By Sue Wambolt, Contributing Writer
Region – Local drummers, percussionists and dancers are gearing up for the 11th annual Eastern Mass. Rhythm Festival which will take place Saturday, Aug. 15, at River Bend Farm, 287 Oak St., Uxbridge. Organized by the Eastern Mass. Drum Council, the public festival will include a series of freestyle circles and facilitated workshops which aim to promote many diverse rhythmic styles from a wide variety of cultural sources.
The event begins at 10 a.m. with a freestyle circle. This main circle remains active for the entire day as a space for free expression.
“As people arrive, the circle grows and the rhythm and sound draw you in,” shared Susan West, co-founder of the festival and member of the council.
Workshops begin at noon and continue until 4 p.m. There will be 11 workshops run by various drummers and dancers. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn African rhythms from master African drummers Issa Couliby and Zach Combs, learn how to play the African bass drums called “dununs” with Greg Haggard, experience the Native American-style Mother Drum with Laney Goodman or learn how to play a shekere with Bill Mitkoff. Other workshops will be taught by Sayon Camara, Bhakti Bliss and Joel Gendler. Workshops will take place at noon, 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m.
Whether hooping and poi spinning, having a meditative experience with TaKeTiNa or kirtan, or getting a workout doing African dance, there is something for everyone – kids and adults alike.
The Rhythm Festival ends with the grand finale which takes place from 4 – 6 p.m. All the participants gather for a last “big burst” of freestyle drumming and dancing.
“The energy is powerful with that much rhythm beating together,” West said. “It is an amazing experience.”
One of the best things about being involved the festival, said West, is the community of drummers who, as a whole, tend to be open and friendly and real.
“We all have an opportunity to get together in one place at one time,” she said. “At any drum circle, you might arrive as a stranger, but you leave as a friend. When you drum together, you create something greater than you could by yourself. The synergy of rhythm and connection are powerful and can bring so much joy. It is a day filled with music, movement and joy.”
While the Rhythm Festival is a free event, there is a suggested donation of $5 to $10 dollars. T-shirts with the annual festival logo will be for sale for $15. Food and beverages will be available for purchase throughout the day.
For more information, visit http://www.rhythmfestival.org/.