Rhythm Sisters "Summer Release" Playshop! (August 2015)

NEW! Rhythm Sisters "Summer Release" Playshop!
Sunday August 23rd at 1-5pm in Vallejo, CA

Join us for a special half-day rhythm intensive to honor and celebrate our individual and collective struggles, perseverance, resilience, and healing as a community. We will spend the day exploring a specific West African rhythm that's played to celebrate when a woman has overcome a personal hardship or challenge. The session will focus on:
 

- Learning all the drum (djembe and dunun) and bell parts.
- Playing the introductory break and an "inside the rhythm" call and response break.

- Specific solo phrases.

- The story and song for this rhythm.JUST ADDED The delightfully talented Francesca Genco of Lilac Music will be teaching the song that accompanies the rhythm we're playing! 

- Rhythm notation for all the parts (handouts will be provided).

This special program is open to women and girls age 12 and older. Appropriate for drummers of ALL levels, Drums are available if needed.

Location: IntegriTea, 717 Marin St, Vallejo. Plenty of street parking available. Accessible by Ferry from S.F. or BART/Bus from elsewhere. Rideshare opportunities will be arranged.

Cost: Sliding scale, $45-75. Space is limited. Contact jeni@drummm.com to register or for more info.

Don't miss this special opportunity to go deep into the rhythmic experience!

www.DRUMMM.com 

Upcoming Summer DRUMMM Events (June - August 2015)

Get in the Groove! Join us at our Upcoming Bay Area Summer DRUMMM Events.

EXTRA SPECIAL EVENTS

FRI 7/17 Opening Drummm Circle - Born to Drum Camp, Bort Meadows, Oakland @ 7-8:30PM

SUN 8/29 Rhythm Sisters "Summer Release" Playshop, Vallejo @ 1-5PM

COMMUNITY DRUMMM CIRCLES

SUN 6/14, 7/12, 8/9 "2nd Sundays" Up Bay Drummm Circle, Vallejo @ 3:30-5PM

SAT 6/20, 7/18, 8/15 "3rd Saturdays" East Bay Drummm Circle, Berkeley @ 4-5:30PM

LIBRARY EVENTS (FREE, family-friendly events. All programs are 45 minutes. Instruments provided. Check with individual libraries for more info)

SAT 6/6 Pittsburg Library @ 1PM
TUE 6/9 Woodland Library @ 2PM
THU 6/11 Lafayette @ 1PM
THU 6/11 Oakley Library @ 6:30PM
TUE 6/16 Dublin Library @ 1PM + 2PM (2 shows)
TUE 6/16 Cesar Chavez Library, Oakland  @ 6pm
WED 6/17 Richmond Library @ 1PM
WED 6/17 Clayton Library @ 7PM
MON 6/22 Walnut Creek Library  - Insiders @ 11:30AM, Kids @ 3:30PM, Adults @ 6:30PM
TUE 6/23 Moraga Library @ 3PM
TUE 6/23 Rockridge Library, Oakland @ 7PM
WED 6/24 81st Library, Oakland @ 1PM
SAT 6/27 Orinda Library @ 3:30PM
MON 6/29 Children's Room Library, Oakland @ 10:30AM
TUE 6/30 Danville Library @ 4PM
WED 7/1 Castro Valley Library @ 2PM
TUE 7/7 Dougherty Station Library, San Ramon @ 6:30PM
THU 7/9 Mountain View Library @ 2:30PM
SAT 7/11 Union City Library @ 2PM
MON 7/13 Martinez Library @ 6PM
TUE 7/14 San Ramon Library @ 3PM
TUE 7/14 Piedmont Library @ 7PM
SAT 7/18 Weekes Library, Hayward @ 1PM
MON 7/20 Hercules Library @ 7PM
TUE 7/21 MLK Library, Oakland @ 5:30PM
THU 7/23 Asian Library, Oakland @ 10:30AM
SAT 7/25 Montclair Library @ 11AM
SAT 7/25 Claremont Library, Berkeley @ 4PM
TUE 7/28 Dimond Library, Oakland @ 7PM
WED 7/29 Newark Library @ 2PM
SAT 8/8 Golden Gate Library, Oakland @ 11AM
WED 8/12 Brentwood Library @ 4PM
FRI 8/14 Camp Erin, Occidental @ 7PM
MON 8/17 Pleasant Hill Library @ 6:30PM

For more info visit the DRUMMM Rhythmic Events website. Contact Jeni Swerdlow at jeni@drummm.com or 510.316.2850.

