Lammas Drums

corn whispers in the night,
heat waves rise off the fields,
long days at summer's height,
promising harvest yields.

It's the dog days of summer, the gardens are full of goodies, the fields are full of grain, and the harvest is approaching. Take a moment to relax in the heat, and reflect on the upcoming abundance of the fall months. Join us to celebrate good food, good company, and good energies! We will bring out the drums, and perhaps the fire pit and other yard games as well.




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THE DETAILS
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WHEN: Wednesday, August 1, 2012
TIME: 6pm until sunset
WHERE: location TBA, but we are looking at a forest preserve location (suggestions welcome!)
WHAT: Potluck-picnic and drumming. Bug spray, sunscreen, and extra chairs are recommended. Bubbles and other outdoor fun are welcome too!

"Why do we drum?" Our passion for playing the drums is buried in the thicket of our senses, making the act itself a physical and mental necessity. On days when we drum, all is somehow right in the world. When we don't, everything is off - our surroundings, our friends and family, and especially ourselves. To this day, I can only answer 'because I have to.' ~ MusicRadar Team, Fri 28 Mar 2008

The Summer Solstice is upon us! It is a curious thing when a five-year old turns to you and out of the blue asks, "Momma, when is the next drum circle?" The question has been echoed several times by several people. How can I deny the power of the drum? With a cry for community and resounding beats, you are invited to join us! All are welcome!

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THE DETAILS
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WHEN: Thursday, June 21, 2012
TIME: 6pm until sunset
WHERE: Glenwood Park Forest Preserve, 1644 S. River St. (Route 25). Batavia, IL 60510




WHAT: Potluck-picnic and drumming. A grill, bathroom, and water pump are available. Bug spray, sunscreen, and extra chairs are recommended. Bubbles and other outdoor fun are welcome too!

“But hark! My pulse like a soft drum / Beats my approach, tells thee I come.” ~ Henry King I have been asked by a couple of people about a resurrection of the Fox Valley Drum Circle. It has been a while, and there have been schisms and tithes among the groups in the area. Thus, I ask if you are interested in a fresh start and would like to be included on the list for our gatherings. I have also updated the calendar to reflect the groups that I am aware of. If you would like to add or subtract from this, please let me know. E-mail can be sent to foxvalley(dot)drumcircle(at)gmail.com I look forward to drumming again with you and yours.

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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Mabon Drums

However you choose to name the day, Autumn Equinox, Harvest Home, Mabon, Feast of the Ingathering, or Meán Fómhair, September is a time of harvest and thanksgiving for the fruits of the earth and a recognition of the need to share them. In addition, International Peace Day is officially September 21st. This month, we have been invited to join Kindred Spirits and Merry Meets & Blessed Beats to celebrate outside! I hope you can join in the festivities!

THE DETAILS
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What: Global Drum Jam and Mabon Potluck
There will be rock decorating with messages of peace that will distributed in the community, left in public areas for others to see and reflect on;
an outstanding potluck meal;
a wonderful bonfire;
AND of course drumming!

When: Saturday, September 18, 2010 5:00 PM

Price: $5.00 per person donation requested (this covers the cost of the port-a-potty and firewood)

Where: Kindred Spirits Outdoor Location
Please contact us for the exact address
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Global Drum Jam
A message from the Global Drum web site:
When we drum on September 18, 2010 we will be drumming with and for the people of the earth who want unity. We will drum for peace on earth. We will drum for an end to needless starvation. We will drum for our earth mother. We will drum for rights for all humans no matter the color of their skin, the language they speak, the religion they follow or the love they share. We will drum for tolerance. We will drum to change the world.



Our project is: Plant a rock for Peace

We will provide paints, markers and some stones, certainly if any of you have suitable sized stones (3-5 inches across), please bring them,.. we would then ask you to return them to the community after they have been inscribed with their message of peace on the appointed day of September 21st.

Dog Days Drumming!

Ever wonder why we call them the "dog days" of summer? Sure, it's hot and sultry and you feel like a lazy dog, but that's not the reason. The brightest of the stars in Canis Major (the big dog) is Sirius, which also happens to be the brightest star in the night sky this time of year. In fact, it is so bright that the ancient Romans thought that the earth received heat from it.
During late July Sirius is in conjunction with the sun, and the ancients believed that its heat added to the heat of the sun, creating a stretch of hot and sultry weather. They named this period of time, from 20 days before the conjunction to 20 days after, "dog days" after the dog star.

Maybe you already knew that...or maybe you didn't. It doesn't change the reason I'm writing you. I'd like to invite you to the August gathering of the Fox Valley Drum Circle! I hope you can join us!

Announcing the August gathering of the Fox Valley Drum Circle!

WHEN: Saturday, August 21st
TIME: 6:00 - 10:00 PM
WHERE: Melton House in Aurora - ask for the address/map if you need it
WHAT: potluck supper and drum circle

Spiral Solstice Celebration

Jeff brought to my attention that there is a really AWESOME drum circle gathering on the same night as our regular event. I contacted the organizer and she is more than happy to have the Fox Valley Drum Circle join the Solstice celebration. Details are below. I hope you can join us!



Spiral Solstice
WHEN: Saturday, June 19th, 2010
TIME: 6:00PM - 10:00PM
WHERE: private home...contact us for the address
WHAT: Spiral Ceremony and Spiral Dance followed by Drumming & Bonfire!

