SOUTHEAST FLORIDA DRUM/DANCE CIRCLE NEWSLETTER
MIAMI-DADE COUNTY EDITION
Friday, 21 March 2008

Offered to you by the Southeast Florida Drum Circle Community
Michael Dean Goodman, Coordinator, 561-350-3930
SoutheastFloridaDrumCircleCommunity-owner@yahoogroups.com
This newsletter now reaches over 2000 people!

VISIT OUR YAHOO GROUP WEB PAGE
http://www.groups.yahoo.com/group/SoutheastFloridaDrumCircleCommunity
Free weekly drum circle newsletter
Lists of drumming & dancing teachers, classes, performances, vendors
Educational & inspirational materials about drumming & dancing
Links to other drumming/dancing resources



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Personal Note From the Publisher:

I apologize to all of you for being so late with this month's edition.
Two things have been happening that have required a great deal of my
time this month:

a. My mother died two weeks ago. She lived with me and I took care of
her for the past 4 years, since my dad died.

b. My partner (PremShakti) and I, as well as my aged, sick mother be-
fore she died, have been the targets of a crazy man (from within
the drumming and spiritual communities) who has been harassing us,
stalking us, assaulting us, and threatening our lives - requiring
many days to be wasted in reports to various police departments,
meetings with the State Attorney's (prosecutor's) office, self-de-
fense measures, repairs of his vandalism, hiring of investigators,
etc.

For both of these reasons, this has been an exceptionally demanding
month, and I ask for your forgiveness for the tardiness of the news-
letter. The newsletter takes a full day each month, without interrup-
tion or distraction, to make all the additions, deletions, corrections
so that all the details are accurate for your drumming/dancing pleas-
sure. This is the first day this month that I've had that luxury.

Today, as Winter gives way to Spring, may peace, growth, and fulfill-
ment be with you.

Michael

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A. SPECIAL SPIRITUAL EVENTS (BLATANT PLUG FOR EVENTS DEAR TO MY HEART)
*************************************************************************

None this month


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B. DRUM CIRCLES - SUMMARY FOR MIAMI-DADE COUNTY - BY DATE
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[classes & performances listed separately in section C3 below]

SATURDAY, MARCH 1ST
The Floating Drum Circle
Coconut Grove neighborhood of Miami FL, usually on Saturday afternoon
(occasionally on Sunday), usually 3-5pm EST (4-6pm EDT), free
See website for up-to-date info: www.groups.yahoo.com/group/MiamiDrum
See details below

SUNDAY, MARCH 2ND
Oak Grove Park Drum Circle
Miami FL, 3-6pm, free
See details below

FRIDAY, MARCH 7TH
New Moon Drum Circle at Naomi's Garden of the Poets
Miami FL, 8pm, free
See details below

SATURDAY, MARCH 8TH
The Floating Drum Circle
Coconut Grove neighborhood of Miami FL, usually on Saturday afternoon
(occasionally on Sunday), usually 3-5pm EST (4-6pm EDT), free
See website for up-to-date info: www.groups.yahoo.com/group/MiamiDrum
See details below

SUNDAY, MARCH 9TH
Oak Grove Park Drum Circle
Miami FL, 3-6pm, free
See details below

SATURDAY, MARCH 15TH
The Floating Drum Circle
Coconut Grove neighborhood of Miami FL, usually on Saturday afternoon
(occasionally on Sunday), usually 3-5pm EST (4-6pm EDT), free
See website for up-to-date info: www.groups.yahoo.com/group/MiamiDrum
See details below

SUNDAY, MARCH 16TH
Oak Grove Park Drum Circle
Miami FL, 3-6pm, free
See details below

THURSDAY, MARCH 20TH
Full Moon EVE! Drum Circle - On the Beach
Miami Beach FL, 8:30pm (or earlier) till "very late", free
See details below - pay special attention to the flexible location

FRIDAY, MARCH 21ST
Full Moon Drum Circle - On the Beach
Miami Beach FL, 9 or 10pm (or earlier) till "very late", free
See details below - pay special attention to the flexible location

FRIDAY, MARCH 21ST
Full Moon Party - Tobacco Road Drum Circle & Music Jam
Miami FL, drum circle starts at midnight according to their website
(10-ish or 11-ish according to MiamiDrum discussion group); $5 cover
charge, but free if you register on their website.
See details below.