Check back often, as new events are being added all the time!

Monthly "3rd Saturdays" East Bay Drummm Circle beats strong in Berkeley!

Ashkenaz Music and Dance Community Center in Berkeley, California is the home of the long-running Monthly East Bay Drummm Circle, now in it's 6th year. Facilitated by DRUMMM founder Jeni Swerdlow, MA-ATR, the group meets on the third Saturday of every month, from 4-5:30pm.

Open to all styles of drumming (as well as singing, dancing, and the occasional hammered dulcimer) this Drummm Circle makes the experience of drumming engaging, accessible, meaningful and FUN for participants of all ages and levels. Jeni playfully challenges participants to build musical skills as they release stress, build community, and experience joy and liberation through the rhythm. No special musical talent or prior training is necessary to participate fully.

No prior drumming experience? Show up right at 4pm for the beginner's introductory mini-lesson, and try your hand at basic drumming techniques and world grooves. Don't have a drum of your own? No problem, Jeni offers a variety of hand and stick drums to play for a nominal fee.

Come check it out and discover why folks from all over the Bay Area come back month after month. Your satisfaction is guaranteed or your next monthly Drummm Circle is FREE!

"3RD SATURDAYS" EAST BAY DRUMMM CIRCLE
Facilitated by Jeni Swerldow, MA-ATR (and special guests!)
3rd Saturday of each month
4-5:30pm

Location: Ashkenaz, 1317 San Pablo Ave. (at Gilman St.), Berkeley CA.

Cost: Adults $10-15 sliding scale; Kids (13 + under) $5-10; Babies (under 2) Free! No reservation needed. Pay at the door. Cash is appreciated.

Drums: Bring your own drum or play one of Jeni's for $5. First come, first serve.

Questions? Contact Jeni Swerdlow at jeni@drummm.com or 510.316.2850.

See you in the circle!

www.DRUMMM.com

"2nd Sundays" Up Bay Drummm Circle hits Vallejo!

Now in it's second year! Every "2nd Sunday" of the month is UP BAY DRUMMM SUNDAY in Vallejo CA!

Are you ready to groove your heart out? This fun, playfully challenging drum circle is facilitated by DRUMMM Rhythmic Events founder Jeni Swerdlow, MA-ATR. Beat stress, expand joy and wellness, connect with community. Open to all ages, levels, cultures, and styles of drumming. No prior musical experience is necessary to participate. Jeni will get your hands moving and grooving on the drum in no time!

Every 2nd Sunday of the month @ 3:30-5pm

Located at IntegriTea, 717 Marin Street, Vallejo CA

Cost: Adults $10-15 sliding scale; Kids 13 + under $5-10 sliding scale; Babies under 2 are Free.

Bring a drum or percussion if you have one, or play one of our drums for an additional $5 each (first come, first served).

Questions? Contact Jeni Swerdlow at jeni@drummm.com or 510.316.2850.

5th Annual Holiday Drummm Circle, Potluck, Gift Bazaar, Food Drive hits Berkeley on Sat. 12/20!

Join DRUMMM Rhythmic Events founder Jeni Swerdlow and friends in a RHYTHMIC HOLIDAY COMMUNITY CELEBRATION! We'll be hitting the holiday spirit hard this season. Check it out:

- Holiday and Solstice themed Drummm Circle (Ho Ho Ho and a Bang on the Drum!)

- Community Potluck (Eat to the beat, make a friend, bring a treat!)

- Gift Bazaar (Buy instruments, music and drumming inspired art - give the gift of rhythm!)

