The last HURRAH

To the beat of the drum we travel on, Courageous we sail into the storm
Singing our song and feeling strong, On a voyage to where we all belong
~ Morcheeba, Beat of the Drum


The beat of the drum has stirred life in the Fox Valley. When six people gathered in our living room in March 2005, we were opening the door to a world of discovery and rhythm. There was no drum circle in the western suburbs. Today, there is drumming nearly every weekend, in many corners throughout the area. It has been awesome to be a part of the development of this rich and character-ridden community. I have made more friends through the drum beats shared here! I have learned about culinary adventures, enjoyed the loving chaos, and shared the losses. It has been an honor to be the organizer of so many awesome events!

The time has come for me to sit a spell. I am retiring the Fox Valley Drum Circle's gathering, but I do so knowing that there are many opportunities for everyone everywhere! I encourage you to contact some of the other groups and keep drumming! I hope to be more of a regular at one or another of these great events.

* Spirit Song Drumming Circle - donation welcomed. Second Friday of the month from 7-8:30PM. Join Peg Lentz and Sally Strosahl. We will sing chants from Sallyʼs CD, Spirit Song, and learn new ones. Bring a chant to share if you desire. Aurora Yoga Center - 514 Terry Ave., Aurora, IL.

* Drumming for World Peace and Healing - donations welcome. Second Saturday of the month, 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. You, your friends and loved ones are invited to a drumming and sharing. Bring your drums, rattles, other instruments, a poem, or a song to share with the intent of bringing World Peace and Healing that benefits the Earth and all people. Bring a snack or something to munch if you wish, anything chocolate always appreciated. The Light Heart Center - 165 S. Church St., Winfield, IL.

* Kindred Spirits Monthly Drum - $5/person. Third Friday of the month from 7-9:30p Please bring a dish snack or dessert to share. We have spare drums and rhythm toys to share, please bring along yours as well. Kids ages 10+ welcome, but please do plan to supervise and watch over them. Located at Kindred Spirits Intuitive Arts Center, 4025-B Route 34 Oswego, IL.

* Simple Beats - $5/person. Third Friday of the month from 7-8:30p. Bring drums, rattles other instruments, poems or song to share with the intention to heal, unite and bring harmony. We have a few chairs, you may want to bring a cushion to sit on. To register call: 847 468-6012. Simple Balance Holistic Center - 221 E Chicago St Elgin, IL.

* Sacred Heartbeat Drum Circle - donation welcomed. Fourth Saturday of the month beginning at 7p. We will be doing some freestyle drumming inside in the Sanctuary with plenty of seating so no need to bring a chair. Please bring your drums, rattles, didgeridoo and other instruments to join in on the jam. Dancing and chanting is encouraged. The is an adult drum circle but teenagers are welcome. Please no little children. Countryside Unitarian Universalist Church - 1025 North Smith Street, Palatine, IL.

* Lakeside Drum Circle - free/potluck. Last Saturday of the month, beginning at 5pm. Brian and Amy host this gathering at their house and the gatherings are very similar to the Fox Valley's group. Children of all ages are welcome. Contact Brian to get on the list for events. Private residence - Oakwood Hills, IL.

* Southern Suburbs Drum Circle - TBA! There is also some movement in starting up a regular drum circle in the south-southwest suburbs (Crete-Blue Island-Joliet). A new list is starting up, and if you are interested please send an e-mail to southernsuburbs.drumcircle @ gmail.com.



“Don't doubt the fact there's life within you. Yesterday's ending will tomorrow life give you. All that dies, dies for a reason, To put it's strength into the seasons.” Again, thank you all so much for being a part of our adventure! I look forward to crossing paths and drumming with you in the future!

Perseids and Full Moon and Drums, oh my!

Sherry is hosting a two-day extravaganza to celebrate the Perseids meteor showers, the full moon, and drumming in August! The Fox Valley Drum Circle will be joining the festivities on Saturday, although you are welcome to pitch a tent Friday night for the light show.

We will be OUTSIDE, so bring chairs and bug spray. We look forward to drumming with you!

THE DETAILS:

WHEN: Saturday, July 13th
TIME: 7:00 - 11:30 PM
WHERE: Sherry's Meadows - Crete, IL 60417 (contact us for the address)
WHAT: potluck supper and drum circle

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Couple of HOUSE RULES:
1) RSVPs are strongly encouraged!
2) We're kid-friendly, and generally expect some reasonable chaos. However, PLEASE supervise your kids!
3) Please limit the alcohol you bring to what you want to consume, and please take the leftovers home with you.
4) QUIET HOURS begin at 10pm.
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July Drums

"Summer is the time when one sheds one's tensions with one's clothes, and the right kind of day is jeweled balm for the battered spirit. A few of those days and you can become drunk with the belief that all's right with the world." ~ Ada Louise Huxtable

Let us gather and become drunk with delirium of the drum beat and the camaraderie. Chances are we will drum outside, so bringing lawn chairs would be helpful...there are some available. I hope you will join us this July!