SATURDAY, MARCH 22ND
The Floating Drum Circle
Peacock Park, Coconut Grove neighborhood of Miami FL, 4-6pm, free
See website for up-to-date info: www.groups.yahoo.com/group/MiamiDrum
See details below

SUNDAY, MARCH 23RD
Oak Grove Park Drum Circle
Miami FL, 2-6pm, free
See details below

THURSDAY-FRIDAY, MARCH 20TH-21ST
African Rhythm and Drum-Building Workshop
Ft. Lauderdale FL, Thursday 10am-5pm, Friday 10am-2pm, $150-$300
includes building your own drum
See details below

SUNDAY, MARCH 23RD
Easter Day Drum Circle Festival
Ft. Lauderdale FL, 10:00am-6:00pm, $7 'membership' includes lunch, dinner,
and drinks. Guest performers, meals, drum solo contest, etc.
See details below

SATURDAY, MARCH 29TH
The Floating Drum Circle
Coconut Grove neighborhood of Miami FL, usually on Saturday afternoon
(occasionally on Sunday), usually 3-5pm EST (4-6pm EDT), free
See website for up-to-date info: www.groups.yahoo.com/group/MiamiDrum
See details below

SUNDAY, MARCH 30TH
Oak Grove Park Drum Circle
Miami FL, 3-6pm, free
See details below

TUESDAY, APRIL 8TH
American Airlines Arena/Americas East Coast Drum Circle Night
Miami FL, 7:30pm, drum during halftime at the Miami Heat vs. Chicago
Bulls game, $15
See details below

FRIDAY-MONDAY, APRIL 18TH-21ST
2nd Annual Long Dance
Paisley FL, 4 days, see website for fees
See details below

FRIDAY-SUNDAY, APRIL 18TH-2OTH
Florida PreHeat [Burning Man regional event]
Lakeland FL, see website for costs (inexpensive)
See details below

THURSDAY-SUNDAY, APRIL 24TH-28TH
The Spirit of the Tribes - 8th Annual - Produced by Maja
Ft. Lauderdale FL, 4 days, see website for costs
See details below

FRIDAY-SUNDAY, MAY 2ND-4TH
Paralounge Drum Gathering
Mayo FL, 3 days, see website for fees
See details below


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C. DRUM CIRCLES - FULL DETAILS - MIAMI-DADE COUNTY
*************************************************************************

C1. DRUMMING/DANCING CIRCLES - ONE TIME EVENTS
C2. DRUMMING/DANCING CIRCLES - REPEATING EVENTS
C3. DRUMMING/DANCING LESSONS, PERFORMANCES, ETC.


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C1. DRUMMING/DANCING CIRCLES - ONE TIME EVENTS (ALPHABETICALLY)
*************************************************************************

*** THURSDAY-FRIDAY, MARCH 20TH-21ST ***

African Rhythm and Drum-Building Workshop

Thursday 10am-5pm; Friday 10am-2pm

Celebrate the rhythms and culture of Africa. $150-$300 provides rhythm
training, HealthRHYTHMS Group Empowerment Drumming, and a drum built with
your own hands to play and take home. Lunch provided both days.
Drum Options: sustainably harvested mahogany drum shells from Indonesia,
an Ivory Coast drum shell from West Africa, or rebuild a djembe or ashiko
of your own.

Held at: Birch State Park, 3109 E. Sunrise Blvd., Ft. Lauderdale FL,
Pavilion 3 (see directions at the Tequesta Spring Equinox Drum Circle
Below). Primitive camping available.

Info, and to pre-register (required), call Debra Anderson 954-292-1087
cell, 954-567-3204 home

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OF INTEREST TO ALL 3 COUNTIES

*** TUESDAY, APRIL 8TH ***

American Airlines Arena/Americas East Coast Drum Circle Night

7:30pm, drum during halftime at the Miami Heat vs. Chicago Bulls game,
$15

Come cheer the Miami Heat's Dwyane Wade and Shawn Marion as they take
on the Chicago Bulls! Bring the entire family as Americas East Coast
Drum Circle performs during halftime on the East Plaza of the American
Airlines Arena.

Held at: American Airlines Arena, East Plaza, Miami FL

BACKGROUND
From Randy "Atu" Robinson, President of the Fort Lauderdale Drum Circle,
Coordinator of the Americas East Coast Drum Circle:

1. A DRUM CIRCLE DEAL WITH THE AMERICAN AIRLINES ARENA

We have established a deal with the American Airlines Arena in Miami to
hold drum circles during halftime at some of their Miami Heat basketball
games and other events during 2008-2009. These will be called the Ameri-
can Airlines Arena/Americas East Coast Drum Circle Nights. The first one
will be on April 8th. They sought us out and approached us. They are
exploring being seen by new sectors of the population, and their research
showed drum circles and hand drummers fit that model.

There is a $15 fee for each drummer, which gets you: a highly discounted
game ticket (to watch the game), scoreboard and PA welcome during half-
time, participation in the halftime drum circle, all the benefits listed
below. To purchase tickets, call Adam Ramos at 786-777-4289. Make checks
payable to: Miami Heat Group. Deadline to order tickets: Wednesday April
2nd. Tickets must be picked up from Randy Robinson, 954-839-5732.