- Annual Food Drive for the Alameda Food Bank (Bring your donations of canned and other non-perishable foods in unopened containers)

Saturday, December 20, 2015 @ 4-6pm (extended time!)

Located at Ashkenaz, - 1417 San Pablo Ave, Berkeley CA

Adults $10, Seniors $8, Kids 12 + under $5
Bring a drum or rent one of ours for $5 (first come, first serve)

Open to all levels and styles of drumming! Prepare to be playfully challenged and merrily groove-ified! 

Contact Jeni Swerdlow - jeni@drummm.com or 510.316.2850 for more info.

Fall Back Into the Groove! Upcoming DRUMMM Events, Sept-Oct 2014

FALL BACK INTO THE GROOVE!
Upcoming DRUMMM Events
September-October 2014

Friday 9/12 @ 7-8pm - Drummm Jam at "2nd Fridays" Vallejo Art Walk (meet at the corner of Georgia St. and Marin St., right outside The Hub). Bring a drum or soundmaker and join in the fun at this monthly community art celebration! Open to all ages and levels/styles of drumming. Chairs provided. FREE!

Sunday 9/14 @ 2:30-4pm - "2nd Sundays" Monthly North Bay Drummm Circle at The Hub Vallejo, 350 Georgia St. This fun, playfully challenging drum circle is facilitated by DRUMMM Rhythmic Events founder Jeni Swerdlow, MA-ATR. Open to all ages, levels, cultures, and styles of drumming. No prior musical experience is necessary to participate. Adults $10; Kids (12 + under) $5. Bring a drum, or borrow one for $5, first come first serve.

Thursday 9/18 @ 3:30-4:30pm - Drummm OneBEAT at Danville Library, 400 Front St. DRUMMM hits the Arts Enrichment Book Club - fun for kids of all ages! FREE!

Saturday 9/20 @ 4-5:30pm - "3rd Saturdays" Monthly East Bay Drummm Circle - Special Autumn Equinox Celebration!  at Ashkenaz Berkeley, 1317 San Pablo Ave. Open to all styles of drumming (as well as singing and dancing)! Jeni Swerdlow's facilitation makes the experience engaging, accessible, meaningful and FUN for participants of all ages and levels. Adults $10; Kids (12 + under) $5. Bring a drum, or borrow one for $5, first come first serve.

Saturday 9/27 @ 6-7pm - Jeni Swerdlow leads the Closing Drum Circle at Oakland World Percussion Festival at East Bay Church, 4130 Telegraph Ave, Oakland. "Northern California's Largest One-Day Percussion Event!" FREE!

Friday 10/10 @ 7-8pm - Drummm Jam at "2nd Fridays" Vallejo Art Walk (meet at the corner of Georgia St. and Marin St., right outside The Hub). Bring a drum or soundmaker and join in the fun at this monthly community art celebration! Open to all ages and levels/styles of drumming. Chairs provided. FREE!

Sunday 10/12 @ 2:30-4pm - "2nd Sundays" Monthly North Bay Drummm Circle at The Hub Vallejo, 350 Georgia St. This fun, playfully challenging drum circle is facilitated by DRUMMM Rhythmic Events founder Jeni Swerdlow, MA-ATR. Open to all ages, levels, cultures, and styles of drumming. No prior musical experience is necessary to participate. Adults $10; Kids (12 + under) $5. Bring a drum or borrow one for $5, first come first serve.

Saturday 10/18 @ 4-5:30pm - "3rd Saturdays" Monthly East Bay Drummm Circle at Ashkenaz Berkeley, 1317 San Pablo Ave. Open to all styles of drumming (as well as singing and dancing)! Jeni Swerdlow's facilitation makes the experience engaging, accessible, meaningful and FUN for participants of all ages and levels. Adults $10; Kids (12 + under) $5. Bring a drum or borrow one for $5, first come first serve.

Check back often, as we're adding and updating events all the time!

More info: www.DRUMMM.com - jeni@drummm.com - 510.316.2850

5/11 Celebrate the Rhythms of Life with Mom!