THE DETAILS:

WHEN: Saturday, July 16th
TIME: 7:00 - 10:00 PM
WHERE: Melton House - contact us for the address
WHAT: potluck supper and drum circle
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Also, we have also been invited to gather at Sherry's house in August. I don't have an exact address, but it's down near Crete, IL. Are people willing/able to drive that way for a gathering?

If you like riverboats, you may want to check out the Fox Valley Merry Meets and Blessed Beats event on August 13th.

Finally, I'd like to put September's event on your radar!!! We have been invited to participate in the St. Charles Public Library sponsored drum circle and a concert on Sunday, September 18. They are wondering how to arrange for our group to participate (and possibly lead the drum circle) at this event. Please speak up if you are interested in joining us for this event!

May Gathering!

The Fox Valley Drum Circle will gather NEXT weekend to celebrate May and the simply balmy weather we've been having. It's the usual shindig, potluck yummies (I'm making bacon-avocado sandwiches) and happy drum beats. I hope you will join us!

THE DETAILS:

WHEN: Saturday, May 21st
TIME: 7:00 - 10:00 PM
WHERE: Melton House in Aurora - Contact me and ask for the address
WHAT: potluck supper and drum circle

Festivities and Drumming on April 30th!!!

We have been invited to participate in the Grand Opening of the Hickory Knolls Discovery Center in St. Charles. The grand opening will take place from 1-4 pm on Saturday April 30th. Festivities will include the drum circle; a woman with bats—the mammal kind; assorted vendors, including organic produce and honey; a bird walk; live animal demonstrations from our nature education stock; a birthday party demo; and a ribbon cutting.

The new building has a patio outside, which will be an excellent spot for us all to set up. Large windows face the patio, with doors there so people can step right out and join us.


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THE DETAILS:

What: drum circle, potluck picnic, and festivities!
When: Saturday, April 30, 2011
Time: 1-4 pm
Where: Hickory Knolls Discovery Center
3795 Campton Hills Road, Saint Charles, IL 60175

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We have also been invited to hold a quarterly gathering at the Center, and I would love to coordinate with some of the other organizers out there to really take advantage of this! The Center is in a large, open forest preserve, and I envision the quarterly event becoming akin to the Chicago Foster Street Full Moon jams. Let's talk and see what the pulse is for such a wild event!

Vernal Equinox

Spring is in the air! Today, I tore off the plastic on the windows and DARED to open up the upstairs! With the Vernal Equinox just around the corner, let's gather and herald the renewal of the earth. I hope you will join us this month!

Also, I'd like to put April's event on your radar!!! We have been invited to participate in the Grand Opening of the Hickory Knolls Discovery Center in St. Charles. The grand opening will take place from 1-4 pm on Saturday April 30th. Festivities will include the drum circle; a woman with bats—the mammal kind; assorted vendors, including organic produce and honey; a bird walk; live animal demonstrations from our nature education stock; a birthday party demo; and a ribbon cutting.

Full Moon Jam

"You have to be able to appreciate these things. How many people can say it was a full moon last night and appreciate it?" ~Sandy Miller


This Saturday happens to be a full moon, and I hope you will take a moment to look up and see it. Even better, join us to appreciate our community and the beat of the drums!

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THE DETAILS:

WHEN: Saturday, January 19th
TIME: 7:00 - 10:00 PM
WHERE: Melton House- contact us if you need the address or directions
WHAT: potluck supper and drum circle

Welcome 2011!!!

We've been silent for a few months, but the drums are calling and it is time to embrace the beat! It feeds the mind, body and spirit! It's a holistic experience that leaves you feeling a sense of joy! It reduces anxiety, provides physical toning, and inspires personal empowerment! What better way to start off 2011??? I hope you will join us!


THE DETAILS:

WHEN: Saturday, January 15th
TIME: 7:00 - 10:00 PM
WHERE: Melton House in Aurora - ask for the address/map if you need it
WHAT: potluck supper and drum circle

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Couple of HOUSE RULES:
1) RSVPs are strongly encouraged!!!! We've canceled due to lack of interest, only to find out people ARE interested....
2) Guests are welcome as long as they want to drum. We're kid-friendly, and generally expect some reasonable chaos.
3) Please limit the alcohol you bring to what you want to consume, and please take the leftovers home with you.
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