Benefits to the drumming community:
* TV and radio coverage
* Media interviews
* Corporate support
* Free announcement of this drum circle in American Airlines Arena media
* Great exposure for individual drummers, drum circles, etc.
Drum circles and professional drummers should have flyers and business
cards available to hand out to the public in the Arena.
* Enhancement of your portfolio as a musician
* Economic benefits for drummers (jobs)
I (Randy) already have private performance gigs at companies and pri-
vate homes for drummers, dancers etc. I don't have the necessary peo-
ple from Atlanta to Key West for these gigs, and I'm not driving to Or-
lando for a 2-hour house party drumming event. In our network, every
person will get paid for drumming at company events and house parties
$50 an hour. Don't undercut this rate, for the good of the whole drum-
ming community.
* We will be given our own security, our own private entrance, access to
private restaurants attached to the arena, chairs and tables for our
circle
* A chance to meet other area drummers and drum circles in one place
* Added popularity of drum circles and increased attendance
Not only here - this concept is going to spread to other arenas around
the country!

Anyone paying $15 to participate in one of these drum circles will re-
ceive free membership in the "Americas East Coast Drum Circle" with mem-
bership cards, and more drumming opportunities at the Arena for other
events.

Randy: The Arena manager made it clear that they want this open to all
drum circles and drummers. And for me I'd rather homogenize and succeed,
than to be stubborn and fail. Great opportunity awaits us, and all kinds
of things will emerge from this endeavor. For example:
* A weekly drum circle TV show with guests
* A daily drum circle radio show
* An industrial warehouse for drumming, recording, rehearsals, circles...


2. SPONSORSHIP DEAL WITH REMO

The Remo Drum Company, a 50-year-old drum manufacturer in California, has
offered to ship us some free instruments for these drum circles. Remo
believes that their instruments will fit in great with the drum circles
that are about to materialize at the American Airlines Arena in Miami.
They further offered that our drum circle will be given wholesale status
for any group instruments purchase! In return, we will display their
Remo banner at the arena and at our special events and give them publi-
city. (www.remo.com)

We will also use the instruments, as needed, for anyone going out on a
gig that arises out of these Arena drum circles.


3. EASTER DAY DRUM CIRCLE - MEET THE AMERICAN AIRLINES ARENA REP

An American Airlines Arena executive will be present for a few hours at the
Easter Day Drum Circle, March 23rd (see below), for further questions and
information, plus he will have giveaways.

The $45,000 will be distributed to the in-place drum circles [Publisher's
note: I have no idea what this $45,000 figure refers to - there was no
other mention of it. Call Randy and ask him.]

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OF INTEREST TO ALL 3 COUNTIES

*** SUNDAY, MARCH 23RD ***

Easter Day Drum Circle Festival

10:00am-6:00pm, $7 'membership' includes lunch, dinner, and drinks.

1. Master drummer Moussa Soumah will perform. Plus other great performers.
2. Drum Solo Contest:
$1000 1st place prize to the best hand drum solo.
$500 2nd place prize.
$250 3rd place prize.
Drum solo people please call for rules and regulations & contest entry.
3. "An all day drumming experience with drummers from all over the country
and world. If you missed our Labor Day Festival, our Thanksgiving Day
Festival, our Christmas Day Festival - positively don't miss this one!
It's going to be off the hook guaranteed!!"
4. Dancers, musicians, spoken word, artists, tourists, locals - all are
welcome.
5. Extensive food court with over 30 food varieties with drinks. We only
feed drummers super-quality food, and price is no object at our festi-
vals. We have paid cooks so no drummers have to cook - only drum.
6. Bring drum, chair, blanket, umbrella, and a positive mental attitude.
All welcome.
7. Children's playground, hiking, fishing, boat watching, biking - are all
within sight of Pavilion 3.
8. Special free African gifts given to the first 50 people who arrive in
the morning. And if you've received a gift from us in the past, you
know it's not a cheap gift.

Sponsored by: Fort Lauderdale Drum Circle, 954-839-5732, Randy 'Atu' Robin-
son President

Held at: Hugh Taylor Birch State Park, 3109 E. Sunrise Blvd., Ft. Lauder-
dale FL, Pavilion #3, http://www.floridastateparks.org/hughtaylorbirch/

Directions:
1. Take I-95
2. Exit east on Sunrise
3. Cross the Intercoastal Waterway bridge
4. Make the last left turn before A1A (turning into the park entrance)
5. Follow the circular drive to Pavilion #3

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OF INTEREST TO ALL 3 COUNTIES

