It’s a warm Friday night, and we’re heading to downtown Asheville. Park the car and start walking toward Pritchard Park, which is in the center of downtown.  Two streets away I can hear the faint rhythm – and as we get closer I’m starting to feel that rhythm.  It’s my favorite Friday night sound.

Asheville drumming circle

Through the trees in the Park you can see something is going on – and all around people are standing, swaying, children are running around.  And that rhythm.

Some Friday nights there might be as many as 50-60 people drumming – a diverse group, now as one, in the rhythm of the drums.  Others are dancing – moving to the beat – and there is an energy that everyone feels – even the tourists that don’t know quite what is going on.

The drumming will go until dark – and that is my favorite time – dusk.

This is not a performance. This is a rite of people joining together – discarding the week, discarding differences – everyone is the same – no one is shy.  Just dance or drum – join in – really…you’ll feel better.