X8 Drums teamed up with professional percussionist Michael Wimberly to record a huge selection of djembe models as video demonstrations for the website. We had a great time with him in the studio and would like to share his story and teaching services with you.Michael Wimberly is a drummer, percussionist, and composer writing for several prominent dance companies in New York. Even though he is a percussionist playing more traditional rhythms, he is known for playing music that is cutting edge, as he blends audio and visual components at the same time. Wimberly also plays more contemporary jazz music.

Michael Wimberly grew up in Cleveland, Ohio in the 1970's, and in 1982 he headed to New York City. Once in the Big Apple, he quickly carved his own niche, not playing in hand percussion circles, but by playing in duets, quartets, and larger groups with unique as well as experimental instruments. For example, he has collaborated with Steve Coleman on many musical projects, including the Five Elements, where more radical conceptual pieces were refined for the performance. He earned a Master's Degree from the Manhattan School of Music, and he is currently a faculty member of the Drummers' Collective.

Michael Wimberly has had the chance to create scores for such dance companies as Joffrey Ballet, Alvin Ailey, Urban Bush Women, Forces of Nature, Complexions, Philadanco, and The National Song and Dance Company of Mozambique. Being a percussionist, Wimberly has performed with such artists as Paul Winter Consort, Parliament Funkedelics, Vernon Reid, David Murray, Charles Gayle, Henry Rollins, Blondie, Mickey Hart, D'Angelo, and Angie Stone.

In the last decade, he has both created and produced a number of events. Recently, he created a project "The Power of Drum" in New York City that has allowed him to find his voice as a producer. This production is held every year and has featured some of the more well-known percussionists, such as Terri Lyne Carrington and Will Calhoun, Mike Clark, Warren Smith, Eli Fontain, Clayton Cameron and Aaron Scott, virtuoso marimbist Valerie Naranjo, and Eriko Daimo. The production has also featured amazing tap dance artists such as Jason Samuels Smith and Dormeshia Sumbrey Edwards.



To find out more, visit the Micheal Wimberly MySpace page.

X8 Drums is showcasing indie musical artists on our website and newsletters. If you are an independent musician looking for free promotion, drop us a line!

Please include your name, a link to samples of your work and tell us why you would like to be showcased as an Indie Artist on X8 Drums.

Indie Artist Spotlight - September 2008


5 tracks from Vine House's Young Regret are now available as free downloads!

Get your free Vine House music and purchase the record today!

One of our drummers, Baba Issa, has defined the X8 Drums logo beautifully: The "X" (as in the way the brain is wired) and "8" (Infinity symbol) are deeply compelling and significant symbols that summarize the Cosmic Nature and Purpose of Drums and how they can harmonize and elevate the human nervous system.

Growing ecommerce music store based in downtown Jersey City seeks fulltime college student to help with daily warehouse duties.

Marketing or business majors are encouraged to apply & will gain hands on experience with a successful ecommerce business.

Location:
Downtown Jersey City, 3 blocks from Grove Street PATH station.

Hours:
2:30 - 5:30, Monday - Friday

Pay:
$12 / hour

Daily responsibilities include:

• Pull products from inventory
• Inspect each instrument
• Tune instrument if needed
• Print shipping label & seal boxes

This position does require upper body strength as boxes can weigh between 10-25 pounds. Tuning instruments also requires significant arm & back strength.

Experience with our instruments is not required. We will teach you how to inspect and tune each instrument.

Requirements:
Do not apply unless you meet these requirements.

• College student, 2.5 GPA or higher
• Motivated individual with interest in ecommerce or small business development.
• Computer savvy
• Reliable & punctual
• Strong work ethic
• Must provide 2 references

To apply, please email resume, proof of college enrollment and GPA to support@x8drums.com. Applicants that include a brief statement detailing why they would be right for this position will rise to the top.

We will contact all potential candidates to request references and to schedule interviews.

Thanks & Good Luck!!!

Last month we were thrilled to see djembes and the healing power of hand drumming featured in the major motion picture, "The Visitor". Richard Jenkins stars as a college professor visiting New York whose uninspired and empty life is fulfilled through a personal connection with African drumming.

Watch the trailer:

New models are now available in the X8 Drums Djembe line. For a limited time, you will get a free djembe hat with any of these style drums!

World Tribal Djembe
Tribal Mask Bougarabous
Diamond Pro African Djembe
Ramadan Pro African Djembe

Order any size of the models listed above and we'll include a free X8 Drums Waterproof Djembe Hat that fits your drum.

Products limited and may sell out at any time. Prices are subject to change. This offer is not valid for any past or future orders.