*** FRIDAY-SUNDAY, APRIL 18TH-2OTH ***

Florida PreHeat

PreHeat is place where Burners [people who attend or resonate with the
values of Burning Man] from various cultures, backgrounds, & ideologies
gather to participate in a temporary community filled with interactive
art, music, and radical self expression. It is a place that exists on-
ly because those that attend choose to create it & is a direct expres-
sion of their collective and diverse visions. Planned as an official
Regional Burn, the 10 Principles of Burning Man act as the cornerstone
of PreHeat, but our expression of those principles extends far beyond
the Playa [the location in Nevada where the national Burning Man is
held each year]. There is no definition for Participation - rather it
is up to each individual to determine its meaning to him and to appre-
ciate the interpretations of others. Some choose to gift handmade
trinkets, some gift their art or talent, and some their time; whatever
form it takes the only common thread is that it is about sharing of
yourself with your community and having the freedom to do so in what-
ever way you are comfortable. Community, participation, self-expres-
sion, self-reliance, and generosity of heart are the lifeblood of the
Burning Man community. Spontaneous drum circles are extremely likely
to occur daily.

Info: Storm <storm@... pwrstrm>, www.floridapreheat.com

Held at: Lakeland, FL

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OF INTEREST TO ALL 3 COUNTIES

*** FRIDAY-MONDAY, APRIL 18TH-21ST ***

Long Dance - 2nd Annual

Honor the Earth and her changes! The Long Dance is a weekend-long cele-
bration of purification and all-night drumming. It traces its origin to
Grandmother Twylah Nitsch of the Seneca Nation, who asked her students to
get people (especially whites) dancing and singing on the Earth again.
This is a modern-day ceremony, meant to bridge the gaps between all col-
ors, nations, creeds and all peoples. All are welcome who come in a good
way. All ways are respected and honored. This ceremony belongs to the
Earth and the hearts of those who dance upon her from sundown to sunup!
Aho!

The weekend will include sweat lodges, drumming, dancing, and fellowship.
Saturday we will drum and dance from sundown to sunup the following morn-
ing. Please see attached flyer for more information.

Registration and fees: www.mxdblood.com
(Any monies collected are for room, board, or execution of the retreat
weekend. No money is being collected or charged for ceremony.)

This is a drug-free & alcohol-free event.

Info: Diane 954-292–0383, dee7aum@..., or Frank 954-803-5597,
sispiritua@...

Held at: Deerhaven Retreat & Conference Center, 47924 NFS 540-2, Paisley FL
32767, 352-669-3791, http://www.cofchristfmc.org/deerhavencampground/

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*** FRIDAY, MARCH 7TH ***

New Moon Drum Circle at Naomi's Garden of the Poets

8pm, free

Sponsored by: The Florida Gold Coast Drum Circle Meetup Group

Held at: Naomi's Garden, 650 NW 71st, Miami FL, 305-301-5889
Directions: www.123radio.com/ and click the link in the middle of the
page (under the pictures), use the "From the North" directions. It is
2 blocks from I-95.
Bolo says: This is a beautiful oasis in Miami. Pepper will be serving
great Jamaican cuisine most of the night and I will invite members of
bands that I play with to jam with us later in the night.

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OF INTEREST TO ALL 3 COUNTIES

*** FRIDAY-SUNDAY, MAY 2ND-4TH ***

Paralounge Drum Gathering

It's time again for a family re-union. The Paralounge is in a new home
and we're excited to share it with you! We have a great lineup of tal-
ent; we are very honored to have Kevin Locke present. He will present
on Native American, Lakota Nation, indigenous music and tradition. We
have Afro-Carribean music, marimba music, Australian didgeridoo, and
world percussion band music for you. The ensembles are amazing!

1. There are some great workshops for the entire family.
2. The performances are spectacular.
3. The drum circle lasts until dawn!

So bring good intentions and interact with a community of multicultural
drum circle enthusiest from around the world. Explore the world of in-
digenous music and the cultures that made it possible.

Info: www.paralounge.net for pictures and full details

Held at: The River Rendezvous, Mayo FL
This is a very beautiful campground, directly on the Suwannee River.
There is an awesome fresh water spring on the premises known as Con-
vict Spring. It's pool size and very pristine. The campground of-
fers lodging, primitive camping, and upgraded campsites with electri-
city and water. There are also full RV hook ups.

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OF INTEREST TO ALL 3 COUNTIES

*** THURSDAY-SUNDAY, APRIL 24TH-28TH ***

The Spirit of the Tribes - 8th Annual

Produced by: Maja, The Girl from the Nile, majanile@...

The largest Tribal Fusion dance gathering on the East Coast. Four days
of dancing and drumming classes, 2 evening performances, super bazaar,
after party, etc. Take advantage of so many awesome teachers together in
one place; carry home the latest trends and moves.

Teachers: from France, California, Pennsylvania, Japan, Tennessee, India,
Florida, Puerto Rico, Washington DC, New York, Illinois, etc.

