SOUTHEAST FLORIDA DRUM/DANCE CIRCLE NEWSLETTER
MIAMI-DADE COUNTY EDITION
Thursday 1 May 2008

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

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



DRUMMING NEWS:

"There is a new "Drum Circle" themed movie out now titled, 'The Visitor'
that is helping to bring drum circles more into the mainstream. It's
being shown now in theaters."

Here is the official website where you can watch excerpts from various
scenes from the movie: http://thevisitorfilm.com/main.html


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

None this month


*************************************************************************
B. DRUM CIRCLES - SUMMARY FOR MIAMI-DADE COUNTY - BY DATE
*************************************************************************

These are drum circles - classes & performances are listed separately
in section C3 below.

THURSDAY, MAY 1ST
Global Love Day - And Worldwide Drum Vigil
Worldwide locations
http://www.whirlingrainbow.com/howtohost.htm
See details below

FRIDAY, MAY 2ND
Open Drum Jam
North Miami FL, 11:30pm
See details below

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

SUNDAY, MAY 4TH
Oak Grove Park Drum Circle
Miami FL, 3:30pm, free
See details below

MONDAY, MAY 5TH
New Moon Drum Circle - On the Beach
Miami Beach FL, free
See details below - pay special attention to the flexible location

SUNDAY, MAY 11TH
Oak Grove Park Drum Circle
Miami FL, 3:30pm, free
See details below

FRIDAY, MAY 16TH
Waxing Moon Drum Circle at Naomi's Garden of the Poets
Miami FL, 8:30pm, free
See details below

SUNDAY, MAY 18TH
Oak Grove Park Drum Circle
Miami FL, 3:30pm, free
See details below

SUNDAY, MAY 18TH
Full Moon EVE! Drum Circle - On the Beach
Miami Beach FL, free
See details below - pay special attention to the flexible location

MONDAY, MAY 19TH
Full Moon Drum Circle - On the Beach
Miami Beach FL, free
See details below - pay special attention to the flexible location

MONDAY, MAY 19TH
Unity on the Bay - Full Moon Musical Circle
Miami FL, 7pm, free (but voluntary love offerings appreciated)
See details below

MONDAY, MAY 19TH
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.

SUNDAY, MAY 25TH
Oak Grove Park Drum Circle
Miami FL, 3:30pm, free
See details below


*************************************************************************
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.


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

*** THURSDAY, MAY 1ST ***

Global Love Day - And Worldwide Drum Vigil

Share your beautiful love and light with all - consciously and with
intention today and join many across the planet as we love and honor
Mother Earth and all her children. Let peace prevail on Earth, now!

Each host site will follow the film screening with a World Wide Drum-
ming Vigil to consciously focus on love and what it means to practice
love in all areas of our lives. This will send a pulse of Love around
the Earth which will be a beacon to call all Earth's people on the
path of the Heart. Through the heartbeat of the drum we can strengthen
the heart to love unconditionally all year long.

http://www.whirlingrainbow.com/howtohost.htm

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

*** FRIDAY, MAY 2ND ***

Open Drum Jam

Here's the plan: the band 'Ana Kanpa' starts playing around 8:30pm. At
around 11:30pm, after their last set, we'll have an open jam with the
band. Bring your drum, kazoo, flutes, any acoustic instruments.

Held at: Luna Star Cafe, 775 NE 125th St. - North Miami FL, 305-799-7123

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

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 enthusiasts 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.

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

*** FRIDAY, MAY 16TH ***

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

8:30pm, free

Sponsored by: The Florida Gold Coast Drum Circle Meetup Group

Bolo says: This is a beautiful oasis in Miami. Peppa will be serving
great Jamaican cuisine most of the night.

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.

Info: http://drumcircle.meetup.com/213/calendar/7831901/


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

*** MONDAY, MAY 19TH ***

Full Moon Drum Circle - On the Beach

Monthly on the night of the full moon

Held at: THERE IS ONGOING CONCERN OVER WHERE THIS CIRCLE WILL BE HELD.
Traditionally it had been held at 85th St., 75th/76th St., and/or
10th St., etc. - in each case just east of Collins Ave. (A1A) on the
beach. In late 2007, the 'rave/wild beach party' atmosphere that had
inadvertently developed (with crowds of young people, abundant alco-
hol/drugs, anti-social behavior, etc.) drew the attention of local law-
enforcement and beach authorities and resulted in arrests, closing of
parking areas, and the stopping/dispersal of occasional drum circles.

So the drumming community stopped putting out public announcements
about the drum circle locations, so that the young 'party' crowd
would not gather, and so that real drumming/dancing could go on in
peace. The lack of announcements does NOT mean that the drum cir-
cles have stopped. Instead, people are getting in touch with each
other directly and going out to drum at various different places on
Miami Beach on full Moon eve and night and also the new Moon night.
Sometimes they use the Yahoo Groups discussion site, listed below
to coordinate; but mostly they just call each other on the phone.

To participate in these full and new Moon drum circles, subscribe
to the Yahoo Group, and e-mail Mark asking to be placed on the
phone tree.