Join us on Sunday, May 11th for a Mother's Day Drummm Circle! Moms get $5 off admission!

This fun, playfully challenging "Second Sundays" drum circle is facilitated by DRUMMM Rhythmic Eventsfounder Jeni Swerdlow, MA-ATR. Open to all ages, levels, cultures, and styles of drumming. No prior musical experience is necessary to participate. Jeni will get your hands moving and grooving on the drum in no time!

3:30-4pm Beginner Lesson: Intro to Hand Drumming/World Grooves
4-5pm All levels Facilitated Drummm Circle + Community Celebration.

Located @ IntegriTea Art + Event Space, 717 Marin St, Vallejo CA

Adults: $10; Kids 13 + under: $5; Seniors 65 + up $8; Babies under 2: Free. $5 off for Moms!!

Bring a drum or percussion if you have one, or play one of Jeni's drums for an additional $5 each (first come, first serve).

Questions? Contact Jeni Swerdlow at jeni@drummm.com or 510.316.2850.

DRUMMM Community Events (Feb-May 2014)

Sat. 2/8 DRUMMM for Kids @ Claremont Branch Library, Berkeley CA.
4-4:45pm
Family friendly + Free!

Sun. 2/9 NEW "2nd Sundays" North Bay Drummm Circle @ IntegriTea, - 717 Marin St, Vallejo CA.
3:30-5pm

Sat. 2/15 Monthly East Bay Drummm Circle @ Ashkenaz, Berkeley CA.
4-5:30pm

Sun. 3/9 NEW "2nd Sundays" North Bay Drummm Circle @ IntegriTea, - 717 Marin St, Vallejo CA.
3:30-5pm

Sat. 3/15 Monthly East Bay Drummm Circle @ Ashkenaz, Berkeley CA.
Come play and get ready for Sun. 3/16 event (see below), where we will Drummm for the masses!

4-5:30pm

Sun. 3/16 East Bay Drummm Circle Drummers @ Ashkenaz World Dance Showcase (41st Anniversary Bash + Benefit), Berkeley CA.
Must attend 3/15 East Bay Drummm Circle to participate as a drummer at this event (see above).
Doors @ 4:30pm, Show @ 5pm

Sun. 4/6 Closing Drummm Circle Celebration @ Stockton Earth Day Festival, Stockton CA.
4-4:45pm

Fri. 4/11 "Rhythm Ride" Drummm Circle @ East Bay Bike Party, Walnut Creek CA
9-10pm

Sun. 4/13 NEW "2nd Sundays" North Bay Drummm Circle @ IntegriTea, - 717 Marin St, Vallejo CA.
3:30-5pm

Sat. 4/19 Monthly East Bay Drummm Circle @ Ashkenaz, Berkeley CA.
4-5:30pm

Sun. 5/11 NEW "2nd Sundays" North Bay Drummm Circle @ IntegriTea, - 717 Marin St, Vallejo CA.
3:30-5pm

Sat. 5/17 DrumSTRONG S.F. Bay Area "Drumming to BEAT Cancer!" Drummm Circle @ Ashkenaz, Berkeley CA.
4-6pm

Check back often, as we're adding and updating events all the time!

More info: www.DRUMMM.com - jeni@drummm.com - 510.316.2850

2013 Drummm Gratitudes

DRUMMM wishes to thank these special people, companies, organizations, events and venues for an incredible 2013:

· Genentech
· eBay
· Google
· S.F. Winery
· de Young Museum
· Exploratorium
· Mickey Hart
· UCSF
· Cal State Hayward
· Delta College
· Mac World
· John Fitzgerald/REMO Inc.
· San Francisco Ballet
· Drum Circle Facilitators Guild (DCFG)
· Mentoring for Success
· Youth Enrichment Strategies
· San Francisco Unified School District
· Whim Agency
· Amy Kaneko Events
· Athena Academy
· Avenidas Rose Kleiner Senior Center
· El Carmelo Kids Club
· Bay Area Libaries - San Pablo, Walnut Creek, Sebastopol, Guerneville, Los Gatos, Menlo Park, San Lorenzo, El Sobrante, Union City
· Women Drummers International
· Ashkenaz Music and Dance Cultural Center
· Family Caregiver Alliance
· Kol Emeth
· Seneca Center
· Child Educational Center (CEC)
· YMCA Jones Gulch
· Shining Star Respite
· Masonic Homes
· Elizabeth House
· Camp Gan Israel
· Love Warriors
· Walters Jr. High
· Yavneh Day School
· Temple Isiah
· Victoria Fowler
· Francesca Genco
· Susanna Goldenstein
· Fairmount Elementary
· Otis Elementary
· IntegriTea