Teaching styles: Tunisian, Algerian, fusion combos, Japanese fusion,
Bollywood, dark fusion, hot zumba, bomba Afro-Arab, tribal sword, fire
hoops, hot salsa, Arab/Spanish fusion...

Info: www.majanile.com,
http://bellydance.meetup.com/130/calendar/7462778/

Held at: War Memorial Auditorium, Ft. Lauderdale FL


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C2. DRUMMING/DANCING CIRCLES - REPEATING EVENTS (ALPHABETICALLY)
*************************************************************************

*** FRIDAY, MARCH 21ST ***

Full Moon Drum Circle - On the Beach

Monthly on the night of the full moon
Time: (there is some controversy) - some say that it starts at 9:30 or
10:00pm, others say 8:00 or 8:30pm. It continues till "very late", and
is free. NOTE: It may start earlier when Daylight Savings Time is not
in effect. Remember, it can be chilly on the beach during the cooler
months - dress accordingly.

Held at:
THERE IS ONGOING DEBATE WHERE THIS CIRCLE WILL BE HELD - at 85th St.,
75th/76th St., 10th St., etc. - in each case just east of Collins Ave.
(A1A) on the beach.
For some time, until November 2007, this drum circle used to be at the
85th St. beach. But the park security guards at the beach parking en-
trance have been cracking down on keeping people out of the park after
sundown (the posted closing hour). The postern gate at 85th St. has been
welded shut and the gates locked after sundown. Local drummers assumed
that the 81st St. gates would be shut too. In the last few months of
2007, police interrupted and closed down the circle. Also, several peo-
ple were arrested for substance use by undercover policemen on the beach
itself in October. So the drumming community has been discussing and
experimenting with where to go; as a result, the location has been ten-
uous, decided at the last minute, with different groups of drummers/
dancers showing up at different locations on the same night. For the
most up-to-date info on where they plan to gather this month, go to the
website/discussion group below.

Info: Mark R. Richards <bloodthump@...>,
Or subscribe to The Miami Beach Full Moon Drum Circle discussion group:
www.groups.yahoo.com/group/MiamiBeachFullMoonDrumCircle

Here's a link to a locally produced documentary on this drum circle:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EdxCMaUpiOI

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*** THURSDAY, MARCH 20TH ***

Full Moon EVE! Drum Circle - On the Beach

Monthly on the night BEFORE the full moon
Times (there is some controversy) - some say that it starts at 8:00 or
8:30pm, others say 8:30pm. It continues till "very late", and is free.
NOTE: It may start earlier when Daylight Savings Time is not in effect.
Some good drummers come the night BEFORE the full moon to avoid the chaos
of the full moon drum circle. Remember, it can be chilly on the beach
during the cooler months - dress accordingly.

Held at: Please read the discussion about the full Moon circle above.
The same information applies here as well.

Info: Mark R. Richards <bloodthump@...>
Or subscribe to The Miami Beach Full Moon Drum Circle discussion group:
www.groups.yahoo.com/group/MiamiBeachFullMoonDrumCircle

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*** FRIDAY, MARCH 21ST ***

Full Moon Party - Tobacco Road Drum Circle & Music Jam

Drum circle starting at midnight according to their website (starting
at 10-ish or 11-ish according to MiamiDrums discussion group); $5 cover
charge, but free if you register on their website for a "musicians'
card" (good for free admission every night of the week). In case of
rain they put up a cover over the outdoor patio.

"A party in honor of south Florida's community of musicians. Featuring
live music (open mic and jam sessions), a drum circle, and food/drink
specials." This is a new full Moon circle that already attracts a circle
of drummers and 2 fire-dancers.

They also have a "Vendors' Village", run by Marizel & Armando of The
Witch's Garden, http://www.thewitchesgarden.com, 305-310-7617

Held at: Tobacco Road, 626 S. Miami Ave., Miami FL 33130, 305-374-1198,
8pm-3am, TobaccoRoad626@..., info@...,
http://www.tobacco-road.com, http://www.myspace.com/tobaccoroad626
Must be 21 to enter (due to alcohol service).

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*** OCCASIONAL SUNDAYS ***
Most recent: SUNDAY, JUNE 24TH 2007

Haulover Beach Drum Circle

Hosted by Vince, 1pm, free

Held at: Haulover Beach, in the 'clothing optional' section, in the south
tiki near lifeguard stand #25, North Miami FL

Directions: Enter through the under-highway tunnel from the north parking
lot, follow signs into the clothing-optional part of the beach.

Info: Vince 786-306-0931

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NEW NEW NEW!!!

