WHAT THE HELL IS A DRUM CIRCLE ?

    I love living downtown. One block from City Hall and three blocks from the downtown square.

    There is always something to do. There is an art gallery, old fashioned movie theater, plays, and too many bars and restaurants to mention. Summer Jam sessions and Ghost tours to name just a few. 

http://www.feeldowntownocala.com/2013/09/19/start-your-weekend-in-downtown-ocala-5/

    Recently the city built a "Citizen's Circle." Located next to City Hall, it is a gathering place for many local events. The sounds of the free concerts from all genres of music can be heard on our front porch.

    Last Friday night as I settled into my easy chair to watch a re-run of "Big Bang," my wife says to me, "They are having a drum circle down at the Citizen's Circle. You wanna go?"

    So I thought to myself, "What the hell is a Drum Circle?"

    Being the curious type, I could not resist. 

    I discovered that a drum circle is exactly that. A group of people sitting in a circle banging on some drums.

    Sounds silly doesn't it?

    I am here to tell you. It was a blast.

    I am not much on audience participation or anything "woo woo." I leave that up to my wife. I am more grounded. Being an Engineer by trade, I tend to go with facts and figures.

    There were people of all ages. Some were dressed as a throwback to the sixties. I could not tell if they were hippies or gypsies. But I could tell that they were all having fun. I wondered if Cher was going to show up and start belting out "Gypsies, Tramps and Thieves."

    There did not seem to be a leader. Someone would start a beat and then every one would join in. I was amazed at how everyone seemed to join together  as one.

    At one point I swear I could hear the intro to Fleetwood Mac's "Tusk."

    As I sat there on the ledge with some dear friends, I realized something.

    These were happy people. The work week was over for many of them. 

    They weren't thinking about paying bills, Obama Care, or who at work was out to get them. They were sitting in their chairs enjoying their spare time with others.     

    The kids were dancing. Everyone was smiling. I think they have the right idea.

    Maybe there is more to this 'woo woo' stuff than I thought.

    So, your assignment for this week.  Go out and enjoy something.

    I hear that this Friday night, 'The Little River Band' is giving a free concert.    Maybe they can talk Ocala's own 'Royal Guardsmen' into stopping by with their dog 'Snoopy'.
 
    I know where I will be.