July 6, 2009

A drum circle has no head or tail--everyone is equal

What I love about drum circles is that they attract a diverse group of people--skilled drummers, beginners, young, old, black, white, latino, kids, dogs, and dancers. Everyone smiles and laughs a lot but there is little conversation--it's more about making rhythm and sharing an emotion.



It's the same everywhere--when people drum together a collective voice emerges. Usually a master drummer starts a rhythm, a slow pattern that everyone can follow; quickly, the other drummers get in tune with one another on congas, djembes, hoop drums, even plastic bottles. Other musicians join with bells, shakers, didgeridoos, flutes, a conch shell. Soon, dancers are up and moving and listeners are swaying and tapping their feet to the beat--everyone infected by the music, everyone making music together. The energy builds until it lifts you right off the ground--it's really an unforgettable experience.

These shots were taken at drum circles at Taste's in Safety Harbor, the Dunedin Brewery, and the mega circle on the beach at Treasure Island.















4 comments:

  1. Interesting concept, Margo. It looks like you really enjoy what you do.

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  2. You MUST come to a drum circle next time I visit! Good music and great subject matter!

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  3. There is a movie called The Visitor where one of the characters is a young hip foreigner that draws an older professor into a drum circle group. It transforms the old guy. Good movie.

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  4. Thank you Mrs. Comfy. I recently saw that movie and loved it. Drumming is certainly therapeutic; it may even have the power to transform!

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