*** SUNDAY, MARCH 2ND, 9TH, 16TH, 23RD, 30TH ***

Oak Grove Park Drum Circle

Every Sunday, 2-6pm

Comment by Mark Richards:
"A relatively new circle with at distinctly Haitian flavor. There are
generally more good drummers than there are drums, so bring extra drums
if you have them. You'll be rewarded for your effort."

Held at: Oak Grove Park & Recreation Center, 690 NE 159th St., Miami FL,
across the lake from the parking lot. NE 6th Ave. & 159th St. Go north
on NE 6th Ave. from 135th St.

Contact: [need contact info]

For photos, see: http://www.miamidrums.com/

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SPECIAL DRUM CIRCLE - OF INTEREST TO ALL THREE COUNTIES

*** FRIDAY, MARCH 21ST ***

Tequesta Drum Circle (around a huge bonfire!) -
Spring Equinox and Full Moon Celebration


[PUBLISHER'S EDITORIAL COMMENTS:
This equinox actually falls at 12:48am, Thursday March 20th, putting Wed-
nesday night, March 19th, as the closest evening by far. Yet the organ-
izers are advertising this event to be on Friday night, which is almost
two full days after the true equinox, and also competes with the March
full Moon drum circles on Friday night which have been a local tradition
for as far back as most drummers can remember (long before the Tequesta
Circle began 2 years ago).

This has created confusion among local drummers and full Moon circle or-
ganizers - which great event to promote, support, attend? The Tequesta
organizers have created a scheduling conflict between THE 2 most highly
attended and most anticipated drum circles in the area. In Broward Coun-
ty, the organizer canceled the traditional full Moon drum circle and
merged it with this Spring Equinox circle (since she helps organize both
of them!). But in both Miami-Dade and Palm Beach Counties, which each
have 2 different drum circles on the full Moon night - circles which at-
tract hundreds of drummers and dancers - those full Moon drum circles are
going forward as usual - causing conflicted feelings because folks want
to enjoy both of these great events.

As publisher of the Drum Circle Newsletter, I try to moderate this kind
of schedule conflict behind the scenes - often quite successfully - and
most drummers/dancers never know about the problem that was avoided.
Generally, in SE Florida, it has been the custom for organizers of major
drum circles to NOT compete with other major circles - and usually organ-
izers back off once they become aware of the scheduling conflict they've
created. There are enough free nights that we don't have to split the
group coherence and compete for the attendance of drummers & dancers.
With only a very few exceptions, this courtesy and mutual respect has
been the natural way in our area.

So it surprised me that:

a. The Tequesta organizers chose to compete with the very established
tradition of full Moon drum circles in all three counties - espec-
ially when that full Moon night was 2 days AFTER the true equinox.

b. The Tequesta organizers chose not to respond to my respectful e-mails
to each of them, sent months ago, asking to discuss this scheduling
decision.

END OF PUBLISHER'S EDITORIAL COMMENTS]


Every Solstice & Equinox - at the start of each season, 7pm-midnight, $5
entrance fee per adult (kids under 10 free if accompanied by an adult),
fee goes toward event costs (insurance, staffing - hiring park rangers
for the night, etc.).

* Includes: a roaring bonfire; a big (optional) potluck feast - if you
plan to partake, please bring a dish or drink that would be enough
for yourself; an Earth-centered ceremony to welcome in the season (at
about 9pm). Performers are very welcome - fire-dancers/spinners/breath-
ers will have a special area set aside and must show proof of insurance.

* Words in Honor of Earth and Season around 9pm:
Joe Noonan, of Plantary Partners, will present a few words and blessing:
Just as our drumming and dancing is our collective outbreath, pouring
our passion and prayers into the world, Joe will lead us in an intention-
al collective inbreath, the "Pangea Oneness Breath", to become even more
consciously present and aligned with the magic & sacredness of this most
auspicious time.

Saturday, March 22nd, is World Water Day, and Joe will also lead us in a
simple Water Blessing, using a powerful homeopathic water essence from
dolphins and sacred springs around the world. This sacred essence has
been blessed by a growing number of circles and ceremonies, and we'll
add our collective blessing to it as well. If you desire, have a full
water bottle handy to join us in toasting the waters of our world. At
the end of the celebration, you can add this powerful healing essence
to your bottle, bringing it home for your own altar and ceremony.
See: http://planetarypartners.com/water_blessings.htm

Rick McBride, teacher of the Medicine Wheel and the Red Path, will of-
fer inspirational words bringing people's attention to the Otomi Call,
and the Prophecy of 8000 drums, a global initiative.
See: http://mxdblood.com

* "People of all life-affirming spiritual and philosophical paths are
invited to come together under the beautiful canopy of the sky, in a
preserved 'native Florida coastal habitat' It's an opportunity to
align our thoughts and energies with our own core of being, with the
seasonal shifts on our planet (Earth), with the energy effects of our
star (the Sun), and with the powers of the universe that form all
things (which you may call God/Goddess, Spirit, Nature, laws of evo-
lution, etc.). The Tequesta (tuh-kes-tuh) Drum Circle is named after
one of the ancient tribes who inhabited lands around SE Florida prior
to European and Seminole arrival - and gives us an opportunity to re-
member that legacy. Ceremonial dress is welcomed, but not required."

