with other students or home stay with a Cuban family, you choose. Christian Weaver - 01422 824273 mobile 07884 495388 |
WORKSHOP NEWS - DECEMBER 2002
COMING UP IN 2003.
RHYTHMS AND SONG OF THE ARARA IN CUBA.
Date. Sun. January 15th. Times. 11 am to 6pm. Fee. 35 GBP. Location. Manchester, phone for venue details.
Due to popular demand I will be running a one day workshop on Arara drumming from Cuba on Sunday January 15th. This workshop will concentrate on the intricate a beautiful toques (sacred rhythms) of the Arara Savalu from Matanzas.
Originally from the Dahomey/Benin region of West Africa this powerful music holds a high reputation in Cuba where it forms part of the worship of the pantheon of West African Orisas.
This workshops is strictly by prior booking only.
If you would like to participate in both this session and the Afrocuban percussion workshop the previous day (Sat. December 14th) a reduced price of £50 is available by booking in advance.
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MONTHLY AFROCUBAN PERCUSSION WORKSHOPS IN MANCHESTER.
The next dates for the monthly Afrocuban workshops in Manchester are as follows.
Sat. December 14th - LAST SESSION OF 2002. Sat. January 11th. February - no workshop. Sun. March 23rd. Sun. April 27th.
Workshop description.
Rather than covering a specific style of music in each workshop the series sets out to teach and develop instrumental technique for a range of percussion instruments, group playing abilities and improvisational skills. By using specific examples of traditional and modern Afrocuban percussion music the students will also gain an insight into the performance of these styles, learning all the parts needed for each style covered. The emphasis of these workshops is primarily to develop your technique, playing and improvising skills alongside the ability to interpret a range of musical forms.
Instruments covered - Congas, Cajones, Bata, Cata, Bells and Shekere. Musical examples covered include - Rumba, Conga, Salsa, Mozambique, Abakua, Guiro and Bembe.
Location Manchester. Dates - Sunday October 6th, Saturday November 30th, Saturday December 14th, Saturday January 11th.
Cost - 35 GBP per one day workshop, or you can book 4 workshops in advance and save 20 GBP, cost 120 GBP for 4 (you can attend any four sessions, they don't have to be four in a row).
Enrolement.
You can book each workshop separately by sending a deposit of 50% of the fee to the address above, stating the date of the workshop which you wish to sign up for. You can also sign up for a series of four sessions with a 10% discount on the total workshop fees. You must book a place and send a deposit in advance in order to come on the workshop. If the workshop is cancelled by me I will return your deposit, but the deposit is non returnable if you fail to turn up. Numbers for the workshops will be limited to ten places and the first ten people to enrol will get the places.
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LAST CHANCE TO BOOK FOR COURSES IN CUBA SPRING/WINTER 2003.
I am running two courses this winter and spring 2003, the content of the earlier one has changed since first publicised, please see the information below, and one course in November 2003 (details and dates later in the year).
If you would like to discuss any aspect of either course before booking please do not hesitate to contact me.
Please contact me as soon as possible if you are interested in either of these courses as places are limited.
The courses on offer are:
COURSE ONE.
Roots of Carnival 2003. (This was
originally the Carnival 2003 course which I have redesigned due to doubts about
the likelyhood of Carnival in Havana next year).
Course Title: Roots of Carnival.
Level: Intermediate to Advanced Percussionists.
Group size: Six people.
Dates: January 27th to February 9th.
Times: 8 days of workshops (6hrs per day) plus trips to events and Carnival groups. Daytime and evening workshops and practice sessions.
Location: Central Havana, Cuba.
Fees: All inclusive fee: 1275GBP. Includes return flight from the UK, transport from the airport in Cuba, 13 nights accommodation (see below), all workshops and activities.
Fee without flight: 750GBP. Includes 13 nights accommodation (see below), all workshops and activities. Course fee only: 470GBP. Includes all workshops and activities over the 13 day period.
