HERD ABOUT IT?
Ana Grarian
After a recent church service in Louisville KY an impromptu drum circle began its magic. Sitting, watching and listening I began to think of my rural community, and looking over the valley from my hill to the hills beyond.
Rural communities are often considered to be lonely, and being able to see the lights of a farm in the distance can be reassuring.
Then I thought of how it must have been long ago when the native Americans might have played their drums and how the sound would have echoed along the valleys and hills. This led me to think of the scene in 1001 Dalmations, when the dogs pass the word of missing puppies. The sound of dogs passing the peace is a common summer’s night sound.
I wonder how it would be if today, instead of sitting in front of glowing screens, we sat out under the stars, and drummed to one another?
Ana, I know what you mean, but this could go one of two ways: If the drummers have a sense of rhythm, it can be pleasing to contemplate the universe while you listen to them play; if the drummers can’t find a beat with a metronome helping, though, it’s sheer torture. Sometimes the sounds of the woods at night and the wind are the best accompaniment to watching the stars.
I’ve done this several times: both times at UU churches. It’s very comforting and quite the communal experiences. Odd to note: my first experience (just observing) was in the downtown Louisville UU (pronounced “Lew-ah-ville” for the uninitiated.) when I was there to perform. My friend Drew who recently died hired me… one of my most recent columns.
RS… believe it or not even the worst seem to fall into the rhythm from my experience. And being a folkie at heart… I’m not one of the best. I tend to use retards liberally. Of course they complain when I do.
Bad joke.
More great music today. We started in Mullens, WV with some wonderful banjo music. Tonight we are at a fabulous church in Ohio with 30 acres, 20 in forest. They are doing community service agriculture. Wonderful fellowship and then an hour or so around the campfire passing the guitar.