"This is a family-oriented celebration for those who hold the impor-
tance of our relationship to our home planet, the Earth. Come be a
part of the celebration, look up into the night sky, breathe, and re-
member our intrinsic connection to both planet and universe."

"Every 90 days or so our planet transits a key point on its journey
around our parent Star which shifts the balance of light entering into
our world. This light continually feeds a tremendously complex array
of living systems that have co-evolved for billions of years. The shift
creates a cascading ebb and flow of cycles in each hemisphere creating
what we know as Spring, Summer, Winter, and Fall, and inspires us to
observe these natural transits of our planet as Sacred Days."

* Photography: Please respect people. Do not take photos without permis-
sion! No random photography!

* NO drunkenness or intoxication. Moderate yourselves.

* Recycle. Bins will be provided.

* Information table available for folks wishing to distribute ecological,
holistic, or spiritually-inclined material.

* Publisher's note: This is one of the biggest and best drum circles in
our area. It only happens four times each year (at the changes of sea-
son - the solstices and equinoxes), bringing together drummers and danc-
ers from four counties for one big unified celebration. Don't miss it!
You don't have to be a good dancer or drummer - everyone is lovingly
welcomed and appreciated. You can drum (or play any percussion gadget
that you have), dance, or just watch and socialize.

* Hosted by Moon Path Circle, Inc., http://moonpathcircle.org/index.htm,
Mark Foley 954-655-7182, SpelCastor <spelcastor@...>,
Sophia Letourneau <sophialinus@...>

* Held at: Hugh Taylor Birch State Park, 3109 E. Sunrise Blvd., Ft.
Lauderdale FL, 954-468-2791, 954-564-4521. This is a primitive camp
setting, with outhouse-style bathrooms.
http://www.floridastateparks.org/hughtaylorbirch/

Directions:
1. Take I-95
2. Exit east on Sunrise
3. Cross the Intercoastal Waterway bridge
4. Make the last left turn before A1A (turning into the park entrance)
5. Follow the circular drive about 2/3 of the way around to the "Primi-
tive Camp Area - Tequesta Bonfire Stone Circle"

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*** SATURDAY, MARCH 1ST, 8TH, 15TH, 22ND, 29TH ***

The Floating Drum Circle

This drum circle 'floats' - both in time and location. It's held on
Saturday (occasionally on Sunday) - usually 3-5pm EST (4-6pm EDT) - at
a park in the Coconut Grove neighborhood of Miami. PLEASE WATCH THEIR
WEBSITE FOR UP-TO-DATE TIME/LOCATION INFO. The day, location, and time
are often decided within just a few days beforehand.
www.groups.yahoo.com/group/MiamiDrum

Hand drums only please; please bring your own drum and seating.

Often held at one of these locations:
(1) Peacock Park, Coconut Grove FL
In the park next to the playground swings; or on the porch of the park
office higher up in the park if it threatens to rain.
(2) Kennedy Park, Coconut Grove FL

Info: Mark Richards <bloodthump@...>

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*** ON THE WEEKEND SOMETIME ***

Virginia Key Drum Circle

Still in the rumor stage - being checked out.

Held at: Virginia Key Beach (near Jimbo's), Miami Beach FL


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C3. DRUMMING/DANCING LESSONS, PERFORMANCES, ETC.
*************************************************************************

*** SATURDAY, MARCH 15TH & 29TH ***

Trance Dance and Live Didjeridoo

7:00-10:00pm, $20

Trance Dance is a unique blend of healing sounds, dynamic percussive rhy-
thms, transformational breathing techniques, and the innovative use of a
blindfold or bandana - together stimulating a trance state that promotes
spiritual awakenings, mental clarity, physical stamina, and emotional
well-being. Driven by unique musical soundtracks recorded specifically
for this method of healing, Trance Dance takes participants on an inner
journey not limited to our normal perceptions of space/time. Ritual
trance journeys have been a vital part of shamanic and Eastern dance cul-
tures for thousands of years. Our contemporary approach to Trance Dance
brings together the richness of these ancient rituals with some start-
lingly effective modern techniques.

Enjoy live didjeridoo by Master player JODA, where the didjeridoo will
be woven between all of the dance music to create a tapestry of primal,
Aboriginal sounds.

Bring a bandanna or blindfold, some fruit, cookies or ?? to share in
community at the end of the dance.