And a very special THANK YOU to all the new and continuing DRUMMM Co-Facilitators:

· Aaron Kierbel
· Adley Penner
· Craig Miller
· Patricio Angulo
· Paul Martin Sounder
· Peter Brightman
· Susan Jette
· Tomas Salcedo
· Yari Mander

And of course to our favorite little drummer boy Ethan - so glad you've joined the DRUMMM Team!!!

THANK YOU ALL FOR A BANGING YEAR!

In rhythm,

Jeni Swerdlow, MA-ATR
Founder, Director, Lead Rhythm Facilitator

DRUMMM Rhythmic Events

The beat goes on! DRUMMM welcomes newest drummer to the family, plus September-December 2013 Community Events

Please welcome little drummer boy Ethan Isadore Brightman to the DRUMMM family! Ethan was born on Sunday August 11th, 2013 in Berkeley, CA to DRUMMM founder Jeni Swerdlow and proud papa Peter Brightman. So far he's shown an interest in listening to legendary drummers Babtunde Olatunji, Glen Velez, Master Musicians of Jajouka, and Mamady Keita to name just a few. Glad you could join us in rhythm and in life little Ethan! We can't wait to drummm with you.

UPCOMING COMMUNITY DRUMMM EVENTS
September-December 2013

Saturday 9/21
MONTHLY EAST BAY DRUMMM CIRCLE
Featuring special guest facilitator Kathy Quain, MME, MT-BC
4:30-6pm  in the Back Studio (Special time + space!)
Ashkenaz Music + Dance Center - 1317 San Pablo Avenue (at Gilman St.), Berkeley, CA www.ashkenaz.com
Adults $10; Kids (12 + under) $5
Drum Rental $5

Sunday 10/6
DRUMMM CIRCLE @ DRUM SUNDAY KICKOFF PICNIC
Facilitated by DRUMMM Founder Jeni Swerdlow, MA-ATR; Hosted by Women Drummers International
1-3:30pm
Mosswood Park, Oakland CA
FREE!

Saturday 10/19
MONTHLY EAST BAY DRUMMM CIRCLE
Facilitated by DRUMMM Founder Jeni Swerdlow, MA-ATR
4-5:30pm  in the Main Space
Ashkenaz Music + Dance Center - 1317 San Pablo Avenue (at Gilman St.), Berkeley, CA www.ashkenaz.com
Adults $10; Kids (12 + under) $5
Drum Rental $5

Saturday 10/26
HALLOWEEN COMMUNITY + FAMILY DRUMMM PROGRAM
11am-12pm
Guerneville Regional Library
Come in costume and join us in drumming up some Halloween fun!
FREE!

Saturday 11/9
VALLEJO COMMUNITY DRUMMM CIRCLE
1-2pm 
IntegriTea Art Space - 717 Marin St, Vallejo CA
In support of Vallejo Open Studios. Open to all ages, all levels. Bring a seat and drum or percussion if you have one. Some drums available.
FREE! (Donations accepted)

Sunday 11/10

VALLEJO COMMUNITY DRUMMM CIRCLE

5:30-6:30pm
IntegriTea Art Space - 717 Marin St, Vallejo CA

In support of Vallejo Open Studios. Open to all ages, all levels. Bring a seat and drum or percussion if you have one. Some drums available.

