Fifteen years ago, the first Big Bang Festival was organised in Dublin by CityArts and Wet Paint Arts, changing the landscape of drumming in
Ireland forever. Big Bang, now an independent festival, continues to celebrate a broad spectrum of styles of drumming, but also rhythm as it affects other art forms such as dance, voice and visual art. The Big Bang
has presented a diverse range of international performers: Trilok Gurtu (India), HeartBeat Percussion (Singapore), Monobloco (Brazil), Seckou Keita (Senegal), Andrea Piccioni (Italy) and Abdullah Chhadeh
(Syria).
The 2009 programme will consist of
• performances,
• drum circles,
• workshops,
• master classes and discussions exploring the roots of music-making,
• percussion and movement.
A high point for participants and audiences is the annual 'Big Bang' when drumming groups from all over the country converge for a free event. This event is an open call to drummers, aspiring drummers, community groups
or people interested in rhythm or movement of any kind.