Stomp Your Feet and Groove to the Beat: Drum Circles

It starts when they are toddlers and grows as they grow. That irresistible need to make noise, lots and lots of noise. Your pride turns to horror as they gleefully assemble their “instruments”: pots, pans, spoons, forks, your grandmother’s china… The cure is not a bottle of headache medicine or a meditative moment.  Let them do what they were born to do: run, be merry, and LOUD (just somewhere else). In short, take them somewhere that welcomes the sound – a drum circle.

Culver City Drum Circle
Looking for a place to sit back, relax, and enjoy snacks that have been provided by someone else? If you answered yes, then this drum circle is for you. Bring chairs and drums or shakers if you have them;  if you don’t, don’t fret, there are usually plenty of those music makers to be shared. Snacks and drinks provided. This circle is open to everyone.
Reservations: Suggested. You can RSVP here.
When: Last Saturday of the month, from 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Cost: Free, donations accepted

Media Park (under the Pavilion)
9070 Venice Blvd.
Culver City, Ca 90232
Online: meetup.com/Culver-City-Drum-Circle

Free to Be Me Hermosa Beach Community Drum Circle
Late summer only means one thing: the kids have officially become couch zombies. What’s a parent to do? Round them up and head to a facilitated drum circle at the beach. Plop your blanket or beach chairs on the sand, grab one of the hand-painted drums and feel the rhythm start to flow.  All ages are welcome. Insider tip: Too hot?  For those needing shade, head under the pier.
When: Third Sunday of every month, from 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Cost: Free, donations accepted

On the north side of the pier, on the sand.
Hermosa Beach, Ca
Online: freetobemedrumcircle.com

Remo Recreational Music Center
Too hot to head outside?  Cruise on over to REMO Recreational Music Center. You won’t find anyone telling your little ones “no touching”; in this facilitated drum circle “please bang louder” is more like it. Drums and percussions, provided by REMO, litter the floor and kids have a field day trying to decide which one to use. Get comfy, there are loads of chairs and plenty of floor space to claim as your own. If your kiddo is an aspiring singer, open mic time is offered during the drum session. All ages are welcome. Insider Tip: For those with sensitive hearing, don’t say no, REMO provides ear plugs.
When: Every Saturday 9:30 am – 10:05 am & 11:00 am – 11:45 am; first Sunday of the month 11:00 am – 11:45 am
Cost: Free, donations accepted
Parking: In the back of the building and across the street.

7308 Coldwater Canyon
North Hollywood, Ca 91605
Phone: (818) 982-0461
Online: remormc.com/calendar

Torrance Beach Drum Circle
It’s like Cheers – everyone knows your name everyone is always glad you came. Bring your smile, blankets or beach chairs. There are usually plenty of instruments to share and it doesn’t matter if you play or sit and listen.  Your kiddos will thank you for taking them and you’ll instantly feel part of the family. Wet or rainy weather is the only time the circle is cancelled. All ages are welcome. Insider Tip: Keep those peepers peeled, it’s not uncommon to see a pod of dolphins.
When: Every 2nd Sunday of the month, from 1:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Cost: Free, donations accepted
Parking: The Torrance Beach Parking area

300 Paseo De La Playa
Redondo Beach, Ca 90277
Online: facebook.com/pages/Torrance-Beach-Drum-Circle/249121861823812

Venice Beach Drum Circle
Visiting Venice Beach for the day? Don’t miss this local attraction.  While it’s not a set event, this circle appears every Saturday and Sunday (usually without fail) and attracts serious (and not so serious) drummers, dancers, and chanters from all walks of life. Bring a musical instrument and join in.
When: Every Saturday and Sunday, noon-ish to dusk-ish
Cost: Free

By the end of the boardwalk in Venice Beach
Where Brooks Avenue meets Ocean Front Walk
Online: facebook.com/VeniceBeachDrumCircle

-Erica Groten

What is your experience with drum circles? Have you visited one of these? Do you have a circle that needs a shout out? Let us know.

Photo credits: DrStarbuck via flickr, theilr via flickr, Sabina Sandoval via facebook, Erica Groten, Tim Griffin via flickr, and Vmiramontes via flickr