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!
