Dancing To The Beat of A Different Drummer
The twirling and swaying are the first things you see. The palpitating energy is the only thing you feel. Asheville’s legendary Drum Circle (shown at right. Photography offered by BRCTraveller Alex Grodner) is an experience not to be missed if you happen to be in Western North Carolina on any given Friday night when the weather is warm and the spirit is willing. Established four years ago by a small group of residents, today the Drum Circle draws a widening audience of participants and curiosity seekers of all ages, ethnic groups and ilks who come to share in the exuberant experience. Senior citizens move herky jerky next to more fluid modern-day “free spirits.” Visiting business women step gingerly into the action for the first time alongside youngsters gyrating with ease in neon-colored hoola hoops or Velcro-bound dancing shoes. Everyone within earshot is moved by the rhythm rising into the evening air from dozens of drums skirting the perimeter of Pritchard Park.
Tonight, we were drawn to the circle after dining al fresco at the magnificent Tupelo Honey Café (home of such upscale Southern cuisine as goat cheese-infused grits and buttery biscuits served with their own brand of golden smooth Tupelo Honey). Two preppie college kids tapped along tentatively to the drum’s beats on an empty newspaper box across the street from the park.
Our own family’s enthusiasm could not be contained to a few strums on a makeshift percussion instrument from afar, however. Intrigued, we took my 80-year-old father-in-law, Paul (below), across the street to get a closer view. Initially, he was confused by the noise, the movement and the spontaneity of it all. Stirling quickly helped to bridge his understanding by pulling him into the fray.
They whirled their way through the crowd, switching between free-form dancing, jitterbug and shag moves. Two visitors from Florida, Annie and Michelle, were charmed by this intergenerational interaction. Before we knew it, Paul, who hadn’t known what to make of it all just a few moments earlier, was dancing with each of the women. Annie expressed an interest in giving the hoola hoop a try. After very little persuading, a young girl close by was gladly shared hers and Annie was circling her hips while shrieking in ecstasy. Considering moving to Asheville for a new job and life, Annie was one step closer after being charmed by this distinctive local institution.
Over the course of the years, the Drum Circle has had a somewhat strained relationship with the powers that be in Asheville. Last year, organizers went to the City Council to try to gain some official recognition for the impromptu get-togethers while minimizing the number of bureaucratic restrictions. In spite of this, the Drum Circle has become so well-known as a part of Asheville Friday nights it is hard to imagine it disappearing anytime soon.
Because in essence, the Drum Circle is the personification of modern day Asheville: a messy mix of traditional families, college students, artists, musicians, retirees and assorted unique personalities. All sharing the sounds of happiness and the sense of community as expressed through a few simple drum beats.
Just The Facts
The Asheville Drum Cirlce is held every Friday night when the weather is warm, beginning at 6 p.m. in downtown Asheville’s Pritchard Park. Dancing and drumming continue until approximately 10 p.m.