We will be gathering at 6pm to socialize, then at 7:00pm we will have a Spiral Ceremony led by Rodrigo Duque of Kindred Spirits. Following the ceremony we will have a Spiral Dance (8 pm)! There will be several drumming groups joining us from local communities, so bring your drum and help welcome in the summer! Come and dance and drum with us around the bonfire!

On the fifteenth of May...Horton Hears A Drum...?

On the fifteenth of May, in a small town just west, In the heat of the day, our friend Kenny will show you his best! The drums will all rumble, "Dum-de-dum-dum!" I won't be there, but I hope you can come!

er...Can you tell I've been reading a little too much Dr. Suess lately? Ken has invited the Fox Valley Drum Circle to gather at his place. Rumor is there's a fire pit...I'm sorry I'll be missing it, but it sounds like a fantastic drum circle in the making!

PLEASE RSVP OR DIRECT QUESTIONS TO KEN: kennethrohr at yahoo.com

THE DETAILS:

WHEN: Saturday, May 15th
TIME: 6:00 - 10:00 PM
WHERE: Kenneth's Place in Hinkley - contact him for the address
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.
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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April Drumming

Around the globe, spring feasts are a time for renewal and revival. While we won't be able to join the St. Charles group this year for Earth Day (their festivities are on Thursday this year), we will be gathering to drum, eat, and be merry! I hope you can join us!


THE DETAILS:

WHEN: Saturday, April 17th
TIME: 6:00 - 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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Equinox Drumming

"March is a month of considerable frustration - it is so near spring and yet across a great deal of the country the weather is still so violent and changeable that outdoor activity in our yards seems light years away."
- Thalassa Cruso

Anyone else aching for spring to arrive? We've had some lovely teases from Mother Nature, but I'm very ready for the real deal. Let's drum in the April rains and the May flowers! Join us to celebrate the Vernal Equinox on Saturday, March 20th!


THE DETAILS:

WHEN: Saturday, March 20th
TIME: 6:00 - 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.
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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The Drums of March

As March is upon us, I thought I'd let you know about the many drumming opportunities coming up.


Saturday, March 6th:
Give Peace a Dance in Chicago - Debbie informed me that there will be a large drum sale at this gathering, as well as fire-spinners and dancers! For more information about the event, visit Give Peace a Dance.


Saturday, March 13th:
Drum Circle Essentials and Basic Technique in Winfield - Steve Aldrich will provide instruction on improving your techniques, learning new rhythms, and how to get more enjoyment from participating in Drum Circles. Cost: $25/person. Class size is limited, so please RSVP by March 11th. For more information about the event, visit Merry Meets and Blessed Beats.

Drumming for World Peace and Healing in Winfield - Reneé Ryan and Steve Aldrich are hosting a community drum circle and pot luck at the Light Heart Center. For more information, visit Merry Meets and Blessed Beats.


Friday, March 19th:
Shamanistic Dru Circle in Sycamore - Led by Jim Fatz, this gathering is primarily for those who have some familiarity with Shamanic Journeying. For more information, visit the Northern Illinois Shamanic Drumming Circle.


Saturday, March 20th:
Fox Valley Drum Circle in Aurora - Hosted by Sam and Lissa, we will be drumming on the first day of Spring! Join us for our regular potluck and community rhythms. I will be sending out a reminder for this gathering closer to the actual date.


Saturday, March 27th:
Lake Shore Drum Circle in Oakwood Hills - Hosted by Brian and Amy. For more information, please contact Brian at brian @ healingthemodernspirit (dot) com

February: LOTS-O-GATHERS

Saturday, February 13, 2010 at 7:00 PM
Drumming for World Peace and Healing
Merry Meets and Blessed Beats (http://www.meetup.com/Merry-Meets-and-Blessed-Beats-Fox-Valley/)
Where: Light Heart Center, 165 S. Church St., Winfield, IL 60190
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.


Saturday, February 20, 2010 at 6:00 PM
Fox Valley Drum Circle (http://foxvalleydrumcircle.blogspot.com/)
Where: Melton House, 113 S. 4th St., Aurora, IL 60505
Join us for a potluck dinner and drumming into the evening. All are welcome.


Monday, February 22, 2010 at 7:00 PM
Merry Meets and Blessed Beats (http://www.meetup.com/Merry-Meets-and-Blessed-Beats-Fox-Valley/)
Price: $5.00 per person
Where: Kindred Spirits Intuitive Arts Center, 4025- A Rt 34, Oswego, IL
Bring your drum and a dish to share. Steve from Merry Meets and Blessed Beats will be leading us in a drumming circle, all skill levels are welcome from beginner to advanced.


Saturday, February 27, 2010 at 6:00 PM
Lake Shore Drumming
Where: near Crystal Lake/Cary
RSVP with Brian at brian@healingthemodernspirit.com
A light potluck dinner at 6pm with drumming to follow until... Until everyone has left. There will be a few spare drums available, so those who have some to share would be appreciated.


Hope to see you at one of these gatherings!

January 30, 2010 - Snow Jamming!

Let the drumming BEGIN!

Brian and Amy are hosting a drum circle at their home in Lake in the Hills on January 30th. We're planning on starting with a light potluck dinner at 6pm with drumming to follow until... Until everyone has left. We'll have space for 15 or so.

There will be a few spare drums available, so those who have some to share would be appreciated.

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THE DETAILS:

When: January 30, 2010
Time: 6:00 p.m. - ???
Location: Brian and Amy's house, Lake in the Hills, IL
Fee: Potluck contribution
Registration: People can RSVP to Brian at brian@healingthemodernspirit.com
Facilitated by: Brian and Amy




Thank you!