Drum circle finds its rhythm
The Oregon Coast Community Drum Circle has resumed its summer program of free live community performance events.
The non-profit will present its first public, in-person, event on Saturday, June 19, rain or shine, in the picnic area at the east end of Newport's Yaquina Bay State Park.
"This will be our first live public outing in 15 months,” said drum circle coordinator Chandler Davis. “Summer Solstice weekend seemed like the perfect time to come out of our COVID caves and launch our 14th season of free, participatory community rhythm events in Lincoln County."
Everyone is welcome to join in the drum circle. Participants are encouraged to bring their own drums or light "found" percussion from around the house. For the time being, loaner drums will not be available. Participants should also bring a light folding chair or stool.
“Saturday's event also launches the 11th season of the free monthly outdoor Summer Celebration performances that we previously did at the late Café Mundo in Newport's Nye Beach neighborhood.” Davis said. “We'll be coming with a full performance set list Saturday and there's plenty of room for an audience at the park if folks just want to come listen to the music without joining in."
Davis said he is looking for a new permanent location for the summer performance series as well as a larger venue for the regular monthly drum circles, which were previously held in the gazebo at Don and Ann Davis Park in Nye Beach.
"For now, we will be presenting both events separately or combined at least once a month,” Davis said. “They’ll be at different locations and venues in various parts of Lincoln County through September or until we find a permanent venue."
The drum circle's weekly World Beat Rhythm Celebration and Virtual Global Drum Circle — streaming simultaneously on Facebook Live and Zoom from Davis's Facebook page since May 2020 — continues in a new 90-minute summer format most Saturdays from 4 to 5:30 pm with the drum circle's Thunder & Lightness Trio featuring Terry Filer on the Native American flutes and special guests.
The drum circle and live performance will happen from 2 to 4 pm at the Yaquina Bay State Recreation Site. For more information, email chandler@chandlerdavis.com or call 541-272-4615.