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Overview
This is a day in the life of the Venice Beach Drum Circle as told by those who give their weekends, not to mention their hearts and souls, to the musical oasis. Every Saturday and Sunday in eclectic Venice Beach California, familiar faces emerge from the dizzying boardwalk. These patrons of rhythm transform the beach into a spiritual and harmonious gathering. Although the hills of Malibu and office buildings of Santa Monica are in sight, the drum circle is far removed from such standard emblems of Los Angeles.
In the early afternoon, a handful of individuals - who would have nothing to do with one another under normal - begin playing drums in the sand. Their infectious beat attracts other beach goers, proficient drummers or curious visitors. As the day progresses, more and more become accustomed to the language of the drums. Participants of the drum circle "talk" amongst themselves in a way in which they all understand. All the music is improvised on the spot as a collective composition. The energy of the circle is immediate and generated directly by its vivacious members. The spirit and size of the community builds until a sunset climax that extends into the night.
As the highlighted individuals speak about their experiences, the basic human appeal of the drum circle becomes apparent. The beat is within us all. It transcends diverse backgrounds and lifestyles, yet each of the circle's participants brings their own unique style and fashion, adding to the depth of the beat. Instruments and musical influences from around the world, clothing as varied as colors of skin, 3-year-olds and 73-year-olds, Versace and Salvation Army; they all make up the Venice Beach Drum Circle.
For a few hours each weekend, a new city is built in Venice: one that reminds us who we are and how heavenly it is when we come together. It is a model that every city should follow, one that does not remove us from our humanity, but keeps us in tune with it.
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