Course Description:
In Brief: This is an intensive course for a small group of six students. It provides a unique opportunity to study for eight days with two prominent groups based in Havana. The first week will be spent with Grupo Oba Wemilere covering the traditional music of the 'Cabildos' which are the real roots of Carnival in Cuba. Styles such as Bembe, Arara, Gaga, Iyesa and Guiro will be covered in sessions working with all the members of Oba Wemilere. The second week will be spent with six members of one the most famous Havana comparsas (carnival group) - Los Componedores de Batea. In these sessions we will look in depth at modern styles of Conga Habanera, Jirivilla and Rumba.
Working in a small group alongside experienced professional players allows each student to learn all the parts of the music with their own personal tutor, in a group setting. But these workshops sessions will teach much more than the rhythms and songs. As well as seeing and hearing the group demonstrate and explain each particular style you will have the opportunity to play alongside Cuban experts in their group every day of classes!
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COURSE TWO:
Afrocuban Study Course in Havana March 2003
with La Timbala and One Voice Music.
Course Title: Two Week Residential Afro Cuban Study Trip. Level: Intermediate to Advanced. Group size: 10 to 13 people. Dates: March 1st to March 14th.. Times: 10 am to 4 PM on study days (8 days of classes), Weekend free. Location: Central Havana, Cuba. Full fee: £1300: for Course, Activities, 13 nights Accommodation, Flight, Visa and Transport from the Airport to accommodation on arrival in Havana. Fee without flight: £820: for Course, Activities and 13 nights Accommodation.
Course Description:
In Brief: Eight days of intensive classes and workshops with some of Cuba's' finest percussionists and singers, based in Central Havana. Trips to Santeria fiestas, rumba gigs and folkloric performances. Accommodation either in self-catering, bed sit apartment, shared house with other students or home stay with a Cuban family, you choose.
The Classes: The classes cover a range of traditional and popular styles of Cuban percussion based music and are taught by invited specialists who represent both the older traditional styles and the younger more experimental approaches. Past tutors have included members of the legendary rumba group Yoruba Andabo, Conjunto Clave y Guaguanco, Conjunto Folklorico Nacional, Los Componedores de Batea, La Timbala, Wemilere and the religious group Ire Otonogua. You will work in a group of 10 to 13 people, sometimes split into smaller groups. The classes are held in Central Havana, within walking distance of the accommodation, and usually run from 10am to 4pm. Although primarily percussion based they also cover songs and some dance work. The classes are run in Spanish with translation and explanations by Christian Weaver, this year in collaboration with Ravin Jayasuriya of One Voice Music.
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OTHER INFORMATION.
Travel: Return flights from the UK with Air France, Iberia or Cubana leaving from either Manchester or London. You will be met at the Airport on arrival with transport to your accommodation. Please note - Travel insurance is the responsibility of the students.
The Accommodation: The accommodation is in Central Havana, mainly in the barrios of Cayo Hueso, Colon and Salio Porto. It is all privately owned and offers a number of choices from independent bed-sit apartments to home stays with a Cuban family. You can discuss your preference with me and work out which option best suits you. I will arrange everything for you, all you need to do is get on the plane.
Free Time: During the course there will be opportunities to attend Santeria and Congo fiestas as well as numerous rumba gigs, band rehearsals and salsa gigs. Information is given out on a daily basis as to what is going on. Because we have such a wide circle of professional tutors based in Havana we usually have the latest information to pass on so you don't have to waist time finding out. Or you can spend your free time wandering the magical streets of Havana. The beaches at Playa del Este are a twenty-minute taxi ride away, there is usually at least one trip out there.