FREE! (Donations accepted)

Saturday 11/16
MONTHLY EAST BAY DRUMMM CIRCLE + FOOD DRIVE
Please bring healthy canned or packaged foods for our annual Food Drive. All proceeds will be donated to the Alameda County Community Food Bank.
Facilitated by DRUMMM Founder Jeni Swerdlow, MA-ATR
4-5:30pm  in the Main Space
Ashkenaz Music + Dance Center - 1317 San Pablo Avenue (at Gilman St.), Berkeley, CA www.ashkenaz.com
Adults $10; Kids (12 + under) $5
Drum Rental $5

Thursday 12/12
DRUMMM FOR KIDS
Facilitated by Jeni Swerdlow, MA-ATR + the DRUMMM Team
4-4:50pm
Walnut Creek Library
FREE!

Thursday 12/12
DRUMMM FOR ADULTS
Facilitated by Jeni Swerdlow, MA-ATR + the DRUMMM Team
6:30-7:30pm
Walnut Creek Library
FREE!

Sunday 12/15
VALLEJO COMMUNITY DRUMMM CIRCLE + HOLIDAY FOOD DRIVE
3-5pm
IntegriTea Art + Event Space, 717 Marin St, Vallejo CA
Please donate to our local Holiday Food Drive! We are accepting healthy canned or packaged foods for the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano Counties.
3-3:30pm Beginner Lesson: Intro to Hand Drumming/World Grooves
3:30-5pm All levels Facilitated Drum Circle/Community Celebration.
Open to all ages, levels, cultures, and styles of drumming. No prior musical experience is necessary to participate. Jeni will get your hands moving and grooving on the drum in no time!
Adults: $10; Kids 12 and under: $5; Babies under 2: Free
Bring a drum or percussion if you have one. There will be plenty of extras on hand.

Saturday 12/21
MONTHLY EAST BAY DRUMMM CIRCLE, SOLSTICE CELEBRATION + HOLIDAY FOOD DRIVE
Facilitated by DRUMMM Founder Jeni Swerdlow, MA-ATR
Eat! Beat! And Be Merry! Please bring a dish or beverage to share at our Community Potluck, plus healthy canned or packaged foods for our annual Holiday Food Drive. All proceeds will be donated to the Alameda County Community Food Bank.
4-6pm  in the Main Space
Ashkenaz Music + Dance Center - 1317 San Pablo Avenue (at Gilman St.), Berkeley, CA www.ashkenaz.com
Adults $10; Kids (12 + under) $5
Drum Rental $5

Check back here often - events are being added all the time!
For more info visit www.DRUMMM.com.
For bookings or questions please contact Jeni Swerdlow - jeni@drummm.com - 510.316.2850

Summer of Rhythm! DRUMMM Community Events Calendar, Jun-Aug 2013

Join DRUMMM Rhythmic Events founder and facilitator Jeni Swerdlow, MA-ATR and friends in a joyful celebration of rhythm! It's a magical, music-making experience that everyone can participate in together. Come play!

Sat 6/15 Monthly East Bay Community Drummm Circle @ Ashkenaz, Berkeley CA

4-5:30pm

Wed 6/19 DRUMMM OneBEAT @ San Lorenzo Library - Free + family-friendly!
2:30-3:15pm

Sat 6/22 DRUMMM OneBEAT @ Union City Library - Free + family-friendly!
2:00-2:45pm

Wed 6/26 DRUMMM OneBEAT @ Los Gatos Library - Free + family-friendly!
10:30-11:15am

Wed 7/10 DRUMMM OneBEAT @ Menlo Park Library - Free + family-friendly!
10:30-11:15am

Wed 7/10 DRUMMM OneBEAT @ Belle Haven Branch Library, Menlo Park - Free + family-friendly!
1:30-2:15pm

Sat 7/20 Monthly East Bay Community Drummm Circle with Special Guest Rhythm Facilitator Susan Jette, MT-BC @ Ashkenaz, Berkeley CA
4-5:30pm

Mon 8/12 DRUMMM OneBEAT @ El Sobrante Library - Free + family-friendly!
7-7:45pm

Sat 8/17 Please note that there will be NO Monthly East Bay Community Drummm Circle in August. See you in September on 9/21!

