Guests get a "Taste of Rhythm" with DRUMMM at Berkeley Chamber Crush Fest

November 7, 2010--Attendees of the Berkeley Chamber of Commerce's 15th Annual Crush Festival got a lot more than just a taste of local cuisine and wine from 25 local restaurants and caterers, and 25 local wineries. Thanks to DRUMMM Rhythmic Events founder and facilitator Jeni Swerdlow, MA, ATR--and with the help of the Grasshopper Ensemble on drums--festival guests were treated to a Taste of Rhythm during the event.

After a short drumming performance in the banquet hall at the Hotel Shattuck Plaza in downtown Berkeley, unsuspecting guests were given Boomwhacker percussion tubes to play. Swerdlow helped the crowd find their beat while the Grasshopper Ensemble held down the groove for everyone to play along. Dancing and cheering ensued.

Berkeley Chamber Communications and Event Director, Shiloh Alexis Elias, told Swerdlow, "You guys were wonderful! Thank you so much for bringing such talented drummers, along with your amazing talent, enthusiasm, and stage presence! It was amazing! I got so much positive feedback from so many people."

One guest responded, "It was so nice to have something so upbeat to liven up the day--especially after I ate and drank so much! It felt great to get the body moving!"

This year's non-profit beneficiary was "Through The Looking Glass," which has been serving families with disabilities since 1982. Proceeds from the Silent Auction went towards the Chamber's Scholarship Program.

To learn more about DRUMMM Rhythmic Events, visit www.DRUMMM.com.

Photo credit: Worldwide Communications

Jeni Swerdlow DRUMMM's Up Teamwork at Chamber Ambassadors Rally

Earlier this month, The Berkeley Chamber of Commerce brought in some "heavy hitters" to cap off its Northern California Chamber Ambassadors Rally. An annual event that brings together Ambassadors from dozens of Northern California Chambers of Commerce, this year's theme was "Teamwork."

The Rally began its day with a high energy performance by the Cal Marching Band (U.C. Berkeley), then the attendees got down to work. Followed by a day of sitting for talks on such business topics as "Marketing Strategies" and "The Importance of Being Green," DRUMMM's Jeni Swerdlow was called in facilitate the "hands-on" grand finale to unsuspecting Ambassadors.

Moments after the emcee's final announcements, Swerdlow had the auditorium's chairs up against the walls and the 60 or so sleepy-looking participants in a circle. Dumping a huge pile of "Boomwhackers" in the middle (colorful, tuned percussion tubes that can be struck together, on the floor, or on the body), Swerdlow immediately had people clamoring for their choice of colors and sizes.

What ensued was a 20-minute team building session of epic proportions. The room instantly erupted into a cacophony of sound, then with Swerdlow's expert facilitation transformed seamlessly into an ensemble of rhythm, teamwork and celebration. Grouping teams by color, Swerdlow effortlessly sculpted the music as groups created their own distinct patterns, then wove them together into an orchestra. It was a grand example of teamwork in a most unique way.

By the end, each and every Ambassador was laughing and yelling with glee at how much fun they had and how good they were able to sound, despite most having never touched a drum before. People ran up to thank Swerdlow for ending the day on on such a positive note, noting how much more bearable their Friday rush-hour commute was going to be, thanks to her and DRUMMM.

For more info on Jeni Swerdlow and DRUMMM, visit www.drummm.com. For more info on the Ambassador's Rally, visit http://www.berkeleychamber.com/