06/10/2024
The Siesta Key Drum Circle: Rhythm of Joy.
I have intended to write about the Siesta Key Drum Circle for quite some time. This event holds a unique and special place in my heart, as it brings back vivid memories of my time in Goa, India. In an artistic global community, we gathered for a drum circle every sunset. The Siesta Key Drum Circle evokes those cherished moments of adventure and connection, resonating with me profoundly.
On a hot summer day, June 9th to be precise, as the sun descended over Siesta Key, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink, I made my way to the beach, guided by the distant, mesmerizing sound of drums. I had heard much about the legendary Siesta Key Drum Circle and was eager to experience this unique event firsthand. The rhythmic beats grew louder with each step, pulling me closer to a gathering that promised vibrant energy and unforgettable vibes.
Arriving at the beach, I was immediately struck by the sight before me. A small group of dancers, already lost in the rhythm, moved gracefully in the sand, their movements setting the stage for what was to come. Within an hour, the circle expanded, filled with people of all ages and backgrounds, all drawn together by the irresistible pull of the drums. The atmosphere was electric, a blend of pure joy and high vibration that could only be felt, not adequately described.
The origins of the Siesta Key Drum Circle date back to the early 1990s when David Gittens, an intriguing figure with a rich past, started the first entire moon drumming event. David, an African American who once thrived as a renowned fashion photographer in the 1970s, had an epiphany one day. Tired of the excesses and superficiality of his life, he abandoned his career and sought solace in the East Indian islands. There, he reinvented himself, eventually returning to Sarasota, where he became a mediator in the family court system and discovered West African drumming.
David's first drum circle was a modest affair, held at Beach Access 8, where a dozen drummers and dancers gathered around a small fire. The gatherings grew in popularity, necessitating a move to a more prominent location to accommodate the ever-increasing number of participants. Today, the Siesta Key Drum Circle is a weekly ritual, drawing hundreds of people every Sunday to celebrate the rhythms of life.
One of the most captivating figures at the drum circle is Dr. Marguerite Barnett, a Harvard-trained, double-board certified cosmetic and reconstructive surgeon. Marguerite’s life is a tapestry of remarkable achievements and passions. Born in Japan and adopted by a fundamentalist Chaplain in the U.S. Army, she grew up on military bases around the world. Her parents disapproved of her love for dance, but she pursued it nonetheless, using belly dancing to fund her medical studies at Harvard. I met Marguerite a few days before the event when she told me about her exciting life path, her story I highlighted in another article.
Marguerite’s connection to dance is deep and varied. She has mastered many forms, from belly dance and classical Indian Bharatanatyam to Sufi dances to Flamenco and fire dance. At the Siesta Key Drum Circle, she performs with her husband, Shawn Bowen, a multi-instrumental musician and photographer. Their shared love for music and dance anchors the drum circle, although they emphasize that it is a communal, leaderless entity.
The drum circle itself is a vibrant symphony of sound and movement. Drummers create a hypnotic rhythm with African djembes, didgeridoos, and acoustical zithers. At the center, a glowing LED ball, surrounded by a wreath of flowers and fern leaves, marks the focal point where dancers orbit like planets around the sun. The energy is infectious, a unique blend of joy and lightness that lifts the spirit and frees the soul.
As the evening progressed, more and more people joined the circle, moving to the beat, their faces illuminated by smiles and the warm glow of the setting sun. Children twirled sticks, a young woman skillfully maneuvered a hula hoop, and a belly dancer unfurled long ribbons of silk. Amidst this joyous chaos, Marguerite, often balancing a scimitar on her head, distributed flowers from her garden to drummers, dancers, and onlookers, fostering a sense of connection and community.
The Siesta Key Drum Circle is more than a weekly event; it is a communal heartbeat that unites people from all walks of life. It reminds us of the importance of letting go of our daily routines and reconnecting with the simple, profound joy of being alive. It’s where you can rediscover the inner child within you, dancing freely under the moonlit sky, swept up in the pure energy that flows through this magical gathering.
Whether you’re a local or a tourist, the Siesta Key Drum Circle offers an unparalleled experience of rhythm, community, and joy. It’s a celebration of life in its purest form, where the beats of the drums and the dancers’ movements create an unforgettable symphony of human connection. So, if you find yourself in Siesta Key on a Sunday evening, follow the sound of the drums and let the high vibrations sweep you away.
Photos by Iruphotos