For more info, visit www.DRUMMM.com. Check back often - events are being added all the time!

Community Drummm Events Calendar (Feb-May 2013)

Join us in these "hands-on" drumming events - engaging, accessible, meaningful and fun for ALL skill levels!

Sat 2/1 Closing Drum Circle Ceremony with Arthur Hull @ MacWorld/iWorld 2013, Moscone Center, S.F.
3:30-4:30pm

Sat 2/16 Monthly East Bay Community Drummm Circle @ Ashkenaz, Berkeley CA
4-5:30pm

Fri 2/22-Sun 2/24 8th Annual Drum Circle Facilitators Conference (with presentation by DRUMMM founder Jeni Swerdlow) @ Pasaro Dunes Resort, Watsonville CA

Sat 3/16 Monthly East Bay Community Drummm Circle @ Ashkenaz, Berkeley CA

4-5:30pm

Fri 4/5-Sun 4/7 Embodying Perspehone: Women's Spring Renewal Retreat with Drum, Yoga, + Song @ Black Mountain Retreat Center, Cazadero CA. Facilitated by Jeni Swerdlow + Francesca Genco

Fri 4/19 Imagining Nonviolence: Healing from Violence @ Ashkenaz, Berkeley CA
Non-Violence Workshops @ 6:30pm; Kids' Drum Circle @ 7:30pm; Healing Drummm Circle with Jeni Swerdlow @ 8:30pm; Followed by live music with SambaDa + Cosmos Percussion Orchestra.

Sat 4/20 Monthly East Bay Community Drummm Circle @ Ashkenaz, Berkeley CA

4-5:30pm - Dinner nearby immediately afterwards, followed by Baba Olatunji Birthday Celebration @ Ashkenaz

Sat 5/18 drumSTRONG "drumming to BEAT cancer" Annual Drummm Circle at Monthly East Bay Community Drummm Circle @ Ashkenaz, Berkeley CA. $10-25 Suggested donation. Proceeds to benefit S.F. Bay Area Cancer Support Community.
4-5:30pm

Fri 5/24 Full Moon Drummm Circle Celebration @ UCSF Saunders Court, Parnassus Campus, San Francisco CA. FREE!
12-1pm

Tue 5/28 DRUMMM OneBEAT @ Sebastopol Library, Sebastopool CA (Free + All ages!)
4-4:45pm

For more info, visit www.DRUMMM.com. Check back often - events are being added all the time!

DRUMMM is Back in the Bay and Ready to Play!

UPCOMING COMMUNITY DRUMMM EVENTS
September-December 2012

DRUMMM provides hands-on, facilitated drumming experiences for all kinds of groups and events. Programs are open to all ages, all levels, all styles of drumming. We're connecting the world in rhythm, one beat at a time...join us!

9/15 The Return of the East Bay Community Drummm Circle @ Ashkenaz Music & Dance Center, Berkeley

4:00-5:30PM

9/23 Drummm OneBEAT @ Art in Nature: The Nature of Art Festival, Steam Trail of Redwood Regional Park, Oakland
12:00-1:00PM on the Shuttle; 4:00-5:00PM Parade + Closing Ceremony

9/29 Drummm OneBEAT @ YES Family Camp, Pescadero
All Day

9/30 Drummm OneBEAT @ OMCA Family/Oakland Pride Celebration, Oakland Museum of California
2:15-3:00PM

10/13 Drummm OneBEAT @ YES Family Camp, Pescadero
All Day

10/20 East Bay Community Drummm Circle @ Ashkenaz Music & Dance Center, Berkeley

4:00-5:30PM

11/10 Drummm OneBEAT @ International Drum Month Celebration, Lafayette Library
1:00-1:45PM

11/17 East Bay Community Drummm Circle @ Ashkenaz Music & Dance Center, Berkeley

4:00-5:30PM

12/2 "Universal Grooves - Rhythm for All" with Jeni Swerdlow @ Drum Sundays, Oakland
1:00-3:00PM (Rescheduled from 11/4/12)

12/15 DRUMMM Holiday + Solstice Celebration @ Ashkenaz Music & Dance Center, Berkeley

4:00-6:00PM

More Info: www.DRUMMM.com

Contact: Jeni Swerdlow, MA-ATR - jeni@drummm.com or 510.316.2850

Check back again soon - new events are being added all the time!