Finally a word about our ethos and Fair Trade Policy: This course is designed and organised by myself Christian Weaver, a percussionist and teacher with more than eight years experience of working, studying, researching and experimentation in Cuba. My company, La Timbala, is a group comprising Cubans living and working in Havana and UK based musicians. As such the company is extremely well placed to ensure that you get the most from your visit. I believe that the course I offer is unique for a number of reasons. I work independently of any agency in Cuba to tailor the course to the needs of European students (having taught percussion in Europe for 15 years). I spend time putting the study group together so that it will work well, I will talk to you about your experience and playing abilities and if I feel that the course is not right for you I will let you know and advise another course or study programme. In Cuba it is company policy to also pay a fair wage (not a Cuban wage) to the people who work with us. This means that tutors fees go direct to them and not to an agency and rent goes to the Cuban landlord or landlady (all legal and government registered) not to a foreign Hotel company. This means that our courses may not be the cheapest on offer but I am confident that they provide a learning experience which will challenge, excite and reward you in ways which you will remember for the rest of your life.
Check out the other courses on offer in Cuba and see what you think. If you feel this course is right for you contact me to discuss your requirements.
To Book: If you would like to know more about booking a place or accommodation or any aspect of the course please contact Christian Weaver on 01422 825273 or e mail admin@latimbala.demon.co.uk
Christian Weaver
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Residential Afrocuban Study Courses in Cuba - Information Sheet LTCAR2002 #1. Carnival in Havana, July 2002 Course Title: Carnival in Havana 2002.
|
| A two week intensive, hands on course of study with some
of Cubas' finest percussionists, including trips to Fiestas de Santos
and Rumba performances, self catering accommodation based in Central
Havana, 50 hours of group and individual tuition and introductions to a
whole new world of intense music and dance. September 24th to October
6th.
As well as the full residential version of the course I will consider various deferent options including participation for one week, or course only without accommodation or flight, or Hotel Accommodation, or linking flights to other parts of Cuba with contact lists for other tutors in different cities, if you so desire. Dates - September 24th to October 6th. Location - Central Havana, Cuba. All-inclusive Fee - £1300. (payable in instalments) The fee covers eight days of tuition, accommodation in Central Havana for two weeks, flights, visas and all excursions to rumba events and Santeria fiestas. The course includes - Classes/workshops. Eight days of detailed classes with leading Cuban musicians (classes run from 10.30am to 4pm, with a break for lunch). The first day is an open Rumbon with all the tutors from the course and some friends who drop in to play and sing. This is a chance to meet the tutors watch some amazing players, have a few drinks and join in the music. This sets the tone for the course in which I try to create the space for you to work with the tutors in a relaxed and friendly way which, allows you to get the most out of the experience at your level. The classes are designed to cover aspects of Cuban rumba from the point of view of the people who have grown up with the music in their lives and who are now performing both nationally and internationally. The tutors include the regular members of La Timbala, who also perform with groups such as Clave y Gaugauanco and Yoruba Andabo, as well as guest tutors, of high standing in the fields of rumba and religious Afro Cuban music, who are invited to teach a specific specialism (either a style they have developed or an aspect of the music which they have specialist knowledge of). The emphasis of the classes is on playing and not a knowledge of rhythms. Many players in the west know a lot of rhythms but when it comes to playing with real rumberos they do not have the facility to do so because of lack of experience of 'playing for real', this course sets out to better equip you to be able to play rumba for real, not just to hold the rhythms in your head. Having said that we do teach specific rhythms for new styles of plying rumba and we also look at examples of traditional forms and learn the patterns involved. The classes also include daily work on technique for congas (including individual tuition) and a fair amount of time is dedicated to learning