What I’m Doing Now | Dave Kobrenski
Here’s what I’ve been up to the past few months.
New Art Gallery
For the past few months, I’ve been busy renovating what has been my Kassa Flute Co. workshop in North Conway, and converting it into a proper gallery space and instrument showroom. I’m pleased to say that the gallery is now open to the public, and is located at the League of NH Craftsmen in North Conway, NH!
The gallery showcases twenty-five of my original artworks. It also features a selection of fair-trade instruments imported from West Africa, including high-quality djembe’s balafons, and more. And, of course, the space still houses the Kassa Flute Co workshop, and I still make flutes there.
Opening event is scheduled for Saturday, June 21, 2025 from 5-7pm.
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Famoudou Konaté’s book
Famoudou’s book has been published, and is available here!
I worked with master djembéfola Famoudou Konaté and Thomas Ott on translating and editing Famoudou’s memoir, which is also available in German and French editions.
Read all about my latest visit with Famoudou to celebrate the launch here.
New book: The Mande Flute
For the past year, I’ve been transcribing and recording all the songs I learned from Lanciné Conde in West Africa during my 15-year apprenticeship. I’m compiling them into a book (with CD) along with historical information and music notation.
This has been tons of work, but one of the most rewarding projects I’ve worked on in a long time. I anticipate that completing the book will take me many more months. Shooting for 2026 release.
Africa 2025
This winter, I traveld back to West Africa to celebrate Famoudou Konaté’s book launch with him. I wrote a blog post that will tell you all about it here.
Not that I’m back home in NH, it’s time to focus on some other projects:
West African Drum Classes
After many years, I’m finally back to teaching West African drumming classes. I love sharing what I’ve learned during my years living and traveling in West Africa! The Spring session is now in full swing. See here for more information.
Concerts and Workshops
This was a busy past year with a lot of concerts, featuring a variety of different music projects. Last year’s season culminated with 4 days at the Wula Drum and Dance Retreat, where I taught Fula flute classes. I’ll be back again this Fall to teach at their 25th Annual Drum and Dance retreat. Registration is now open for that at wuladrum.com