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Drummer forms circle of musicians in Ojai to entertain city residents
Community gathering
Photo by Jason Redmond
Playing drums at a weekly session in Libbey Park are Joey Urrea of Fillmore, left, Sartuse Shankara, Obadiah Kuria and Jerry Montañez, all from Ojai. "The drum circle is a way for people to come together," said Shankara, one of the session's originators. "If we can play together, we can get along."
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Photo by Jason Redmond
People with Hula-Hoops often move to the beat as drummers gather and play in Ojai's Libbey Park. One of the event's originators says it's also a way to teach drumming to others.
The Ojai drum circle is a regular occurrence. Meeting every Sunday afternoon at Libbey Park, drummers numbering anywhere from four to 40 play until dusk, deterred only by rain or previously scheduled events at the park.
Sartuse Shankara, 67, of Ojai is one of the originators of the circle. "The drum circle is a way for people to come together," he said. "If we can play together, we can get along."
Shankara moved to Ojai in 1982 and fell in love with the town. Almost 20 years later he started the drum circle. Having played professionally, touring with the likes of Stevie Wonder and José Feliciano, Shankara would much rather stay close to home now. The drum circle is a way to build interest in the community and teach others of all ages and skill levels.
"It's always been a spiritual thing for us," said Jay North of Ojai. "The drumming beat is like the heart and soul. It's a way to touch God, and hopefully he likes our sound."
Shankara, North and others in the circle share a philosophy that drums are healing and spiritual in nature, their beats like the never-ending rhythm of life.
Joey Urrea of Fillmore has played with the drum circle only four times. He tries to come when he can and also participates in a drum circle at Conejo Creek Park in Thousand Oaks, from 2-4 p.m. on the third Sunday of the month.
It's hard to miss the drum circle as the beat floats along Signal Street. Drummers gather near the fountain and usually have a showing of people with Hula-Hoops moving to the beat.
Mark and Patti Pollack of York, Pa., stopped by to see where the music was coming from during a visit to Ojai. They took seats at the edge of the fountain and stayed for a while to soak up the sounds. Sitting with them was Caroline Rothwell of Los Angeles. "I've been to the drum circle in Venice," she said. "This one is more civilized."
When Shankara started the circle he wanted to share what he had learned. "I want to do my share to be a part of the community," he said. "Hopefully I can inspire other musicians."
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