songs. Every year we also invite a group, or individuals from a group, who are carriers of a specific approach to traditional religious Afro Cuban music. This helps to give a more complete picture of the things which surround, feed into and inform Cuban Rumba. As part of the teaching we organise trips to events such as; Santeria Fiestas, Congo Espirituales, and concerts of Rumba and Son. These events are a crucial part of ones education in Cuban music, a huge amount can be learnt from watching and listening to players in these situations. You will also have the opportunity of performing the music learnt during lessons at these events (if you feel up to it). Transport The fee includes return air fares from the UK and transport to and from the Airport in Havana. Each participant is met at the Airport. I can also help to arrange flights from other European and US cities for non UK residents. Accommodation The accommodation is self catering apartments in Central Havana. These can be single or shared with other course participants. Or you can opt to stay with a Cuban family in the same area. I can also arrange for someone to cook meals for you but this is not included in the fee, you would usually pay them directly. There are plenty of shops and markets in this area for you to buy food and each apartment has full cooking facilities or you can eat out 24hrs a day. Insurance Each participant is responsible for arranging their own health and travel insurance. Tutors The guest tutors are finalised in the week prior to the course. Past tutors have included Justo Pelladito - Conjunto Folklorico Nacional Malanga el Rumbero- Orquesta Jorin, Yoruba Andabo. Chan - Yoruba Andabo. The religious group Ire Otonogua. Pancho - Iroso Oba now Clave y Guaguanco. As well as the guest tutors, who are each invited to teach an area of spechialism within the course, La Timbala Tutors; Arturo Martinez (voice/percussion), Santiago Garzon (percussion/voice), Dolores Banguela (voice) and Leonardo Planche Lara (Dance) will be available throughout the course to assist the teaching. All classes will be co-ordinated and translated by Christian Weaver. Subject areas covered in the past include Approaches to drumming in Afro Cuban popular music. Cycle of Congo Rhythms - Yuka, Makuta and Palo (tradition style). Congo songs. Guiro de Ire Otonogua. Abakua songs and rhythms. Havana styles of Guiro - Arara, Iyesa and Yoruba. Espirituales - Congo pa' los muertos (Cajones). Rumba - Yambu, Guaguanco, Columbia, Guaragachangeo. We continuously draw on and repeat these styles looking at both traditional and modern examples. Fair trade Timbala operates on a fair trade principal. Unlike other courses in Cuba we pay our tutors a professional rate comparable with what they could earn in the west, unlike other courses who pay the musicians in pesos amounting to only a few dollars. This means that La Timbalas course is not the cheapest around. It is important to us to put something back into the country and the rumba scene there as we have had so much benefit and generosity from all concerned. This course will put you right in the middle of the vibrant Havana music scene. By the end of the course you will have made friends and contacts amongst the best of the countries musicians and dancers which, will help you to find your way in continued study and future return trips to Cuba. If you come on the course I know you will come back! |
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Two week course in Havana in October 2000, including a short stay in Matanzas for the International Rumba Festival. Tutors for this course include - The feed back for this course from last year was quite intense and overwhelmingly positive. This year I aim to build on this success with the second residential. A report on the 1999 course, giving details of everything covered in the course and a description of the structure of the course: and a leaflet about this years course are available for anyone who would like to know more. The fee covers eight days of tuition, accommodation in Central Havana for two weeks, flights, visas and all excursions to rumba events and Santeria fiestas. The course includes - · eight days of detailed classes with leading Cuban musicians. · trips to events such as; Santeria Fiestas, Congo Espirituales, and concerts of Rumba and Son. · experience of performing the music during lessons and also at real events such as fiestas and ceremonies (optional). This year the main subject areas will be · Batá and Lukumí songs. · Approaches to drumming in Afro Cuban popular music · Cycle of Congo Rhythms - Yuka, Makuta and Palo · Congo songs. · Rumba - refresh the basics and catch up on the newest styles in Havana. The following guest tutors have been invited to participate in the course in 2000. · Cristobal Larinaga - Clave y Guaguancó · Lele - Iré Otonoguá · Ogduardo Diaz Anaya (Román) - (ex Yoruba Andabo) · Malanga - Orquesta Jorin, Yoruba Andabo. · Chan - Yoruba Andabo. |
