Life is very much like a drum circle; those who drum, those who dance to the beat of the drum, and the audience who watches them both.
Since I arrived to Los Angeles in March 2014, and the Venice Beach Drum Circle has become my one and only weekly outing... and outlet. I spent the first months between taking pictures, dancing, and drumming whenever I had to chance to use someone’s drum or the few times I rented one for the day. I had already shared my drumming adventures and you can check this earlier article, Full Moon Drumming, as well as shorter posts Here and There.
Then finally, I made the bold move and bought a djembe. By that time, I had made lots of friends from that glorious gathering. Many eclectic, multicultural, like-minded people from different backgrounds getting together once or twice a week for such a magnificent event. To each their own cause to attend. Some go to detach, some to heal, some to let out frustrations. Others, to play music ― dance and party ― or simply to enjoy the energy and connect with fellow Earthlings.
Enough with words, enjoy this collection of captures I have taken throughout this past year. Also check the sequel (2016-’17) and threequel (2017-’18) as well as this Photo Album of more recent photos.
But first, here is sweet memory of one of my very first times at The Circle before acquiring the djembe, before the rental even. It was also before getting to know any of the tribe members, especially the veterans — most of whom happen to be in this VIDEO from 17 August 2014. Since my ex was then visiting L.A, it actually remains one of very few full videos of myself.
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| Tom on the Djembe and Andy in his famous red shirt holding the shaker on the far right |
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| Tim (right) was the first to lend me his djembe to try, then it was Ronald (left). I instantly knew that this was it. |
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| Alex from Russia (left), Freddy in black holding his cap, next to him sitting down is Joseph, in green T is Toby, and Kevin in white T. Mike is in the middle practising his soulful singing and sweet Kadi in blue from his back (right). |
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| El Maestro ― Jack, apparently, is from Lebanon and we often chat in Arabic |
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| Saturdays are usually smaller and more contained than Sundays as it’s less people so we can hear each other and there is more connection |
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| I was sitting down drumming while closing my eyes then I opened them to find this smiling clown girl ahead. Had to get it on camera. |
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| Paul first on the left, then Joseph, then Tom, then Dan on the chair, then the guy with the Palestinian flag, and finally Steve on the far right  Lydia dancing to the tunes, Edward on the guitar (his back), Eddy in blue T (far left), and Scott in sunglasses and jeans |
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| A common site at the circle a baby left to explore and enjoy while being monitored by their parents |
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| Not Venice Beach, but Dockweiler on the full Moon |
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| Luke on the far left and the the band |
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| Eddy with his mummy bandage (left), Steve in a hat, Todd drumming in the middle in grey shirt, Carlos in beanie and glasses, and Miguel in funky haircut and black T-shirt (right) |
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Tim (left), Feather, and Ronald
 Djembe View |
Celebrating Existence
One of the last Saturdays of 2014
 Breed’em young  |
Alien looking at Scott and the other Paul is sitting down in the
middle on the very back in black top and shades  “Spark of Light” on the first Saturday of 2015  The Tribe in 2015   
“Shiny Happy People”
One additional thing I love about drumming is the chance to give people a good time and a reason to smile, dance and celebrate.   Mike, Tim, Feather, Alex (white shirt), Paul (behind Alex in yellow T-shirt), Louis, Dan, Andy (red shirt), and Steve in the middle.  Eddy, Louis, Louis, and Carlos 
How the famous Venice Beach Drum Circle starts every weekend
“We The Sovereign”
“Bring On The Dancers” ― Sonia here in the middle
The boys in full swing
“The Zone” by David Healey Photography
The next four photos were kindly sent to me by Francis Ybanez, a new friend I met at the circle. I rarely had any since I’m either behind the lens or the drum. 
“Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakes.”
    This one was taken by a man who parked his bike to listen to me playing solo on a Wednesday afternoon when I was accompanied by Blackjack And finally the most recent video shot by my new bungalow-mate, Jarkko from Finland ― June 7th, 2015 Another Year at the Venice Beach Drum Circle in Photos & Videos (2016-’17) One More Year at the Venice Beach Drum Circle in Photos & Videos (2017-’18) ALSO VIEW: Another Year at the Venice Beach Drum Circle in Photos & Videos (2016-’17) One More Year at the Venice Beach Drum Circle in Photos & Videos (2017-’18) Drum Circle Etiquette — The Do’s and Don’ts The Intertwining of Music and Sexuality ― A Djembefola’s Tale How Drumming Changed The Way My Brain Processes Music Tripping Through Venice Beach Art More Tripping Through Venice Beach Art Attempting to Bridge the Gap Between ‘Us’ and ‘Them’: Evolution Attempting to Bridge the Gap Between ‘Us’ and ‘Them’: Officer Roberts Attempting to Bridge the Gap Between ‘Us’ and ‘Them’: Sergeant Pepper Attempting to Bridge the Gap Between ‘Us’ and ‘Them’: The Coke Prank World Art Through My Lens Some People I Shot More People I Shot Photos I Shot That Brought Tears To My Eyes Countering Gentrification — Eating Cheap and Healthy in Venice Beach [With a List of Places and Their Menus] |
I love our Paradise.... Thank You Omar <3
ReplyDeleteSonie
Yey!
Deletewhat a groovy scene!!! <3
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