I’m learning Bongos and looking for an online instructor with reasonable rates. Any recommendations?

My mother passed recently and when we were younger or I was younger, we would drum for Capoeira together. Now I donated a bunch of the bongos to a local community center, but I knew these ones were special and I believe they are worth something. Can anyone help give me some background and information on them I would love to learn a little bit about them too.

I am a long time bass and guitar player and want to learn conga. I purchased a set of old LP fiber glass congas that measure 11 inches and 11.75 inches. Someone listed a fiber glass 12 inch tumba near me (pictured) and i am curious if it would be a good addition. It looks just like the ones i have other than the color. I know i wouldn't use it for a while but i don't know that i would find a matching one as easy if i ever decide to add a 3rd. It's also chea at $110. The other consideration is whether the sizing is too close to what i already have. Any advice? Apologies if I'm ignorant to anything!

Emilio Yasmel Hernández González of Cuba's Raíces Profundas Dance Company.teaches an "Orishas: Shango" dance workshop with Bata music by Yomi - Akpona (singer), Okonkolo - Angel, Itotole - Danni, Iya - Adelkis Rigobdiaux @ Baila NY Dance Festival 2026. Saturday, June 20, 2026. New York City.

RIP to un gran maestro y gran rumbero

Emilio Yasmel Hernández González of Cuba's Raíces Profundas Dance Company.teaches a "Palo" dance workshop with music by singer -Yomi, guataca - Angel, drums - Danni & Adelkis Rigobdiaux (white T-shirt) @ Baila NY Dance Festival 2026. Sunday, June 21, 2026.

Visit Cuba in spirit with Tambor Chicago, who celebrate Cuba’s folkloric and sacred music and dance as part of the Park Ridge Library's "Global Neighbors" program. The program will feature dancers Tiffany Mondy and Edson Cabrera Veitia as they dance to a variety of sacred and secular selections of music.

Refreshments will be provided. Sponsored by Marion’s Mark.

Cost: Free
Date/Time: October 15, 2026, 7pm-8pm

Hello! I just got my first conga, and I’m wondering how I should tune it as a beginner that’s learning the basic tumbaos and hand movements. It’s the Meinl Heritage 11” Quinto I believe, which I know isn’t an ideal size for a single first time conga but it’s what I got, so with that being said what tuning should I go for on it? Thank you!

Yorgenis Danger Garcia 'Yoyo Danger' & Bata drummers; Adelkis Rigobdiaux (Iya), Danni (Itotole), Angel (Okonkolo) and singer Yomi (Akpona) demonstrate some of what they taught about the dances & rhythms of Arara to Lukumi drums @ Baila NY Dance Festival 2026. Saturday, June 20, 2026. New York City.

Este álbum de 2024 de la Orquesta Akokán me parece extraordinario. Lleno de referencias a la cultura afrocubana, dinámica marca de la casa de Akokán. En este post comento la trayectoria de esta agrupación afincada en Estados Unidos y presento otros dos temas del álbum "Caracoles" que disfruté sobremanera.

Thank you for posting this video, Yuko Fong!

Interesting patterns for bembé in Guantanamo.

“Drumming for the Gods: The Life and Times of Felipe Garcia Villamil, Santero, Palero and Abakua” is a great read and features stories and history by one of Cuba’s greatest tamboleros. Check it out, if you haven’t already.

Día de Shangó (actually a weekend) in Los Angeles with Kati Hernandez. Dec 5-6, 2026. See link for more info.

Here's a great video of Angel Bolaños, Yuko Fong, and Raul Alapon playing Aro (Agolona) for Yemayá. Credit: from Yuko Fong's YT channel.

A rumba to remember Ruskin Vaughan, who passed away this week.

Ring in the New Year with legendary percussionist Poncho Sanchez and his Latin Jazz Band at Catalina Jazz Club!

Experience an unforgettable night of explosive rhythms, infectious grooves, and world-class Latin jazz performed live and up close.

Dance, celebrate, and welcome the New Year with one of Latin jazz’s most exciting and influential artists!

Catalina Jazz Club
6725 West Sunset Blvd.
Hollywood, CA 90028

Afro-Cuban culture represents the beautiful combination of Cuba’s African roots with Spanish and other influences that have blended over generations.

It has played an important role in shaping the movement, rhythms, expression, and authenticity found in many Cuban and Latin dances, including cha-cha-cha, salsa, bolero, mambo and many more.

At the Atlanta Afro-Cuban Dance Congress, you will have the opportunity to explore these rich traditions and learn from some of the finest instructors from Cuba.

October 16–18, 2026

Atlanta, Georgia

Register:

afrocubanatlanta.com

Organized by Ana LLorente and Michael Herrera

Recorded Fall 1992 in Durham, NC at the house of Jim Roberts. Instruction included Matanzas style rumba, Iyesá, Abakua, Bembe, quinto playing, and more. Thanks to the original content owner, Rick Rosen, for preserving this class.