Held at: Yoga Grove, 3100 S. Dixie Hwy., Suite 401, Coconut Grove FL
Directions: one block north of 32nd Ave on U.S. 1 (S. Dixie Highway),
on the east side, in the Academy Building, on the 4th floor.
305-448-3332

Info & registration: Ernesto Ortiz 305-632-5603, kiva101@...
http://dance.meetup.com/460/calendar/7546762/

Ernesto has been facilitating trance dance for over 12 years, and was
trained and certified by the originator of trance dance as we know it,
Professor Trance, Frank Natale.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

*** SUNDAYS ***

Community Dance Class - West African and Caribbean

3:00pm

Taught by dancers from Delou Africa Dance Ensemble or guests.

A $5 donation is requested.

Held at: FIU Biscayne Campus (151st and Biscayne), A2 Bldg, 2nd floor
dance studio

Info: Njeri, 305-978-3866

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*** SUNDAYS ***

African Drum Class - by Matthew Hill

2:00-3:00pm, $10 suggested donation

Held at: FIU Biscayne Campus, Miami FL, 2nd floor dance studio, A2 bldg

Taught by Matthew Hill, Musical Director for Delou, with occasional spe-
cial workshops when guest master drummers are in town. Includes instruc-
tions on technique for various West African rhythms often played at dance
classes, as well as various accompaniments for djembe, djoun djoun, sang-
ban, and kenkeni.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

*** MONDAYS ***

African and Caribbean Dance Class

7:00-8:30pm

Held at: Shades of Rhythm, Miramar FL

Info: Narsha 786-356-8488

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*** SPECIAL FONT FOR WRITING DJEMBE-CENTRIC MUSIC ***

A selfless individual has created the software, and the special font, re-
quired for the djembe notation-writing. To download the freeware font,
a thorough explanation of its use, and some other freeware, go to:
http://www.djembe.net/font-1.shtml


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D. DRUM CIRCLE OPPORTUNITIES
*************************************************************************

There are about 40 opportunities to drum/dance each month in our SE
Florida area - from Miami on the south to Stuart on the north!

There are at least 5 drum circles every week - plus 10 that are monthly,
plus 7 every month around the full moon, plus special events!

TO SEE THEM ALL, SUBSCRIBE TO THIS NEWSLETTER, OR CHECK THE MOST RECENT
NEWSLETTER EDITION (ARCHIVED ON OUR WEBSITE):

http://www.groups.yahoo.com/group/SoutheastFloridaDrumCircleCommunity/

Now there's no excuse not to go drumming/dancing and enjoy the bliss.


************************************************************************
E. CHECK OUT THE FILES SECTION OF OUR WEBSITE!
*************************************************************************

You'll find useful drumming and dancing resources at:

http://www.groups.yahoo.com/group/SoutheastFloridaDrumCircleCommunity/files/

a. DANCING - LESSONS & CLASSES
b. DANCING - PERFORMANCES
c. DANCING - RESOURCES & LINKS (for belly dancers)

d. DRUM CIRCLES - ETIQUETTE
e. DRUM CIRCLES - LISTED BY DAY OF THE WEEK (Dancers warmly welcome!)

f. DRUMMING - CARE OF YOUR DRUM
g. DRUMMING - HOW TO PLAY A DRUM
h. DRUMMING - INSPIRATIONAL
i. DRUMMING - LESSONS & CLASSES
j. DRUMMING - PERFORMANCES - REGULAR (WEEKLY)
k. DRUMMING - RESOURCES & LINKS


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F. HELP US SPREAD THE WORD
*************************************************************************

1. Please tell your drumming/dancing friends, students, etc. about
our newsletter and our online resources (files, archive, etc.).

2. Please post subscription info (or the whole newsletter) on any
appropriate discussion list or in any drumming/dancing newsletter.
You have permission to re-post this newsletter as long as you keep
it intact, deleting nothing, changing no formatting, and including
all the contact information that's already at the top and bottom.

3. Please send us e-mail addresses of anyone that you think would be
interested and we'll invite them to subscribe.



Namaste,

Michael
Publisher: Southeast Florida Drum Circle Newsletter
SoutheastFloridaDrumCircleCommunity-owner@yahoogroups.com
561-350-3930


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Dr. Michael Dean Goodman
Co-Director, PREMYOGA CENTER, West Palm Beach FL (www.PremYoga.com)
Director, PARA - THE CENTER FOR REALIZATION, Boca Raton FL
Director, THE RELATIONSHIP INSTITUTE, Boca Raton FL
561-350-3930 * tantra@...

Dedicated to removing the constrictions to the full flow of life -
whether they be physical, mental/emotional, or spiritual - and to
the unfoldment of peace, freedom, awareness, love, and ecstasy

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Classes * Workshops & Retreats * Group Presentations * Articles & Essays
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Free initial consultation to discuss your needs and goals