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

Remember, it can be chilly on the beach during the cooler months -
dress accordingly.

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

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

*** SUNDAY, MAY 18TH ***

Full Moon EVE! Drum Circle - On the Beach

Monthly on the night BEFORE the full Moon

Held at: PLEASE READ THE DISCUSSION ABOUT THE FULL MOON DRUM 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

Remember, it can be chilly on the beach during the cooler months - dress
accordingly.

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

*** MONDAY, MAY 19TH ***

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).

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

*** MONDAY, MAY 5TH ***

New Moon Drum Circle - On the Beach

Monthly on the night of the new Moon

Held at: PLEASE READ THE DISCUSSION ABOUT THE FULL MOON DRUM 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

Remember, it can be chilly on the beach during the cooler months - dress
accordingly.

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

*** SUNDAY, MAY 4TH, 11TH, 18TH, 25TH ***

Oak Grove Park Drum Circle

Every Sunday, 3:30pm, free

Comment by Mark Richards:
"The atmosphere is one of acceptance and respect, with various different
cultures and styles. There is lots of listening as well as playing, and
unexpected treasures rising to the surface. This is one where the heart
seems to take precedence over style or technique (although style and
technique are not lacking). I'm also happy to say that the shaker/bell
section, while not totally non-existant, seems to be limited to those
great souls who understand that there is no grandstanding or 'soloing'
with a bell or shaker - just the hard (and sometimes painful) work of
small, repetetive hand/arm movements that no listener will ever express
open admiration for and only the other drummers will ever appreciate
(usually because they know how hard it is)."

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

Contact: [need contact info]

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

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

OF INTEREST TO ALL THREE COUNTIES

*** FRIDAY, JUNE 20TH ***

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

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.

* "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"

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

The Floating Drum Circle - CANCELLED AS A REGULAR EVENT

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

NEW! NEW! NEW!

*** MONDAY, MAY 19TH ***

Unity on the Bay - Full Moon Musical Circle

Began April 2008, 7pm, free (but voluntary love offerings appreciated)

Coordinated by Carlos Manuel Planas. All instruments are welcome. It
is a zero tolerance drug and alcohol scene. We want to create a non-
threatening safe space, a family atmosphere. We believe that music on
it's own creates a healing, natural high, so artificial ingredients are
not needed in this environment.

Held at: Unity on the Bay Church, 411 NE 21st St., Miami FL, near Bis-
cayne Bay.

Info: www.awesomeheartbeat.com

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

*** 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


*************************************************************************
C3. OTHER DRUMMING/DANCING EVENTS - LESSONS, PERFORMANCES, ETC.
*************************************************************************

*** SUNDAY, MAY 4TH ***

Drum and Dance Class - with Malik Faye

Drum Class, 2:00-3:30pm
Dance Class, 3:30-5:00pm

Malik is a master African drummer and dancer.

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

Info: 305-807-0398

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

*** SATURDAY, MAY 10TH ***

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@...

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 ***

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


*************************************************************************
D. ADS/NOTICES
*************************************************************************

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

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

WELLNESS WEBSITE NEEDS QUOTES FROM DRUMMERS

I am building a wellness website...trance dance is included. Naturally
drumming has a huge part in it. I am looking for a few drummers to share
their drum journeys in a couple of lines that will be quoted. What if
feels like to drum, the connective or spiritual experiences in lifting
consciousness through resonance, about dancers and rhythm, etc...

Thanks

In Lighted Companionship,

Alisa Battaglia
innerdiamond@...

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

VOLUNTEER TO RUN KIRTAN CALENDAR

Seeking a volunteer to promote kirtan by any/all artists in South Florida.
Individual should be capable of learning to create an e-mail list and
maintaining a calendar that announces events. Individual does NOT need
to organize events, just distribute e-mails announcing them - approxi-
mately 3-4 hours per month. Rewards are intangible, but priceless.
Prior experience with Meetup.com, Yahoo Groups, or similar application
is helpful, but not required. Assitance in learing skills can be pro-
vided.

For more details contact Jonaca <trancedancetribe@...>


*************************************************************************
E. DRUM CIRCLE OPPORTUNITIES
*************************************************************************

There are about 60 opportunities to drum/dance each month in our SE
Florida area - from Miami on the south to Stuart on the north! Some
are weekly, some monthly, some center around the full or new Moons,
some come only at the beginning of each season...
Some are indoors, some outdoors, some have bonfires, some are jam ses-
sions (African, Latin, Middle-Eastern, World beats), some are Native
American flavored, some are anarchistic and leaderless, some have clear
structure and leadership...

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.


************************************************************************
F. 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


*************************************************************************
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


*************************************************************************
*************************************************************************
*************************************************************************


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

Counseling * Private Educational Sessions * Satsang
Spiritual Guidance (ashtanga yoga/meditation, tantra, vedanta, ayur veda)
Classes * Workshops & Retreats * Group Presentations * Articles & Essays
Clients and programs throughout the United States, Europe, and India
Working in person or by phone
Free initial consultation to discuss your needs and goals