Citrus County Drummers holds a drum circle on the second Sunday of each month, about two hours before sunset, at Fort Island Gulf Beach, located at 16000 W. Fort Island Trail in Crystal River, Florida.
The purpose of the drum circle is to unite the community as one to the universal language of rhythm.
*The remaining Dates for the 2020 Drum Circles:
Aug 9, 6:00 pm
Sep 13, 6:00 pm
Oct 11, 5:00 pm
Nov 08, 4:00 pm
Dec 13, 4:00 pm
*Keep an eye on the weather, as the Drum Circle will be cancelled in the event of rain.
The Drum Circle meets at the last picnic shelter; drummers will be at the south side of the circle that is closest to the parking lot. Please leave this area opened to drummers.
Spectators, drummers, native American flutists, poi throwers, belly and hoop dancers, and didgeridoos of all ages are welcome. Please supervise your small ones.
Due to Citrus County Park Regulations, NO dogs, unless your dog is your service animal, and NO fires. Please, NO smoking within the drum circle. Smoke outside the circle, preferably downwind.
Small instruments are on loan in a basket that is located at the center of the drum circle; they must be returned at sunset.
Bring chairs, drums, shakers or other small hand percussion toys, insect repellant for the occacional no-see-ums, and water for hydration
If you take pictures or videos of the drum circle, please post them on the Citrus County Drummers Facebook page (visit Facebook.com and type Citrus County Drummers in the search bar). Please message Betty Kolar on Facebook if you have questions, comments or concerns, or call Charlotte at 352-344-8009.
DRUM CIRCLE ETIQUETTE
1. Never touch someone's instrument without asking for permission.
2. Remove all hand and wrist jewelry to prevent instrument damage.
3. Always listen for the pulse of the rhythm, feel the groove, and support it.
4. Listening to each other is the key to communication.
5. When in doubt, keep it simple. Use the heartbeat to anchor the groove.
6. If you are a beginner, do not play cowbell, clave, or loud shakers. These instruments need specific rhythms with perfect timing.
7. If you solo, share the solo space; remember that this is not a competition. Take turns being the soloist and playing the supportive accompaniment.
8. Let there be space in the music, allowing room to communicate.
9. Do not intentionally change the rhythm, or tempo; this should happen naturally, as a group.
10. Be aware of your body positioning which can block the view, sound, and energy; please don't stand with your back to the circle.
11. Be aware of your playing volume.
12. Smoke outside the circle, preferably downwind.
13. The inner circle is for the dancers.
14. No fire spinning, poi, hooping or flashing lights inside the circle, unless the circle is large enough, as it is a safety issue for the dancers; this varies in different groups.
15. If you want to talk to your friend, or use your phone or electronic device, go outside the circle.
16. If you choose to use alcohol or drugs, please do it away from the group. Don't put the group at risk by doing illegal activities near the group.
17. If there is a bonfire, keep a safe distance from the fire, and be aware of the fire keepers' path.
18. When a rhythm ends, allow at least a few seconds for silence.
19. Each drum circle has slightly different etiquette, if you are unsure, ask.
20. Most of all, have fun, smile, enjoy yourself, stay positive, and please discard your trash in the trash cans or pack it up and take it with you.
In the community drum circle, we are all teachers and students.