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FestFAQWorldRhythm Festival Participant Tips and FAQs
Hereis some information to help you make the most of this special weekend!
| Howdo I get into the workshops I want to attend? Ispre-registration required?
- Nope – just show up! All workshops andevents are open to the public on a first-come, first-servedbasis. Most workshops hold between 60 and 100 people (somefewer, some as many as 200). Most do fill up, so arrive earlyfor good seats at your favorites.
Doesit cost anything to get into the WRF?
- All events at the WRF are open to the public free ofcharge. We want to make this wonderful variety of world musicaccessible to as many people as possible to discover and evolve theirrhythmic interests.
- That said, we do request and encourage you to supportthe Festival and our wonderful teaching and performing artists bybuying WRF merchandise, and by contributing to our donationboxes. Please show your appreciation for the music andlearning these generous musicians bring to you!
ShouldI bring my drum? What kind should I bring?
- Yes! Workshops are participatoryevents where you play and learn. Bring a drum you a) like toplay, and b) can carry easily with strap, backpack, or drum case. Most people enjoy the WRF as a smorgasbord ofmany drumming styles, and use one drum for many kindsof workshops. In other words, it's fine to bring a djembe toa conga class, or a doumbek to a djembe class. If you'rereally into traveling light and studying a variety of rhythmtraditions, even a frame drum played on your lap works fine.
Whatif I don't have a drum?
- Buy or rent at the WRF! The Festival'sInternational Marketplace vendors have an excellent selectionof quality drums of all kinds, at all price points. You canbuy with confidence here. Or, rent a drum from the WRF -- atthe top of the Center House stairs.
CanI store my drum somewhere?
- You can leave your drumat the Drum Check at the top of the Center House stairs. Proceeds from Drum Check support Village Volunteers'communityi development programs in Africa.
Whatabout bringing other percussion instruments?
- Your shakers, bells, and woods are oh-so-welcome! They add great variety in drum circles of all types, andoften workshop instructors are delighted to add percussioninstrumentation to the class.
Arethere open drum circles, outside of scheduled events?
- Oh yeah! You'll find drumming going on allweekend in various spots on the Seattle Center grounds. Mostare free-form circles open to all. Some groups mightbe playing specific rhythms with particular parts, more open to peoplewho know the songs. It is good etiquette to observe for a fewminutes to understand what's going on before you jump in with yourdrum.
What is Sunday morning's"Community Cultural Conversation" about?
- As world music and dance become increasingly playedand danced by people not descended from the ethnic / culturaltraditions represented by that music, meaningful questions arise aboutapproaching drumming and dancing from multiple cultures with awareness,sensitivity, and respect. The Community Cultural Conversationexplores these questions to foster healthy dialogue about keepingevents like the World Rhythm Festival accessible to all, whilepreserving the cultural integrity and relevance of the music and dancepresented during the festival weekend. For more background onthis topic, see this excellent article from CultureCentral, a dance collective inWashington DC. (Part two here.)
Wherecan I eat? - The most convenient place to eat is the Food Court inthe Center House. There are also several good restaurants tothe west and north of Seattle Center. Metropolitan Market isan upscale grocery-deli right across Mercer street, northwest of theCenter grounds. It's a good idea to carry snacks and waterwith you to munch on between workshops.
Wherecan I park?
- Parking is readily available in any of the lots atornear the Seattle Center. Street parking is free on Sundays except on streetswhere special resident permits are required! Read all postedsigns carefully, even on Sundays.
Howdoes this work? Over 100 workshops & performances,all free? How can that be?
- From its beginning, the World Rhythm Festival hasbeen organized by volunteers as a grassroots effort, driven by our loveof world music, drumming and dance. Central to ourmiraculously low budget is our sponsorship by Seattle Center, whichprovides over $35,000 worth of space for free because our event is freeand open to the public.
- We do have expenses, however, and we need yoursupport to keep bringing the Festival back year after year. Vendor fees, merchandise sales, and SWPS memberships cover equipmentrental, sound & technical labor, printing costs, and thelike.
- What isa full day of studying with musical masters worth to you? Please support the Festival and help us come back next year with yourmembership, donation, or WRF merchandise purchase!
Anyother advice?
- Relax, pace yourself, andremember to eat and drink (it's easy to forget!). Bringpatience and good humor tomeet the unexpected. The World Rhythm Festival is a wondrousmarathon weekend that will leave you happily fulfilled and exhausted --and wantingmore!
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