| La Timbala Music and Dance -
Program of events for UK project June/July 1999 During June and July 1999 La Timbala Music and Dance will be presenting a number of events in the UK with two musicians from Conjunto Clave y Guaguanco - Arturo Martinez Cabrerra and Santiago Garzon Rill. Orquesta Timbala - A ten piece band performing Mozambique/Son. La Timbala - A six piece acoustic rumba group performing new rumbas and sacred afro Cuban possession music. El Trio Timbala - Arturo Martinez, Santiago Garzon and Christian Weaver. |
| Schedule June 7th - Workshop in Conga Habanera with Manchester Cuban Comparsa. June 15th - 19th - One week workshop and symposium on contemporary Cuban Rumba - Cuba Cafe, Manchester. June 19th - Cuban Rumbon at ‘Club Yambu@Cuba Cafe’ featuring Arturo Martinez and Santiago Garzon of Conjunto Clave y Guaguanco. June 20th - 24th - Workshops in dance with Zaida Arencibia in Bradford culminating in a performance for Bradford Festival - Carnival Day June 26th. June 25th - Performance by El Trio Timbala - Arturo Martinez, Santiago Garzon and Christian Weaver - Offshoots, Holmfirth, West Yorkshire. June 26th - Performance by ‘Orquesta Timbala’ featuring Arturo Martinez and Santiago Garzon - Centenary Sq., Bradford Festival. July 5th to 8th - Dance Workshops in Schools, York. July 9th - Performance by ‘Orquesta Timbala’ featuring Arturo Martinez and Santiago Garzon - Newcastle Arts Centre (tbc). July 10th - Performance by ‘Orquesta Timbala’ featuring Arturo Martinez and Santiago Garzon - Trades Club, Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire. July 12th - 15th - Recording at Sunnybank Studios, Ripponden, West Yorkshire. July 17th - Performance by ‘Orquesta Timbala’ featuring Arturo Martinez and Santiago Garzon - ‘Club Yambu@Cuba Cafe’ Manchester. July 24th - La Timbala - Performance of Cuban Rumba - Clifton Festival, York. For any further details of these events or to book an event by La Timbala Music and Dance in the UK between June 7th and July 27th please contact us by one of the following. La Timbala Administration, c/o 13 Small Lees Rd., Ripponden, Halifax. HX6 4DZ. U.K. Tel. +44 (0) 1422 825273. Fax. + 44 (0) 1422 824939. E Mail. admin@latimbala.demon.co.uk |
Following their first ever performance in the UK. at the Barbican Centres’ ‘Cuba Presente’ festival two of the members of the legendary Cuban rumba group Conjunto Clave y Guaguanco will be teaching a one week intensive course in Manchester organised by La Timbala Music and Dance. Five days of classes concentrating on the rhythms and songs of contemporary Cuban Rumba. Starting with some of the traditional Afro Cuban forms which have influenced the creation and development of this compelling music (such as Abakua, Congo and Lukumi) we will arrive at the most modern and up-to-date styles of rumba being played today, such as Guarapachangeo and the fusion styles of Conjunto Clave y Guaguanco. The week will culminate in a ‘Rumbon’ (performance/party) featuring pieces performed by the workshop group and the tutors (June 19th). Advance booking essential, accommodation can be arranged on request. Tutors. Arturo Martinez Cabrerra is one of the most in demand vocalists in Havana today, both in ‘fiestas de santos’, and at the weekly rumba performances by Clave y Guaguanco. His effervescent presence on stage and his great skill at endless streams of improvisations make him one of the truly great Cuban rumberos working today.Santiago Garzon Rill is one of the longest standing members of Clave y Guaguanco (he is featured on all three of their cd.s), his stunning percussive skills are only matched by the intense beauty and power of his voice. He is a prolific innovator and has created many new styles of rumba which fuse various Afro Cuban elements.v La Timbala Music and Dance organise an annual program of workshops, performances and carnival events. For further details of this course or our other events or to book a place please contact us at - La Timbala Administration, c/o 13 Small Lees Rd., Ripponden, Halifax. HX6 4DZ. U.K. Tel. +44 (0) 1422 825273. Fax. + 44 (0) 1422 824939. E Mail. admin@latimbala.demon.co.uk |
For any further details of these events or to book an event by La Timbala Music and Dance in the UK between June 7th and July 27th please contact us by one of the following.
La Timbala Administration, c/o 13 Small Lees Rd., Ripponden, Halifax. HX6 4DZ. U.K.
Tel. +44 (0) 1422 825273. Fax. + 44 (0) 1422 824939.
E Mail. admin@latimbala.demon.co.uk
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