The sound of African drums echo through the halls of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Greater Lynn Sanctuary on a cold February afternoon, bouncing off the walls like the hands on the percussive surfaces.
Walking further down the hall, a group is circled in the center of the room, aligning their own beats with others, smiling, laughing, and communicating with each other without saying a single word, rather through rhythm and harmony.
It’s the sound of the Drumagic Community Drum Circle, which meets on the third Sunday of every month from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. to play African-based and free-formed rhythms that create feelings of inspiration, calmness, and positivity.
Started more than 14 years ago by the late Pearl Brown, along with Regina Millis and Ricia Fleming, the drum circle has served as a way for members of the area’s communities to express themselves, step away from the commotion of everyday life, and get lost in the music.
“It’s being physical, rhythmically physical,” Fleming said. “I think rhythm is so powerful.”
After Brown’s death, Don Goldman took over as the drumming circle’s leader roughly 10 years ago. Goldman said that his passion for drumming started 18 years ago when his son bought him a djembe.
Sometime after he began playing, he ran into some people in the Swampscott Common who were familiar with the circle at UUCGL, and suggested that he take over.
“As we got more and more into the drumming, we started to do different things with it as well and pretty soon our group grew,” Goldman said.
Before the onset of the pandemic, the group was meeting regularly twice a week. At the group’s monthly gathering on Feb. 18, Goldman and other longtime attendees sparked a conversation about returning to the twice-a-month format as its membership continues to grow.
The drum circle is open to anyone older than 10 years old, whether they have never drummed a beat in their life or have years of experience.
“If you’re a complicated drummer, there’s a place for you. If all you do is go ‘boom, boom, boom,’ there’s a place for you,” Fleming said. “I love that.”
Drums are available for borrowing upon arriving at the church, and attendees can also bring their own. While most members play the djembe, other drums and percussion instruments are welcomed as well.
Many who have played in the circle say that they have had a form of “spiritual awakening” or feelings of inspiration, as they can feel the positive vibes and energy flowing from their minds to the drum surface, which then spreads to the entire circle.
“Drumming is very healing,” Goldman said. “It’s very, very, healing. You come out and you feel pretty good.”
During the group’s February session, some had their eyes closed, getting deeply focused into the rhythms, and others, like Fleming, were laughing and filled with joy while playing.
Despite mostly conversing in between songs, Goldman said it’s a great way to build relationships with others in the area.
“What I find with the drumming is that the drumming is also a social event,” Goldman said. “You notice everybody is friendly with each other and they get along pretty well and they make good friends.”
Those who come to play in the circle are kindly asked to give a suggested donation between $5 and $10. The events are open to the larger North Shore community and beyond, and the group encourages those planning on attending to bring friends and spread the word about the circle.
Goldman said that the circle is continuing to gain interest, and when the weather gets nicer, they plan on holding outdoor events for an even more immersive experience.
