ROBIN LAYNE • www.robinlayne.com
About Robin Layne
​
Over the past decade and a half, JUNO-nominated percussionist Robin Layne has steeped himself in rhythmic traditions around the world. His search for rhythm and folkloric traditions has led him to Cuba, Guinea, Mali, Mexico, and beyond. He brings these influences to bear in his compositions that are inspired by his travels. Robin believes music has the power to connect and bring people together and has devoted his life to that, both through his performing work and also his educational work with young people. He is the senior percussion instructor at the Sarah McLachlan School of Music and the Artistic Director of the World Rhythms for Youth Society.
Robin has worked with many of Canada's finest global artists and toured throughout China, Europe, Mexico, USA and Canada. Highlights include Nanjing Jazz Festival, Hildesheim Jazz Festival, Victoria Jazz Fest, Arts Wells Festival, Vancouver Island MusicFest, Salmon Arm Roots and Blues, Vancouver Folk Festival, and the Vancouver International Jazz Festival.
He has become a regular fixture on the B.C. festival circuit, and is in demand as a freelance percussionist for recordings, performances and tours. Robin currently performs solo and with his band, Robin Layne & the Rhythm Makers, as well as Locarno, The BC World Music Collective and more. He was the co-founder and co-Artistic Director of the Vancouver World Music Festival for five years. Robin also in a percussion instructor at Vancouver's Sarah McLachlan School of Music and loves teaching students in K-12 and leading workshops.
​
Show Descriptions
​
Journey into Rhythm - Young Audience Show
​
In this interactive and high-energy musical show designed for young audiences, kids get to join the band and learn how to keep a beat while making music on marimbas and percussion. Robin Layne is a world-renowned performing artist and educator and brings his passion for rhythm and young folks to bear in this high-energy show. The performance features the marimba, the big cousin to the xylophone, and takes students on a journey around the globe, as it follows Robin on his travels to Cuba, West Africa, Mexico and Colombia. Robin performs as a 3-pc band.
​
Grades: K-12
Duration: 1 day, multiple days
Rates: inquire for rates
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
Marimba Workshop or Residency
Robin's marimba workshop is designed to give students a chance to learn how to play music together on marimbas and percussion within the hour. With a set of 7 marimbas and additional percussion instruments, students will build confidence, community and rhythm. By the end of the day or a longer residency, they'll be able to perform a song along with Robin on the marimbas. This workshop can be tailored to varying levels of experience.
​
Robin has over a decade of experience teaching all ages, backgrounds and abilities. He has been teaching marimba camps and residencies around B.C. for over a decade and has worked in schools as well as not-for-profits such as Jam Camp, Instruments of Change, Miscellaneous Productions and Vancouver's Sarah McLachlan School of Music. He has taught marimbas outside on Salt Spring and in Tofino, and worked with the youth at the detention centre in Burnaby. Through all of these experiences, he has seen how music and marimba can have a positive effect on young people’s lives.
​
Grades: K-12
Duration: 1 day, multiple days
Rates: inquire for rates
​
Robin Layne & the Rhythm Makers
​
With roots in rhythmic traditions around the globe, this groove heavy ensemble delivers music that transcends the bounds of tradition, blurring the lines between jazz and folk as they carve out new territory for the marimba at the forefront of the sonic landscape.
Over the past decade and a half, percussionist Robin Layne has steeped himself in rhythmic traditions around the world from Cuba to West Africa to Mexico and beyond. He brings these influences to bear in his compositions that are inspired by his travels. Robin has worked with many of Canada's finest global artists and toured throughout China, Europe, Mexico, USA and Canada. Highlights include Nanjing Jazz Festival, Hildesheim Jazz Festival, Victoria Jazz Fest, Arts Wells Festival, Vancouver Island MusicFest, Salmon Arm Roots and Blues, Vancouver Folk Festival, and the Vancouver International Jazz Festival.
The Rhythm Makers are renowned percussionist Liam MacDonald, bassist Derek DiFilippo, drummer Daniel Ruiz and Jocelyn Waugh on trumpet and EFX. Collectively these musicians have played with everyone from David Hidalgo to the Hamiltones, and have an on stage chemistry that is a joy to witness.
​
​
TESTIMONIALS
DOWNLOADS
"Deep dance vibes suitable for any crowd." - Vancouver International Jazz Festival
'' Marimba is probably the most sensual and harmonious of all percussion instruments and Robin Layne one of its best ambassadors.''
- Marc Fournier / Music Journalist/ host at CBC Radio Canada
TESTIMONIALS
"Their capacity to connect with diverse audiences through their dynamic, accessible, educational and engaging music was wonderful to witness. Their captivating music brought a global feel to the festival and created a beautiful weekend of music."
– Michelle Demers-Shaevitz, Artistic Director, Mission Folk Festival
''Marimba is probably the most sensual and harmonious of all percussion instruments and Robin Layne one of its best ambassadors.'' – Marc Fournier, Music Journalist/ Host at CBC Radio Canada
“If you had to create the perfect outdoor festival band, you’d probably come up with Robin Layne & the Rhythm Makers”
– Tim Reinert, Infidels Jazz