Every month, a “loving welcoming community” of approximately 30 participants gathers in Grafton MA to drum and dance, says facilitator Susan West. They will honor the coming Winter Solstice this Saturday, December 10 2011, at the Unitarian Universalist church in Grafton MA. “Let’s call in the energy of the Light through the rhythms that we spontaneously create,” invites the event announcement.
The first two hours of the evening, starting at 7:00 pm, will be the group’s typical freestyle drumming. This will be accompanied by any bellydances, African-style dances, small percussion, saxophones, stringed instruments, Native flutes, or other inspirations people feel moved to add. “Anything goes,” says Ms. West.
For the last half-hour, Ms. West will deliberately bring down the energy. Quieter instruments will be played, a gong will be sounded, and those who wish may “speak poetry or whatever moves them.” For the gathering this Saturday, Ms. West “will definitely be speaking to the coming of the Solstice. The Solstice has a great deal of power for me; it’s the rebirth of all wishes and dreams and hopes and goals.” She emphasizes that this is not a pagan group, and anyone who wishes to invoke a non-pagan path may do so. However, “because the Solstice is my personal path, I bring that in.”
Many of the drummers who attend this gathering also drum at other local circles, including ones led by Dave Curry, Josh Fonseca, and Mary Cote Diaz. “We all support the drum circle community,” says Ms. West. However, newcomers to drumming will also enjoy this high-energy, lighthearted event. Everyone is welcome.
“…we’ll have plenty of smiles and laughter – we’ll have a BLAST of energy as the Sun returns!!!”
All ages are welcome; the group often includes several children. Getting to the gathering involves navigating three stairs. A donation of $5 to $10 is requested.
For more information, see www.graftondrum.com/drumcircle.php or contact Susan West at graftondrum@gmail.com.
Comments