The Jax Zoo's mascots arrived in full costume - from lions, alligators, tigers, and more ... we played together, danced together, and created another community bridge.
...and it's all 'Just A Beat Away.'
Just A Beat Away BLOG |
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On April 13, 2013 the 20 DRUMs of 'BeatTown' pounded their rhythm through and around the Jacksonville Zoo welcoming guests and moving the flow of energy to the Jaguar Range where the night's Silent Auction would be hosted. 'BeatTown' With the drumming, the percussion, and the amazing resonant vibrations of the didjeridu's, we rocked the Zoo and the guests were excited and intrigued as they approached the circle at the Gate Entrance. Marilyn and the Lion, the Lion and Lucy, Lucy and Constance on the Didj's. The Jax Zoo's mascots arrived in full costume - from lions, alligators, tigers, and more ... we played together, danced together, and created another community bridge. ...and the universal language of the drum and music continues to create harmony among all. ...and it's all 'Just A Beat Away.'
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Fun afternoon meeting Alan LeCompte, drummer and musician, in Riverside, jacksonville, Fl. We were going over the rhythms and format that we will be presenting at the BIG EVENT this Saturday at the Jacksonville Zoo. exZOOberation -- Annual Fundraiser where we will be the WELCOMING DRUM CIRCLE for guests as the enter the Zoo. What a blast we will have.
Well, here is a double youtube. I didn't turn the recorder off and Kelly sang the first song that she wrote for her Granny...and then at 3:01, I started singing my little ditty - How He Do Dat?....Enjoy. https://www.youtube.com/edit?video_id=CTO7ii5sMWo&ns=1 A short but sweet clip of Kelly's Jamaica song Click Photo for Video Feed http://youtu.be/Coa4xDdhE1Y I was so excited when Darlene called me from The Players Community Center to present an acoustic hour program for their new Wednesday Programming. Of course, by myself, I'm a drummer - so I needed to check with a few local musicians to see if they were interested in joining this amazing program where we can build community and unity with the seniors in our area and do some unplugged acoustic. First call was to Ben Espling.....I have been playing drums with his band for a year now....He was an immediate YES! Then, since Kelly Triplett would still be in town on her annual vacation to Jax from Denver, I couldn't resist calling her too. No hesitation, she was IN! All that was happening on my way back from the Jax Zoo to plan for the April drumming gig there. My day was polarized...from drumming an african safari theme, to playing percussion for an acoustic band at Sr. Center. Gotta love the music world and this wonderful community offering variety and creative ideas to explore. Well, here we are.....small turnout for their first Wednesday's programming. Just starting to get the word out and working on the right time, etc. But, we had a captive audience that loved the intimacy of the small living room session program....all shaking their percussion instruments and singing along to the songs. It was a blast. Stevee and Aja (Ben's wife and daughter) rounded the band out with their amazing voices and harmonies. Kelly was able to try out a few new songs and playing in a band was different for her usual solo gig. A new experience for all. I even did a ukelele number ''' How He Do DAT! A little unprepared, but felt the love! Thanks all. It has been a blast of late, and a fun one at that. Kelly Triplett, musician friend from Colorado, has been here for her annual visit along with her partner Marla Petrini. How can we have a musician in the house and not entertain the community. I already had a gig lined up for Artwalk in March and Kelly agreed to split the sets with Ben Espling, local musician and all around great guy with his wife and daughter adding that extra spice to the mix. As long as I get to play percussion and enjoy the smiles from the audience, I'm a happy drummer. Lots of photos below and youtube has a few videos too. Today we are off to the Senior Center for a quick 1 hour entertaining event. Can't wait. Bada Bing. Please cut and paste this really fun YouTube video into your server, and drum along. http://youtu.be/xGWTMKVLLpw Me on Congas, Stevee Espling, Aja Espling, Ben Espling! I love drum circles -- but I love to DRUM first! So, when Ben Espling calls me to fill out his Every Now & Again Band with my drum and percussion - I'm right on it. Last night we had a great time at Aw Shucks in Mandarin, FL...an acoustic night with all my drum babies and Ben's congas. A nice combination of Rock & Rasta! An amazingly validating article written after a series of connections and communications with me and the coordinator of the Wolfson Children Hospital - Give Back Event - established a 'DRUM CALL' to drummers to gather the following morning as a last minute idea to add to the festivities. I was sorry I couldn't attend, but wow oh wow, did the drummers unite and let the heart-love flow out across the river to the crowds and runners. Everyone is grateful for the coverage as often drummers get a bad rap and are completely misunderstood. Check out the full article AND video! http://givebackmusic.org/2013/02/15/drumming-for-charity-wolfson-one-to-grow-on-marathon/ |