Dear EarthBeat Music Family,

This email will highlight the musical gifts we received this past June and July, starting with the Drum in Joy and Strum in Joy Summer Celebration!

July 31
I was sorry to have to cancel our Community Drum Circle this past Thursday evening, but so grateful that many of the EarthBeat Music drumily and strumily members could pivot and still gather together for our Summer Celebration to share the songs and rhythms they have been studying for the Summer session. We met at a “home away from home” - the Village of Victory Hall - and had an evening of appreciation for music-making mixed with a lot of hearty laughter.

Our final Drum in Joy and Strum in Joy classes during the week leading up to the finale were also so meaningful and FUN.

July 27
A big group of loving drumily came together to drum in honor of my late Dad, “Mister”, at the closing of his Celebration of Life. A special thank you to Anne Delaney and Kali Nagler for getting the space and the drummers organized that afternoon; and to Adam Witt for opening the drum circle with Abondon, an old West African rhythm traditionally played for the King as he would ride away on his horse…

My deepest gratitude to all of you who have reached out throughout this entire period. Drumming, strumming and singing through these weeks has helped to keep me both anchored and elevated. I cherish each and every one of you. I know my journey with this huge loss is just beginning and I thank you all for helping to smooth out the path forward with your kindness and compassion.

Thank you to the Muse for this song that flowed through me in its full form the day after my Dad passed. Maybe you too know of someone who would “keep on pushing on, be strong, for my family.”

July 20

The Music Haven Concert Series is simply phenomenal every Summer. The featured band that evening was Bamba Wassoulou Groove, with opener Ballet Waramba (Ismael Kouyate and friends). This beautiful crew brought the love!

July 13

Sue Kenyon’s family and drumily surprised her with a special set of Wula Drum dunduns for her 70th birthday! It was a a wonderful moment to share filled with huge smiles and joyful jamming. Thank you to everyone who chipped in and to Sue’s son for initiating this precious community gift idea.

July 10, 17 and 24

Thank you Kathleen McGowan, Paul Postiglione and Wayne White for leading our first three EarthBeat Community Summer Drum + Song Circles. Each Circle was unique and special, and left participants excited for the next one! Overall we have already collected and distributed close to $1000 in donations for community nonprofit organizations.

(I don’t have any photos from these Circles to share as I’ve been relearning to set my phone down and really be IN. THE. MOMENT. while encouraging others to do the same.)

June 28

Lori, Janine, Sue and I roadtripped to Kingston, NY for a cool Women’s Drum Retreat. It was an honor to learn more about the gyil with one of my She-roes, Valerie Naranjo (who will be at the Wula Retreat in September!), and a highlight to see this Albany Womyn Drummers crew!