Community Corner: Inspiring people who impact the world of DRUMMM

Meet Ellen, a 78-year-young drummer. I had the pleasure of meeting Ellen at the first Thursday night DRUMMM Rhythmplay series at the San Francisco JCC last September. She came to class early to tell me that she had lost her hearing (she only hears white noise), lost her music (she used to play cello) and lost her zest for life. While Ellen had never played a drum before, she felt compelled to come try my drumming class. What has transpired over the past 8 months has been a story of transformation, reconnection, friendship and joy. This is Ellen's story...

What made you decide to start drumming?

I decided to drum after it was suggested by my therapist as a way to keep from being isolated and a bit depressed after many losses (family and friends) and the loss of my hearing. A push to get me active and involved again.

What was your musical life like before the hearing loss?

I played violin as a child and switched to cello at age 30. My siblings and my three sons all played and there was constant music at home. I played with the Eastern Connecticut Symphony, Connecticut College for Women, and Diablo Symphony in Walnut Creek when we moved to California. I took lessons all the time and would have continued if it weren't for my hearing loss at age 60.

What does drumming do you for? How has it impacted your life?

This class has brought me much joy, new friends, a feeling of being back in an orchestra. Although I don't hear the tones I feel the rhythms, and connecting with others and the being conducted by you is great. My life has been filled with music again. That's why this drumming is such a blessing for me, and my children are delighted too!

Is there a favorite drum you enjoy playing?

I enjoy playing the Bahia Bass Drum (REMO) because of it's deep tone, and holding it between my legs is very cello-like. That drum just seems to fit and I can drummm away for quite a long time without getting tired.

Please join Ellen, Jeni and the rest of the DRUMMM crew on Thursday nights:

***Thursday May 7th @ 7pm-9pm: Community Celebration DRUMMM CIRCLE, JCC SF-- FREE!

Meet Ellen and participate in a facilitated “hands-on” Drummm Circle, dine potluck-style, & celebrate the culmination of the latest Drummm Rhythmplay class. OPEN to the community, ALL ages welcome, NO experience necessary. Please bring a dish or beverage to share, and a drum or soundmaker if you have one. There will be extras on hand.

Location: JCC SF, 3200 California St, SF, CA 94118.

***Thursdays May 14^th-June 25^th @ 7-8:30pm: DRUMMM Rhythmplay Series, JCC SF

Play with Ellen, and unleash the drummer within!! Discover your natural sense of rhythm, connect with your community, release stress and have fun! Open to all levels of experience. Location: JCCSF: 3200 California St, SF, CA 94118.

Cost: $140 Member/$150 Public (6 classes). Early Registration Discount: Save $15 when you register by 5/15—just $125/$135. Returning students save an additional $10. Register: 415.292.1299 or www.jccsf.org.

Bring a drum or rent one for $30 for the series. Contact Jeni at jeni@drummm.com or 510.316.2850 to reserve a drum PRIOR to the first class.

DRUMMM RhythmPlay returns to EAST BAY!

Join Jeni Swerdlow and friends in a playfully challenging, stress-relieving drumming program for people of any level of experience. Learn drumming technique, improve coordination and explore a variety of world rhythms while connecting with your mind-body and your community.

Four Sessions: Tuesdays May 12, May 19, June 2, June 9
7-8:30pm

Location: JCC East Bay, 1414 Walnut Street, Berkeley, CA 94709

Cost: $100 for the series. Drum rental available for an additional $20. Contact jeni@drummm.com or 510.316.2850 to register/reserve a drum.
EARLY REGISTRATION DISCOUNT: Save $10 when you register and pay by May 8th.