This article is part 2 of a series on contemporary women drummers and the sacred drumming traditions of ancient Goddess cultures. Part 1, "Sacred Drumming and Goddess in Santa Barbara and abroad" can be found by clicking here.
In Santa Barbara, California, there are multiple co-ed drum groups that play African and African-Brazilian drums and rhythms. One of these ensembles is Panzumo, lead by Lisa Beck and Budhi Harlow.
I initially met Beck and Harlow in 2004 while taking a Brazilian dance class that they played for each Sunday. Their live drumming was infectious and made the class more lively than any other dance class I had taken up to that point. I was taken with the two of them because they were a couple, romantically and professionally, and until then I did not know any male-female percussionist couples who had an egalitarian relationship based on mutual respect and cooperation. When I was involved with other male drummers, I competed with them or they competed with me. I wanted to be in a relationship like theirs, and they became my model for the ideal relationship between men and women drummers.
(Sidenote: with Lisa and Budhi's helpful example, I manifested my true love Shaun and they performed Iemanja's song for our beach wedding in 2006)
Panzumo includes both women and men on djembe and djuns, and there are no lines drawn between the sexes; the men also dance with the women drumming behind them, which is a rare site in African-based drumming ensembles.
Lisa started an all-women's drum performance group and circle called Djun Djun Mamas in 2008 and it has been going strong and growing ever since. View a YouTube video of the group performing at the Santa Barbara Solstice Festival.
Women drumming together is potent and empowering. I asked Lisa to recount her journey of becoming the strong and influential drummer, dancer, singer and teacher she is today. Here is her story, in her words. Enjoy!
"I come from a family of singers and performers. Music and singing was always a part of my life. From singing in church to singing Christmas carols around the piano to performing at Walt Disney World with my high school swing choir, music was always there. It was a normal part of my existence, and I didn't realize it until now how special it was. After high school, the singing and performing stopped. I focused on my studies and on boys and on work. Performing and singing with others stopped for 7 years. In 1999 I moved to Santa Barbara, and I had no idea the journey I was about to embark on. I met Budhi Harlow in February 2000 at a party. His passionate djembe playing shot straight to my heart. He introduced djembe drumming to me and reignited my creativity in art, music, and performance over the next several years. In the beginning it was a fun hobby and practice. Then it became a larger part of my life as I began performing and co-leading classes and workshops with Budhi. Now it is my job. It is my life. It is my true love.
The drumming opened up my heart; gave me courage, strength and confidence as I improved and studied, and as I shared with others this amazing art form and way of life. Now I teach, share, and celebrate through rhythm, song, and dance. It is my livelihood and my passion. It all began with the drum. From there I found more joy and more purpose than I could ever dream. From the drum, I discovered my singing voice again. I discovered my teaching and dancing gifts. I discovered my creativity. I discovered my ability to create community and inspire and transform lives.
I am so grateful."
The Djun Djun Mamas are performing along with Panzumo and other musical guests December 17, 2010 for Panzumo's 4th Annual Solstice Fundraiser Concert, 7-10pm at the Unitarian Society of Santa Barbara, 1535 Santa Barbara St. For tickets, purchase online at www.panzumo.com. Make a secure paypal payment on their "buy" page. Tickets are also available at the door. $10-$20 donation. Children under 12 are free.
Amazing performances, delicious food, fabulous marketplace.
Panzumo is raising funds for next year's high school programs. Santa Barbara High School and La Cuesta High School kids get to experience drumming and dance on a weekly basis thanks to the support of this community.
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Comments
Thank you for continuing to inspire other women as we grow together in a much larger community of women who drum!
Thanks Blondes Drum 2! Anything to empower all of our beautiful sisters.
Thanks so much. Keep on drumming and spreading the love!
It's all her mothers fault.We're extremely proud of her.
Thanks for letting us know! I did meet Lisa's mama a few years ago when she was in Santa Barbara. I'm sure she's to blame!
It's all her mothers fault.We're extremely proud of her.
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