It was very appropriate that the Babatunde Olatunji Memorial be held at
Esalen Institute in Big Sur. Not only because this was his home for the
last year, but it is where Baba first started publicly teaching his
bigger mission. The annual July Esalen workshop and fourth of July
celebration event was always the start of Baba's West Coast tours.

The Baba alter was center stage in the Huxley room, where Baba held court
at Esalen for many years. Two of his favorite drums were framed by a high
arch of palm fronds, with the rest of the band spread out from the
center. (I had my usual spot to the left of Baba.) Some of his favorite
pictures from his room were in front of the drums. They were pictures of
us, his community, the kids drum-n-dance circle etc. Along with the many
flowers and candles were some of our favorite pictures of him as well.
There was also a basket of notes, poems, messages and tributes to him
that filled up during the ceremony and were burned in the fire out side
the room at the end of the event.

Gordy Ryan flew down from Seattle to host the event. He did an excellent
job,
As well he should, considering he has taught and played beside Baba for
over thirty years.

We started the ceremonies, as usual, with the band procession playing and
singing Ara Mile, (Are Ray Me Lay), "My whole body be well", as we
entered the room.

The basic format for the evening were, the band taking requests of Baba
songs , while we shared Baba stories and testimonials in between songs
through out the night.
The members of the band represented the many aspects of the changes that
the West Coast version of the Drums of Passion Band went through, through
out the 20 years of it's existence.
The Players were;
*Gordy Ryan, Big bad Bottom and the foundation of any Drums of Passion
band. I remember having to play Djun Djun for Baba a few years ago when
Gordy couldn't make it to an Esalen 4th program, and I never again wanted
to have that heavy responsibility in the group that Gordy holds so
lightly.
* Steve Lobes, Like Gordy, one of the few original "Big Sur" drummers
remaining.
* Jayson Fan, Esalen drum maker, and drum teacher, and one of Baba's main
caretakers during these last few months. He started with Baba as a
teenager.
*Zorina Wolf, Palo Alto drum community builder and major West Coast
supporter.
*Val, the Rasta spirit catcher. ( He will be with us in San Rafael )
*Barbara Stone, keeper of the Hawaii spirit.
*Sikuru, The talking drum master for Baba, Mickey Hart, and my old band
Kotoja.
*Arthur, Not the legend, just the guy.
* Last but not least was Leon Ryan, Gordy's oldest son and Baba's adopted
grand son. The boy is now 24 yrs. old. I remember him when at 8 years old
he was playing Lagos with my son while Gordy and I were doing a workshop.
Leon's drumming is as solid as his dads. Last night I couldn't remember
one of my drum parts to a song, so I walked up behind Leon and looked at
his hands to relearn it. Leon is the next generation of Baba's spirit.
The July Babatunde Olatunji Esalen workshop will be held as scheduled and
besides Gordy teaching, I wouldn't be surprised if Leon will teach as
well.

Baba's two daughters were at the Memorial, Modupe Olatunji Anuku and
Folasada Olatunji Olusekun.
The closing song for any Drums of Passion performance has traditionally
been
Baba's Elaray song.
Modupe said a few closing words and led us in an accapella version of
Elaray.
Then the band kicked in for a finnal groove. Baba's daughters,
affectionately known as Modu and Shada, led the final dance.
It was definitely an intimate family affair, and to my eyes more of a
happy celebration of Baba's life that a sad Memorial.
Oh yes, and Baba was in the house.
Share your spirit * * * ** * ** * * ** * Arthur




Arthur Hull
Village Music Circles
719 Swift Street Suite 65
Santa Cruz CA 95060
1-831-458-1946
VillageMC@...
http://www.drumcircle.com/